Final Report Habitat Restoration in Royal Bardia National Park

(Scaling up Effort to Conserve the Wild Tiger Population in and around ’s Royal Bardia National Park)

(Project #: 2000-0182-017)

Submitted to Save the Tiger Fund, US

Submitted by King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation July 2002

Prepared by Shant Raj Jnwali, PhD

Abstract

The report highlights activities and achievements of Habitat Restoration Program implemented in Royal Bardia NP’s southwestern buffer zone and adjacent areas, mainly in Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs. The overall field activities were implemented through KMTNC’s Bardia based Bardia Conservation Program and the financial support was made available from Save the Tiger Fund US.

The objectives of the program were to restore potential but seriously degraded habitats for tiger and its prey base and provide economic incentives to the local communities inhabiting southern peripheral areas of the park through ICDP aimed at developing local guardianship in conserving tiger and its prey base in their natural habitats.

Over all activities were implemented in direct collaboration with the Royal Bardia National Park, Buffer Zone Development Council, Users Committees, Women Environment Groups, Village Development Committees and local government institutions. An effective linkage was also maintained among the line agencies such as Buffer Zone Development Project, Arc Landscape and Participatory Conservation Program.

The current security situation prevailed in the western part of the country hindered the implementation of field activities to a greater extent. Despite this, overall activities were successfully implemented and satisfactory results have been obtained.

The main activities undertaken during March 2001 – June 2002 in Thakurdwara- Suryapatuwa area include community forestry program, wildlife monitoring, training to naturalists, micro-enterprise development, community health services, wildlife damage control, conservation education and alternative energy program.

Supports have been extended to 19 different Users Committees to manage existing community managed regeneration plots and to establish new plots – ca 1500 ha forest areas. Major forest management activities include maintenance of trench and fences, digging up of new trench, thinning, pruning and eradication of alien species. More than 500000 saplings of MPTS have been grown in nurseries to distribute for private as well as community plantations in the project area.

Wildlife study included regular monitoring of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians etc. Field data revealed that a total of 17 species of mammals, 113 species of birds, 6 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians inhabit the forest areas outside the park. Detail vegetation analysis yielded 178 different species of trees, shrubs, climbers, herbaceous, pteridophytes etc.

Alternative energy scheme include installation of methane gas digesters under which a total of 85 of various capacities have been installed.

ii Necessary materials (solar fencer magnum, cable, insulator etc) for minimizing the wildlife damage to agricultural crops have been purchased and ground work for establishing the solar fence has been initiated.

Micro-enterprise development programs were mainly targeted to local women. Vegetable farming, pig and goat keeping, fish farming, sewing and tailoring training, bag knitting, potato chips preparation, exposure visits and skill development trainings were major activities under this program. Over 400 local women were directly benefited from micro- enterprise development program. Impact evaluation of micro enterprise development program has been initiated.

Activities under conservation education consist of mobile workshop, training on avifauna conservation, school greenery program, shepherd education and preparation of field book on preventive measures against wildlife attacks.

Village sanitation program, workshop on women reproductive health, mother and child health, eye camp, distribution of first-aid kits and improvement of laboratory facility of Nikunj Community Health Center, Thakurdwara were major activities conducted under health and sanitation program.

CBOs strengthening program included office management training among 16 members of 8 women environment groups and office development support to Buffer Zone Development Council.

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Contents

S. No. Activities Page 1. Background 1 2. Goal and Objectives 4 3. Implementation Module and Limitations 5 4. Activities and Achievements 6 4.1 Forest Regeneration Program 6 4.1.1 Support for Natural Forest Regeneration Program 6 4.1.2 Plant nursery Management 8 4.2 Wildlife Monitoring 10 4.3 Socio-economic Survey 15 4.4 Impact Evaluation of Micro-enterprise Development Program 16 4.5 Community Support Program 16 4.5.1 Support for Methane Gas Digesters 16 4.5.2 Capacity Building for Income Generation 18 4.5.2.1 Formation of Women Groups 18 4.5.2.2 Pig Keeping 19 4.5.2.3 Goat Keeping 20 4.5.2.4 Training on Potato Chips Preparation 21 4.5.2.5 Vegetable Farming 22 4.5.2.6 Sewing and Tailoring Training 23 4.5.2.7 Bag Kitting 24 4.5.2.8 Fish Farming 25 4.5.3 Training to Local Naturalists 26 4.5.4 Users Group Exposure Visit 27 4.5.5 Crop Damage Minimization 28 4.5.6 Capacity Building for Local CBOs 29 4.5.7 Conservation Education 30 4.5.7.1 Support to Local Schools 30 4.5.7.2 Conservation Education Mobile Camps and Training 31 4.5.7.3 Celebration of World Environment Day 32 4.5.7.4 Shepherd Education 32 4.5.7.5 Workshop on Preventive Measures Against Aggressive Wildlife 33 4.5.8 Health and Sanitation 34 4.5.8.1 Eye Camp 34 4.5.8.2 Training on Women Reproductive Health 34 4.5.8.3 Village Sanitation Campaign 35 4.5.8.4 Health Post support 36

iv List of Figures

Figure 1. Map of Royal Bardia National Park and project site Figure 2. Plant saplings grown for private and community plantation Figure 3. Shivpur Bhale observed in Nayabeli, new regeneration plot Figure 4. Proportion of plant species recorded in different habitat types Figure 5. Methane gas digesters have greatly helped to reduce pressure on natural forests. Figure 6. High breed pig farming has become potential source of income among beneficiaries Figure 7. Members of WEG receiving high breed goats for commercial farming Figure 8. Trainees busy in practical session of potato preparation Figure 9. Off-season vegetable farming training organized within BCP premises Figure 10. Distribution of sewing machine helps to retain sewing skills Figure 11. DNPWC’s Director General distributing the certificates among trainees Figure 12. Senior naturalists setting infrared camera devices to photograph tigers Figure 13. Women group in their exposure tour at Palpa Figure 14. Conservation education session at a local primary school Figure 15. A glimpse of conservation education mobile camp Figure 16. Poem competition during world environment day, 5 June 2002 Figure 17. Shepherd education has become an effective means to disseminate conservation messages Figure 18. Participants discussing on preventive measures against wildlife attack Figure 19. DNPWCs Director General distributing medicine kit to local health workers

v List of Tables

Table 1. Name, location and the area of Natural Forest Regeneration Plots supported by the project. Table 2. Number of methane gas digesters installed in different VDCs under STF grant. Table 3. Name of WEGs supported under STF program and their activities.

