PREPARATION OF MANAGEMENT PLAN OF CHUMBI SURLA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND HEAD RASOOL GAME RESERVE UNDER PC-I SCHEME “CAPACITY BUILDING OF RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN WILDLIFE DISCIPLINE”

A. Background:

The total area of Punjab province is 50.7416 million hectares, that constitute 20.53 of land mass of and the areas where wildlife can find their habitat is 40% of the total land mass of the Punjab. The protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries, game reserves, national parks, wildlife parks/breeding centers and zoos notified under wildlife act are spreading over about 16% of total land mass of the Province of Punjab. The lies between the valleys of the Indus and Jhelum rivers in the Punjab. The range has a length of about 175 km and its highest point is which is approximately 1,600 m. The Salt Range has areas rich in biodiversity and has a number of protected areas. The Range has one National Park (Chinji), five game reserves ( Lake, Ucchali Lake, Kallar Kahar, Diljabba-Domeli, Rasool Barrage) additional one private Game Reserve named Kalabagh and five wildlife sanctuaries (Chumbi Surla, Jhallar Lake, Sodhi, Khabekki Lake and Kundal Rakh). Chumbi surla wildlife sanctuary was declared as protected area vide notification No. SOP (WL) 12-31/2002. II, dated 28-06-2008 and Rasool barrage was designated as game reserve vide notification No. SOP (WL) 12.01/2002-II, dated 10.12.2004. It is located at the boarder of District Mandi Bahaudin and District Jehlum.

These two protected areas have a humid subtropical climate and is extremely hot and humid in summer, cold and generally dry in winter. The maximum recorded temperature in the pre-monsoon season of April to June is 49.2 °C (120.6 °F), whereas in winter the minimum temperature recorded is −0.6 °C (30.9 °F). Average annual rainfall is about 850 millimeters (33 in) which is much below than the required quantity given the extremely high evaporation levels.

Under the broader framework of the project, Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department intends to prepare management plans for protected areas with reference to floral and faunal resources and area management, identification of gaps, existing scenario of wildlife resources, Biodiversity count of both areas, factors affecting wildlife features /decrease in population both indigenous and exotic such as

a) Social factors b) Economic factors c) Demographic factors d) Environmental factors e) Political factors

B. Aims and Objectives

Based on the regulations defined for the improved management of protected areas, the principal management objective for salt range with specific reference to Chumbi Surla Wildlife sanctuary and Rasool barrage game reserve are to:

 Ensure the long-term conservation of biodiversity and associated significant habitat  Monitor and examine water quality, impacts and ways in which to maintain good water quality and prevent potential contamination of water entering the system over long term  Undertake effective liaison between the various stakeholders and community regarding the appropriate environmental management for the area in balance with the area’s recreational objectives  Engage riverine communities to ensure the long-term viability of existing flora and fauna  Educate local residents and the wider community in relation to natural resources of the area  Maintain and upgrade a baseline environment data set and overall biodiversity inventory for these protected areas on regular basis.

C. Scope of Works – Responsibility of Consultants#

i. To identify principal management objectives; ii. Preparation of wildlife management plans on the basis of best international practices and covering all technical features; iii. Provide area map with size and location, details of soil map, plants and trees already located on the specific areas; iv. Study of entire protected area with respect to management issues & corrective measures; v. The recommendations and action plan to improve wildlife status in above mentioned PA’s; vi. Proposal to improve existing land use practices, analytical study of best international practices with reference to management planning; vii. Prepare doable plan / alternate measures to reduce the livelihood dependency of locals on wildlife resources and habitat; viii. Report existing wildlife species and land usage (Grazing, fishing and hunting); ix. Comprehensive survey in said wildlife protected areas covering erosion control, Predator control and disease epidemics; x. GIS based mapping of area selected for management planning with clear identification and demarcation of boundaries & coordinates; xi. Food availability with feeder location map and quantity, duration & dependency of animals on available food resources; xii. Exploration of new feeding resources with respect to grazing and browsing management along with pray predator relationship; xiii. Estimation of already established animal shelters facilities such as nest boxes, bird houses, brush piles and half-cutting trees; xiv. Devise a plan for available water resources and to introduce new watering methods; xv. Formulate habitat control practices focusing on range enhancement and fence modification; xvi. Establish modern survey and census plan for all species with respect to each season; xvii. Involvement of local communities and develop a mechanism to potentially involve local population to ensure sustainable management of wildlife resources; xviii. Identification of root cause and potential threats to the area selected for management plans and course correctives; xix. Devise plan for reintroduction of native wildlife species; xx. Devise plan for improvement of habitat, develop suitable and conducive wildlife refuge areas, especially foreseeing natural calamities, disasters, droughts and any other abnormal happenings; xxi. Plan and develop implementation strategy of interventions proposed for management planning and corresponding financial outlay; xxii. Identification of approach routes and proposal to hurdle free accessibility of the proposed areas; xxiii. Analytical review of existing recreational facilities in the proposed areas and need for the recreational amenities for the local population, awareness of wildlife importance and its need for preservation; xxiv. Proposal to reduce fire incidents and measures for fire fighting and disaster management system; xxv. Develop management plans covering above said factors; xxvi. Any other task needed to complete the assignment successfully;

D. Responsibilities of Client Department The Client Department will extend requisite assistance and data if required by the Consultants

E. Details of deliverables, timelines and proposed payment schedule for the task

Stage Scope of Services Timeline Payment Schedule i. Upon signing of agreement and submission of work plan 15 days 10% ii. Upon submission of draft document of management 35 days 30% plans in accordance with the TORs and presentation to the higher authorities iii. Upon submission of 2nd draft of management plans 35 days 20% document and report after incorporating departmental observations / recommendations and presentations to the higher authorities. iv. Upon submission of Final document of management 15 days 20% plans and presentation to higher authorities. v. Upon according approval of management plan, by the - 20% competent authority

Total: 100 100% days

F. Personnel Requirements

The consultant for the formulation of proposed management plans and implementation strategy shall have the following experience, skills and expertise.

i. Team Leader/Wildlife Management & Biodiversity Specialist: -

Ph.D in Zoology / Wildlife Management / Wildlife Ecology / Range Management and Wildlife Forestry with minimum 10-years International / National experience in natural resource management / wildlife, knowledge of issues and challenges related to conservation and management of wildlife resources and natural environment. Understanding of sustainable natural resource management models and experience in their implementation would be a plus point. Proven experience in designing / formulating wildlife management plans and study reports is essential.

ii. Wildlife Biologist

Ph.D in Wildlife Biology with minimum 5-years International / National experience in natural resource management planning. Preferably hands on experience in formulation of management plans for wildlife protected areas.

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