vi Acronyms BCP Bardia Conservation Program CBO Community Based Organization CFMC Community Forest Management Committee DASO District Agriculture Service Office DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Reserve DOTS Direct Observation Treatment Service ha Hectare hh Household GCHP Geruwa Community Health Post KMTNC King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation NCHP Nikunj Community Health Post NP National Park RBNP Royal Bardia National Park SEG Student Environment Group STF Save the Tiger Fund UC Users Committee UNDP United Nation’s Development Programs VDC Village Development Committee VFG Vegetable Farming Group WEG Women Environment Group WR Wildlife Reserve WWF World Wildlife Fund

vii 1. Background

The Royal Bardia National Park (28o 30’ N and 81o 15’E) is located in the mid-western lowland of Nepal to encompass a total area of 968 km2 including steep range of Shiwalik in the north and alluvial floodplains created by Karnali and Babai river systems. The park borders Geruwas River, eastern branch of Karnali in the west, Ratna Highway in the east and crest of Shiwalik in the north. Part of Mahendra Highway, large tracts of buffer zone forests and farmland delineate the southern boundary of the park. The climate is subtropical monsoonal with over 90% precipitation occurring between July and September.

The park is reputed for its exceptionally rich biodiversity. The vegetation is composed of a mosaic of sal, riverine, mixed hardwood and Khair-sissoo forests, wooded grasslands, and tall alluvial floodplain grassland and short grassland patches established on the previously cultivated farmlands. Algae, Chara, Paspallum, Hydrilla etc. enrich the aquatic floral diversity.

Similarly, the park provides refuge for 53 mammalian species, over 400 species of birds, 121 species of fishes, ca 24 species of mollusks, ca 20 species of reptiles and over 25 species of amphibians and unknown number of insects. Protected species of mammals including Panthera tigris tigris, Rhinoceros unicornis, Elephus maximus, Cervus duvauceli duvauceli and Tetraceros quadricornis. Plastanista ganatica and Gavialis gangaticus are two endangered aquatic mega-species found in the Karnali river system. Bengal florican, lesser florican, white stork, black stork, giant pied hornbill and Saurus crane are among protected avifauna inhibiting the Park.

The rich biodiversity of the Royal Bardia National Park (RBNP) is under increasing threat due to legal and illegal exploitation of natural resources, mainly along it’s boundary. The key mammalian species (tiger, rhino and elephant) that require large and continuous forest tracts for their extensive movements suffer as forest patches outside the park are degraded due to overgrazing and over extraction of forest resource base.

viii

Figure 1. Map of Royal Bardia National Park and project site.

However, recent initiatives undertaken in restoring the forest patches in the buffer zone have reclaimed some of the severely degraded forest patches. The animals roaming outside the boundary are still at high risk of poaching, as no effective mechanism exists to halt poaching incidents there. Local communities’ easy access to the natural resource base was restricted, mainly after the creation of the park. Local people also suffer serious crop loss, property damage and livestock depredation by the park animals that frequently range outside the park. Besides, attacks by large mammals have restricted free movement into existing forest areas. The human population of the buffer zone of RBNP is over 100,000 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. The main problem affecting the biodiversity of the area is poverty that augmented by population growth.

ix There are still potential areas outside the park border where conservation initiatives could be launched to restore natural habitats required for long ranging large mammals mainly, elephants, rhino and tiger. If intervention is not made immediately, all these forested areas might get encroached for settlement and intensive farming. This will ultimately shrink the potential ranging grounds of large mammals.

The local tiger population in the 1840 km2 Bardia-Banke Tiger Conservation Unit is estimated (1999) at ca 50 breeding individuals. More than 2/3 of these exist in the southwestern part of the park where the natural prey base is exceptionally high. During the last two decades, intensive land clearing and establishment of new settlements, particularly west of the park in Kailali district, have virtually destroyed the natural habitat for free movement of tigers out of the park. If the present trend continues, the Bardia population will be severed with a smaller population in the Sukla Phanta WR further west. This will ultimately pose a serious problem for continued viability of the Bardia population; as it may over the coming years suffer from loss of genetic variation through increased inbreeding. A narrow belt of forest that stretches between RBNP and Katarniyaghat WR, suffers similar problems. To counteract this increasing isolation of the Bardia population, it is imperative the dispersal corridors and more habitat be made available outside the park where tigers can subsist and interchange with adjacent subpopulations. These new or restored habitats need to be sufficiently large and contiguous and harbor enough natural prey so that predation on domestic animals is minimized.

In order to create more space and provide suitable ranging ground for the local Bardia population of tiger we have recently completed first phase of integrated habitat restoration programs in the southwestern buffer zone of RBNP that broadly includes protection and management of natural forest resource base and plantation coupled with economic incentives to the local communities through a wide range of micro-enterprise development programs. Initially, the project area was divided into three major blocks namely: (i) Thakurdwara - Suryapatuwa, (ii) Gola - Manau and (iii) Shivpur - Bagnaha – all lying in the southwestern buffer zone of the park. Overall programs of the first year

x (2001-2002) were implemented in the Thakurdwra - Suryapatuwa block. This report highlights program activities and achievements obtained during sixteen months time – March 2001 to June 2002.

2. Goal and Objectives

The goal of the program was to ensure long-term survival of the tiger population in the southwestern lowland of Nepal, particularly in the Banke-Bardia Tiger Conservation Unit. The main objectives were to restore potential but seriously degraded habitats for tiger and its prey base outside the park boundary of the southwestern section of the park and provide economic incentives to the local communities residing in the buffer zone through Integrated Conservation and Development Programs aimed at developing local guardianship in conserving tiger and its prey base in their natural habitats. Specific objectives of the project were to: i) restore ca 500 ha of severely degraded forest in the project area, ii) create a contiguous block of community-protected and managed forests along the southwestern border of RBNP that provides opportunities for eco-tourism, micro-enterprise and extension of wildlife habitat where villagers become the local guardians of the wildlife resources, iii) reduce human pressure on the park by linking regeneration areas to plantations composed of native fodder and fuel wood and timber trees to meet the needs of locals, iv) train a core group of local naturalists to accurately conduct tiger censuses base on Nepali language tiger manual prepared by KMTNC, v) provide training to forest users and local stakeholders on institutional management and monitoring, vi) promote methane gas digesters to minimize the pressure in the park as well as in the community managed forest in the buffer zone and vii) promote conservation education and extension program through mobile camps and study tours.

3. Implementation Module and Limitations

A collaborative and participatory approach was adopted to implement over all program activities in the field. In this regard, a direct collaboration and coordination was established with the RBNP, Buffer Zone Development Council, Local Government

xi Institutions (District Livestock Health Office and District Agricultural Service Office), Users Committee and different Community Based Organizations. Similarly, an effective linkage was also maintained with line agencies working in the area. Line agencies currently working in the area include Buffer Zone Development Project, a joint under taking between Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and CARE Nepal; Terai Arc Landscape, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation and WWF Nepal Program, and Participatory Conservation Project (formerly Park People Project), a joint initiative between DNPWC and UNDP. Participation of local community was unexpectedly high throughout the project period.

The field level activities were greatly slowed down between November and February due to security problem prevailed particularly in the western part of the country. Village level meeting, workshops, interaction programs and forest management activities during that period were affected as mass gathering was strictly prohibited for security reasons. Ultimately this caused delay in executing the field level activities. Since time (28 February 2001 – 27 February 2002) allocated initially was not adequate, a four months extension (March to June 2002) was requested to complete targeted program activities. Finally, overall program activities were successfully implemented and satisfactory results have been achieved.

4. Activities and Achievements 4.1 Forest Regeneration Program 4.1.1 Support for natural forest regeneration Forest patches in the buffer zone and nearby areas are degraded due to over grazing and excessive collection of forest products (fuel wood, fodder, timber etc). In addition, encroachment of the forest fringes for settlement and agricultural production has also greatly threatened the forest resource base. If the current rate of encroachment continues, the critical habitats of diverse wildlife including critically endangered tiger and its prey base might be converted into farmlands in near future. Besides, the communities will put additional pressure to fulfill their daily demands for natural resources on the remaining forest patches including the park areas. RBNP in collaboration with its conservation

xii partners and CBOs has recently undertaken initiatives to address the issues related to the management of the forest patches that fall within the boundary of its buffer zone.

In order to restore existing forest patches outside RBNP (hereafter project area) as potential habitats for wildlife as well as alternative resource base to meet local demands for fuel wood, fodder, timber, medicinal herbs etc, an Integrated Community Forestry Program was launched in the project area. A total of 21 Users Committees were provided financial and technical support to manage existing regeneration plots and to create new regeneration plots stretched over ca 1500 ha land of the project area in Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs. However, 1 User Committee of Manau and 1 in Shivpur VDCs are also provided financial support to manage the forest patches that adjoins the forest areas of the Thakurdwara VDC. Prior to providing assistance series of interaction meetings were organized among members of Users Committees. Attempts have also been made to connect regeneration and plantation plots to maintain connectivity among forest patches.

Strict protection of a severely degraded narrow strip of forest stretch extended between Geruwa River and Khauraha, a small rivulet originated from Geruwa has been initiated. This strip is heavily encroached by Lantana camera, an unpalatable climbing shrub. Shivpur-Bandrhawa, Banugaon, Tanduwa, Bahadurpur, Kailashi, Guptipur Users Committees have taken responsibilities for long-term management of the northern part that fall within the buffer zone boundary. Approximately 5 km long strip of this forest still maintains linkages between RBNP and Katarniaghat WR, India and provides a suitable hiding place for tiger and a safe migratory route for long ranging mammals like elephants and rhinoceros. This area has also been identified as one of the potential sites for promoting community based tourism, as wildlife sighting is frequent.

Similarly, financial, technical and material (barbed wire, U nail, plant saplings) support was extended to Banugaon User Committee to establish plantations in 6 ha marginal lands along Khauraha riverbanks aimed at reducing the erosion caused by high monsoon flood. Necessary plant saplings have been grown in nursery and plantations will be

xiii established along riverbed of Orai River as soon as adequate precipitation occurs in the area.

Most of the regeneration plots are protected by establishing deep trenches combined with bio-fence composed of thorny bushes of Acacia nilotica and unpalatable plants, mainly Ipomoea spp. In areas where the soil quality does not permit for deep trenches, barbed wire fence has been stretched. The necessary materials (barbed wire, U nails and concrete poles) for barbed wire fencing were made available by the project. A total of 1000 concrete poles and approximately 30 quintals barbed wire were purchased and distributed to different Users Committees of the project area. Over 75% of the total cost incurred in digging up the trenches and in erecting the barbed wire fence was borne by the communities. Besides, technical supports have also been provided for forest management, such as cleaning, pruning and thinning. Other supports extended to protect and manage forest patches include salaries for regeneration/plantation guards, plant saplings for plantation and transfer of technical know-how through interaction meetings.

A total of 2264 households of Suryapatuwa, Shivpur, Thakurdwara and Manau VDCs are directly benefited from forest regeneration program.

Table 1. Name, location and the area of Natural Forest Regeneration Plots supported by the project.

SN Users Committees & Village Forest area Users Community Forest Development ha hh Management Committees Committees 1 Bhudkaiya UC Thakurdwara 1 102 111 2 Madela-Gobrela UC Thakurdwara 2 6 108 3 Chitkaiya UC Thakurdwara 3 62.5 136 4 Betani UC Thakurdwara 5 62.5 106 5 Sukhad-Sutaiya UC Thakurdwra 4 150 161 6 Thakurdwara UC Thakurdwara 6 150 161 7 Bindrapuri UC Thakurdwara 7 121 176 8 Banugaon UC Thakurdwara 8 30 66 9 Shivpur-Bandrahawa UC Thakurdwara 9 68 100 10 Bathanpur Madela CFMC Shivpur 8 104 164 Thakurdwara 2 11 Bahadurpur UC Suryapatuwa 2 28 84

xiv 12 Kailashi UC Suryapatuwa 3 100 169 13 Dalla UC Suryapatuwa 4 Kha 65 65 14 Tanduwa UC Suryapatuwa 4Ka 30 94 15 Guptipur UC Manau 50 201 16 Ganeshpur-Sisania CFMC Suryapatuwa 1 150 58 17 Mauranga CFMC Suryapatuwa 100 124 18 Orai CFMC Suryapatuwa 4ka 30 43 19 Bhaluni-Bhatuwa CFMC Suryapatuwa 5 35 60 20 Durga CFMC Suryapatuwa 22 31 21 Geruwa CFMC Manau 5 7 56 Total 1473 2264

4.1.2 Plant nursery management

A total of 4 plant nurseries have been established and managed in the project area. Of these, two nurseries are directly managed by the women groups and other two are managed by KMTNC’s Bardia Conservation Program - one within its premises at Betani and another across Geruwa River at Banjaria where day-to-day management responsibility is delegated to Geruwa Community Health Post (GCHP) established with the financial support form KMTNC-Bardia Conservation Program. A small grant has also been given to GCHP to cover additional cost required in systematically managing the nursery in future.

Figure 2. Plant saplings grown for private and community plantation

xv Plant nurseries managed by the women groups are located at Bindra and Pathharbhoji. Prior to involving to local women group in nursery development, a one-day practical training on nursery development and management was organized at the nursery establishment sites.

Above 50000 plant saplings of 30 different multi-purpose tree species have been grown in the nursery. The major species include Artocarpus lakoocha, Artocarpus integra, Calamus tenuis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia catechu Melia azedarach, Ficus cunia, Tectona grandis, Dendrocalamus spp., Bahunia malaborica, Bahunia purpuria, Cassia samia etc. Plant saplings grown in the nurseries have been made available to local communities at a subsidized price for private plantation and free of cost for community plantation. The income generated form the nurseries will be utilized for buying more seeds and for day-to-day management of the nurseries. Similarly, seeds and equipments have been made available for two local schools to establish small nurseries within the school premises.

For promoting agro-forestry program in the area, fruit saplings (mango, litchi, peach etc.) have been purchased from private nurseries and will be distributed among local farmers of the project area. The fruit saplings will also be distributed among members of different women groups for income generating purpose. Equipments necessary for nursery development have also been purchased.

4.2 Wildlife Monitoring

Wildlife monitoring and habitat study was conducted in all potential tiger habitats of habitat extension areas. For this, a data sheet was developed and used in the field. Overall monitoring of wild animals and vegetation analysis was carried out with the help of biologists, wildlife technicians and park scouts. Domestic elephants were frequently used while monitoring the animals and analyzing vegetation in Nayabeli forest area across Khauraha River.

xvi Method Both direct as well as indirect methods were employed to monitor wild animals. The direct method included direct observation of individual animals. Binoculars (8 x 56) were used to observe birds and animals that were distantly located from the observers. Drive count, widely used to estimate the size of ungulate populations was not possible as mobilizing of large number of people in the forest areas was strictly prohibited due to security reasons. The indirect method consisted of study of pugmark, track and footprint study; observation of scars; examination of scats (tiger, leopard, jungle cat), pellets (cervids and antelope) and dung (rhino and elephants). Transects were also used to monitor the avifauna. Informal interviews were conducted among local people residing along the fringes of the forest patches. Extensive camera trapping was hindered due to security reasons. Identification of tigers roaming in the forest patches outside the park was based on the study of pugmarks and direct observation of individual animal. Line transects were extensively used to study the composition of vegetation in the habitat extension area. 10 m x 10 m plots were laid down along the transect line to study the density of tree species and for shrubs 5 m x 5 m nested plots were set within 10 m x 10 m plots. Similarly, for grass and herbaceous plants 1 m x 1 m nested plots was laid within 5 m x 5 m nested plots for studying the grass and herbaceous plants. The distance between two transects was 100 m and the distance between two plots was maintained at 50 m.

Results Animals The data collected from the field reveled that a wide ranges of wildlife including endangered tiger, rhino and elephant extensively utilize the forest areas outside the park boundary. The forest patches are also found as potential habitats for bird life. The major wildlife species recorded in the habitat extension areas during one-year period are depicted in the Box 1.

Of the mammalian species recorded in the extension area, rhinoceros and elephants were found commuting between RBNP and Katarniaghat WR, India through a narrow strip of forest stretched along Gerwua. The field record indicates that 3-4 rhinoceros spent most

xvii of the winter season in the southern section of the habitat extension area in Pattharbojhi, Kailasi and Dandagaon area causing extensive damage to agricultural crops. The pugmark study and results from direct observation indicated that 5 tigers (2 males and 3 females) were found roaming in the forest areas along Orai and Khauraha rivers outside the park boundary. Of these, 2 -3 animals are suspected residential in the southern proximity of the buffer zone forest, mainly in Dalla area and dense sal (Shorea robusta) and riverine forests across the Orai River. Shivpur Bhale and Punti Pothi with her two fully-grown cubs were observed in the Nayabeli forest across elephant stable. The animals are residential to the area. Patkanawa Pothi, another female occasionally visited the same area. The preliminary results of socio-economic study of the communities residing in the project area indicated that tigers in Kailashi, Dalla and Patkanawa forest areas, all outside the park boundary, killed over 20 livestock while grazing in the forest.

Box 1. List of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles recorded in habitat extension area

xviii Mammals Tiger, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Dolphin, Otter, Leopard, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Hog deer, Jungle cat, Wild boar, Large civet, Small civet, Mongoose, , Squirrel and Porcupine

Birds Aberrant Bush Warbler, Ashy Drongo, Black Drongo, Bank Myna, Bengal Green Pigeon, Black-headed Oriole, Black Ibis, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Brahmini Myna, Brahmini duck, Barn Swallow, Brown-caped Pigmy Woodpecker, Cattle Egret, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Chinese Bush Warbler, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Common Iora, Common Myna, Common Quail, Little Cormorant, Crested Goshawak, Crested Lark, Crimson-breasted Barbet, Darter, Spotted Dove, Drongo Cuckoo, Emerald Dove, Tree Pie, Eurasian Thicknee, Gray-headed Myna, Green Bee- eater, Great Tit, Hen Harrier, House Swift, Hudgson Prinia, Indian Griffon, Indian Ring Dove, Indian Robin, Indian Roller, Intermediate Egret, Jungle Babbler, Jungle Crow, Jungle Owlet, Large Coucal, Large Green-billed Malkoha, Large Pied Kingfisher, Large Pied Wagtail, Large Rocket Tail Drongo, Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Lineated Barbet, Little Ring Plover, Little Turn, Mallard, Open-billed Stork, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Osprey, Little Owlet, Paddy-field Pipit, Painted Stork, Peacock, Pied Bush Chat, Pied Crested Cuckoo, Pied Hornbill, Pied Wagtail, Plain Prinia, Crag Sand Martin, Pond Heron, Purple Sunbird, Red Capped Babbler, Red Jungle Fowl, Red Munia, Red Start, Red Vented Bulbul, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Spur-winged Lapwing, Robin Dayal, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Rufous-bellied Babbler, Sand Martin, Scaly Bellied Woodpecker, Shama, Shikra, Black-headed Shrike, Small Coucal, Small Cuckoo, Small Minivet, Sparrow Hawk, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Tailor Bird, Tesia, Three-toed Golden-backed Woodpecker, Tickle's Blue Flycatcher, Whistling Teal, White-backed Vulture, White-bellied Drongo, White-breasted Kingfisher, White-breasted Water Hen, White Eye, White-necked Stroke, Yellow-breasted Babbler, Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Sparrow, Zitting Cisticola, Black Partridge, Jungle Myna, Koel Cuckoo

Reptiles Common Cobra, Banded Krait, Common Rat Snake, Sand Lizard, Garden Lizard, Indian Rock Python

Amphibians Rana Tigrina, Toad, Mugger Crododile

Fishes Mahasheer, Katle, Getu, Gatela, Sidhara,Kande, Rohu, Gadela,Buhari, Singhi, Gonch, Mungri, Charangi, Rajbam, Gainchi, Asla, Gurdi etc.

Other commonly seen mammals include spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, porcupine and mongoose. Hog deer, although in low number were observed in the community managed grassy riverbed of Geruwa River. Dolphins, otters and mugger crocodile were observed in Geruwa River.

A small grant was provided to a graduate student from Kathmandu University to study Population of black buck Antelope cervicapra at Bardia with particular

xix emphasis on behavior by using Geomatrix. The student has already completed his fieldwork and is at the final stage of report writing. The report is expected to be available by mid July 2002.

Figure 3. Shivpur Bhale observed in Nayabeli, new regeneration plot. Photograph was taken by using infrared camera devices in the southwestern section of park.

Similarly, a total of 108 species of birds have been recorded from habitat extension areas (Box 2). The bird survey will be continued until November 2002 to understand the dynamics of bird population. In this regard, a small grant was provided to a graduate student to extensively survey the water bodies to study waterfowl, mainly monsoon visitors.

Reptiles recorded from the area include common cobra, banded krait, rat snake, sand lizard, garden lizard and protected Indian rock python. Mugger crocodile and Rana tigrina and Bufo bufo were among the amphibians found in the area.

Commonly observed fish in the Geruwa River and Orai River include Mahasheer, Katle, Getu, Gatela, Sidhara, Kande, Rohu, Gadela, Buhari, Singhi, Gonch, Mungri, Charangi, Rajbam, Gainchi, Asla, Gurdi. To understand status of fish and other aquatic life in the area, a local consultant was hired by the project. The fieldwork has already initiated and will be

xx continued until the end of August 2002. Aquatic diversity will be studied by extensive sampling of all water bodies of the project area. Attempts will also be made to preserve (10% Formaldehyde) the fishes recorded from different water bodies (river, rivulets, ditches, irrigation canals, ponds etc) of the project area and store within BCP’s premises. The final report of this work is expected by the end of July 2002.

Plants The data on vegetation analysis reveled a total of 178 different species in five different habitat types of the habitat extension area – forest areas that extend along Khauraha/Geruwa and Orai rivers. Of this, 48.9 % were tree species, 14 % shrubs, 11.2 % climber, 9 % grass species and 16.9 % herbaceous plant species (Fig 3).

Vegetation composition

Herbs Grass Tree

Climber Shrub

Figure 4. Proportion of plant species recorded in different habitat types.

The major habitat types recorded in the project area include sal forest, riverine forest, khair-sissoo association, short grass patch and tall floodplain grassland. The sal forest extends on the uplands mainly in the Chitkaiya, Bindra, Shukhad and Shuthaiya area. Riverine forests are stretched along Khauraha and Orai rivers. Khair-Sissoo association is confined on old riverbed mainly in the forest strip and stretches in between Khauraha and Geruwa River. Heavily grazed small patches of short grassland are scattered within Khair sissoo association and along orai and Khauraha riverbeds. Common plant species recorded in different vegetation types of the project area have been listed in Box 2.

xxi Box 2. Common plant species recorded in different vegetation types.

Tree species Shorea robusta, Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia bellarica, Mallotus phillippinensis, Trewia nudiflora, Holoptellia integrifolia, Ficus glomarata, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus cunia, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia catechu, Ehretia laevis, Bombax ceiba, Scheleria trijuga, Cassia fistula, Dillennia pentagyna, Carrya arboria, Aegle marmelos, Adina cardifolia, Litsea monopetala, Eurya acuminata, Sizizium cuminii, Sizizium cerasoides, Lagerstromia parviflora scholaris, machilus sps., Albizzia lebbek, Bhunia malaborica, Randia dumetorum

Shrub species Murraya koenigii, Kolebrookia oppositifolia, Pogostemon bengalensis, Chlerodendron viscosum, Lantana camera, Acacia concinna (climbing shrub), Calotropis gigantia, Pieris ovalifolia, Ziziphus mauritania, Grewia sps., Jatropha curcas, Artemisia vulgaris, Flemengia macrophylla

Climber Bahunia bhalhi, Calamus tenuis, Hedyotis scandens, Mucuna nigricans, Bridelia stipularia, Abrus precatorius

Grasses Saccharum spontaneum, S. bengalensis, Imperata cylindrica, Desmostachia bippinata, Cyanodon dactylon, Vetiveria zizanoides, Phragmites karka, Eulalopsis binata

Herbs and others Cassia tora, Cassia oxidentalis, Piper longum, Centella asiatica, Truimfetta sps, Cyperus sps.Horse tail, Pteris sps. Dryopteris sps., Solanum khasianum, Achyranthes bidentata

Preparation of Biodiversity profile

The data gathered on biodiversity will be thoroughly analyzed and compiled to prepare a detail profile on biodiversity of southwestern buffer zone of the park. The compilation of the field data has already been started and the task is assigned to BCP’s Conservation Officer.

4.3 Socio-economic Survey

A small grant was provided to two graduate students from Kathmandu University to conduct a detail socio-economic survey of the project area. The students have already completed their fieldwork and are now at the final stage of preparing the report. The preliminary reports submitted by the students highlight the composition of ethnic groups, economic status, livelihood pattern, sources of income, use of forest resources and conflicts with wildlife. In addition a detail land use map of the project area with a

xxii particular emphasis on the corridor forest that links RBNP with Katarniaghat Wildlife Reserve, India will also be prepared. The final reports are expected by mid July 2002.

4.4 Impact Evaluation of Micro Enterprise Development Program A contract has been signed with professional socio-economist Mr. Ishwar Neupane to conduct a detail study on the impact of micro-enterprise development activities conducted by KMTNC - Bardia Conservation Program, mainly under Save the Tiger Fund supported program. Different activities under micro-enterprise development program include vegetable farming, fish farming, pig farming, goat keeping, sewing and knitting, plastic bag knitting, potato chips preparation etc. The terms of reference given to the consultant broadly include sustainability issues; mobilization of groups and group fund, group’s involvement in biodiversity conservation work etc. The consultant has already initiated consultation work in Kathmandu and has planned to conduct groundwork from the beginning of second week of July 2002.

4.5 Community Support Program 4.5.1 Support for Methane Gas Digesters With an objective of reducing local pressure in the forest resource base of the park and its buffer zone, the project has actively engaged in promoting biogas program among local communities residing in the buffer zone and adjacent areas, of the southwestern section. So far, a total of 85 methane gas digesters have been installed since April 2001 in different villages of the project area. Support for methane gas digester installation was also provided among communities living across the river (Gola, Manau, Khairichandanpur etc) and pose direct pressure on the park as well as on the forest strip stretched along Geruwa River. The capacity of the digesters ranges from 6 to 10 cubic meters. Bricks (1500 - 2000) required in installing each digester were provided by the project as project input. Number and capacities of digesters installed in different VDCs are given in Table 2.

Table 2. Number of methane gas digesters installed in different VDCs under STF grant. S # VDCs Wards Capacity in cm3 Total

xxiii 4 6 8 10 1 Thakurdwara 7 - 2 - - 2 2 Suryapatuwa 2, 4, 6, 9 2 3 1 - 6 3 Shivpur 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 2 13 - 1 16 4 Gola 1, 4, 7, 8 - 6 1 - 7 5 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 - 4 2 - 6 6 1, 2 1 16 - - 17 7 Khairichandanpur 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 1 7 6 - 14 8 Manau 2, 3, 6, 7 1 1 4 3 9 9 Pashupatinagar 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 - 3 3 1 7 10 4 - 1 - - 1 Total 7 56 17 5 85

In addition, a set of toilet pan was also provided to the farmers that installed the methane gas digesters with an understanding that the toilets are connected to the biogas plants.

Figure 5. Methane gas digesters have greatly helped to reduce pressure on natural forests.

This has greatly helped to reduce the demand of cattle/buffalo dung and at the same time helped maintain clean environment in village surroundings. Technical support for installing biogas plants was obtained form different biogas companies working in the area.

xxiv 4.5.2 Capacity Building for Income Generation 4.5.2.1 Formation of women group In order to mobilize local women in bio-diversity conservation and community development efforts in and around RBNP, 9 existing Women Environment Groups (WEG) were mobilize to conduct a wide range of income generation activities in Thakurdwara, Suryapatuwa and Shivpur VDCs (Table 3). The major activities undertaken by these groups include goat keeping, vegetable farming, potato chips preparation, pig farming, sewing and tailoring training etc, Similarly, a new WEG consisting of 9 members representing different ethnic groups was formed at Shivpur village of the Thakurdwara VDC.

Table 3. Name of WEGs supported under STF program and their activities.

S # Name of WEGs VDCs Activities undertaken by the groups 1 Shivapur* Thakurdwara 9 Piggery, goat keeping, sewing and tailoring training, potato chips preparation and bag knitting 2 Badkitanduwa Suryapatuwa 4 Vegetable farming, piggery, goat keeping and office keeping training 3 Chhotkitanduwa Suryapatuwa 5 Vegetable farming, piggery, goat keeping, sewing and tailoring training and office keeping training 4 Bindrapuri Thakurdwara 7 Nursery management, vegetable farming and office management training 5 Banugaon Thakurdwara 8 Goat keeping 6 Bahadurpur Suryapatuwa 2 Vegetable farming, office management training 7 Somalpur Suryapatuwa 2 Goat keeping, office management training 8 Pattharbojhi Suryapatuwa 1 Nursery management, sewing and tailoring training, office management training 9 Bankhet Shivpur 7 Bag knitting training 10 Sundarbasti Shivpur 9 Piggery * Newly formed group at Thakurdwara

The group members are already engaged in various skill development and income generating activities, such as potato chips preparation, pig farming and goat keeping. Besides, the group has requested for financial support to conduct local environment conservation and health/sanitation programs.

4.5.2.2 Pig keeping

xxv Pig farming is an old tradition among local indigenous Tharu communities and pig meat is regarded as delicacy among Tharus. Prior to the intervention of the project, the farmers relied on traditional pig farming system that barely supported to increase household income. Pig varieties were from local breed that yielded meat hardly sufficient for large family consumption. Realizing the potentiality of the pig farming in the area, BCP launched high breed pig farming program among local farmers, mainly women. So far, a total of 48 piglets (10 male and 38 female) of highbred variety have been distributed among the members of WEG in Shivpur, Badki Tanduwa and Chhotkitanduwa under STF grant. Altogether 10 women in Shivpur, 9 in Badki Tanduwa and 21 in Chhotki Tanduwa are engaged in commercial pig farming. For the sustainability of the program a group saving mechanism has also been developed where each member of the group contributes one third of the newly born piglets or one third of the total income generated from selling adult pigs to concerned groups to save as group fund. In addition, each member contributes 10 rupees every month as group saving.

Figure 6. High breed pig farming has become potential source of income among beneficiaries

In collaboration with Agricultural Service Sub-center, a 2-day high breed pig farming training was also organized within BCP’s premises among 37 members of the pig farming groups between 16 and 17 May 2002. The course materials delivered during the training program included importance of high breed pig farming, species selection, feed

xxvi and feeding technique, pens management, techniques for caring newly born piglets and mother, diseases and their prevention measures and market linkages.

For better management of pig keeping, support was also provided to construct thirty-three 6 ft X 3.5 ft concrete pens. In this, 40 % of the total cost incurred in pen construction was provided by the project and rest 60 % was borne by the concerned farmer. Each pen construction costs little over 1000 rupees.

4.5.2.3 Goat keeping As part of the income generating programs, 3 goat-farming groups were formed in Shivpur (13 members), Tanduwa (5 members) and Chhotki Tanduwa (6 members) of the Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs and Barbari - local crossbred she-goats (22) have been made available to each member.

Figure 7. Members of WEG receiving high breed goats for commercial farming

Similarly, 2 highbred breeding males are given to the groups as group property. To sustain the program in long run each member will contribute one newly born baby goat to the group as group income. In addition, the members have started saving of 10 rupees per person per months as a group fund.

xxvii Similarly, a 2-day goat keeping training was organized among 22 members of the goat keeping groups between 18 and 19 May 2002 to educate the techniques on keeping highbred goats. Issues related to the animal health and market linkage were also discussed during the training period.

4.5.2.4 Training on potato chips preparation A 5-day Training on Chips Preparation was organized between 5 and 9 February 2002 among 20 members of newly formed WEG of Shivpur village of Thakurdwara VDC. One member from Danfe Bachat Samuha - Thakurdwara also participated in the training. A local resource person (Ms Harikala Thapa) served as trainer in the training program.

Figure 8. Trainees busy in practical session of potato preparation

A certificate distribution ceremony was organized at the end of the program. RBNP’s Chief Warden, Mr. Gopal P. Upadhyaya distributed the certificates. In his remarks, Mr. Upadhyaya highlighted the importance of such training in improving the livelihood of individual family and the role of these groups in conserving natural resources. Members of Danfe Bachat Samuha have already started commercial production of potato chips and supply the product in the local market.

4.5.2.5 Vegetable farming

xxviii Group formation and training Vegetable farming has been proven as one of the most potential sources of income among local women in the area. This program has attracted many local women that are basically engaged in day-to-day household chores. To promote commercial production of vegetable through local women, BCP has been supporting various women groups of the project area to initiate vegetable farming. Recently 3 Vegetable Farming Groups (VFG) of Bahadurpur and Chhotki Tanduwa villages of Suryapatuwa VDC were supported both financially and technically to initiate vegetable cultivation. A total of 45 women that were benefited from the project have new started selling vegetables in the local market. As among other income generating groups, each member of VFG of Suryapatuwa VDC contributes 50 rupees per month as group saving.

In addition, BCP in collaboration with District Agricultural Service Office, Guleria, organized a two days Training on Summer Vegetable Farming among 36 women farmers between 23 and 24 May 2002. Detail knowledge on importance of summer vegetable, land preparation, selection of appropriate seeds, integrated vegetable management system; vegetable diseases and preventive measures were discussed during the training period. Mr. Khalid Ahmed Khan, Chief Agricultural Development Officer and Mr. Sudhir Shrestha, Horticulture Development Officer from District Agriculture Service Office, Bardia were invited to serve as resource persons.

Similarly, a two-day training on Off Season Vegetable Farming was also organized between 17 and 18 January 2002 among 29 women members of Women Saving Group of the Bindrapuri village. Subject matters taught during the training included introduction and importance of off- season vegetable farming, preparation of land, selection of seed, techniques for nursery production, management of nursery, vegetable disease and prevention measures. At the end of the training session, the participants were taken to the field for practical work. Mr. Tirtha R. Paudel and Bijaya Chaudhari from the Agricultural Service Sub-Center, Thakurdwara served as resource persons.

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Figure 9. Off-season vegetable farming training organized within BCP premises

4.5.2.6 Sewing and tailoring training Three 3-month sewing and tailoring trainings were organized among 63 local women of Pathharbhoji (23), Shivpur (26) and Chhotkitanduwa (15) villages under STF supported habitat extension program. Of these, Chhotkitanduwa group has already completed the training program where as other two groups are nearing to completion. Certificate distribution ceremony for Chhotkitanduwa was organized at the end of June. With an objective of retaining the skill learned during the training, 10 sewing machines were provided to the trainees at a subsidized price. Local trainers were used to conduct all three trainings.

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Figure 10. Distribution of sewing machine helps to retain sewing skills

4.5.2.7 Bag knitting training As demanded by WEG of Shivpur VDC, a small grant was provided to conduct bag knitting training program and weeklong bag knitting training is completed and the progress report has already been submitted to BCP. The training was conducted from 15 to 21 March 2002 among 25 members and certificate was distributed on 10 June 2002.

Figure 11. DNPWC’s Director General distributing the certificates among trainees

xxxi Dr. Swambhuman Amatya, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlfie Conservation was the chief guest of the ceremony and distributed the certificates.

During his remarks Dr. Amatya encouraged participants to support the endeavor of biodiversity conservation and insisted them to be equally active in improving the livelihood of the family. Mr. Shyam Sundar Bajimaya, Chief Ecologist was also present in the ceremony.

Similarly, a weeklong (16 and 22 June 2002) bag knitting training was also organized among 24 women of the village. The certificate distribution ceremony was organized at the end of the training program.

4.5.2.8 Fish farming Fish farming has emerged as a new income generating activity in the area. Realizing high demand from the local farmers financial and technical assistance have been extended for promoting fish farming in the area. To effectively conduct this program, two fish farming groups consisting of a total of 18 members were formed in Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs and a two-day intensive training was organized in collaboration with District Agricultural Service Office (DASO), Bardia to educate farmer on systematic fish farming. Mr. Khalid Ahmed Khan and Basir Ahmed Khan from DASO, Bardia served as the main resource persons.

Introduction on fish farming, site selection and preparation of fishpond, techniques of fish farming, knowledge on predators and control measures, importance of artificial and natural feed, paddy-field fish farming, examining water quality, common diseases and preventive measures, marketing of fish product etc. were discussed during the training period. At the end of the training fish fries of silver carp, grass carp, big head, common carp, Rohu and Naini varieties were distributed through DASO to each member of the group. To sustain this program in long run, the group has created a revolving fund from seed money granted by the project. The fund will be mobilized for better management of

xxxii fishponds and purchasing of additional fish fries, medicines, quality feed etc. In addition, 10 rupees per person per month is contributed by each member as group saving.

4.5.3 Training to Local Naturalist

A weeklong training on Wildlife Monitoring Technique was organized between 31 May and 6 June 2002 within BCP’s premises. A total of 12 senior naturalists representing 12 different local tourist lodges participated the program. The main objective of the training program was to develop wildlife-monitoring skills among local naturalists. The training program was basically concentrated on various techniques of wildlife survey with a particular emphasis on tiger monitoring.

Figure 12. Senior naturalists setting infrared camera devices to photograph tigers

All commonly used techniques, such as use of infrared camera devices, use of radio telemetry, pugmark tracing, direct observation, waterhole count etc used to monitor large cats were thoroughly discussed during the training. Field practice on different tools and equipments was also made during the last part of the training program. Dr. Swayambhuman Amatya, Director General of DNPWC distributed the certificates during a certificate distribution ceremony organized at the end of the training.

Similarly, a weeklong study tour program was supported by the project. The main objective of the tour was to make local naturalists aware of various eco-tourism activities

xxxiii conducted by KMTNC’s Annapurna Conservation Project and Biodiversity Conservation Center, Chitwan. Altogether 14 naturalists participated in tour program. During the tour, the group also got an opportunity to visit Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal.

4.5.4. Users Group Exposure Visit

A one-day exposure trip was organized for the members of vegetable farming group of Bindrapuri, Chhotkitanduwa, Badkitanduwa and Bahadurpur villages of the project area. The group consisting of 25 women and 3 men were taken to Hirminia VDC, Banke District to observe off-season vegetable farming. Hirminia, located ca 10 km southeast from Nepalganj is reputed for vegetable farming and is developed as a model Integrated Vegetable Farming Site by the District Agriculture Development Office, Banke. As reported by the group, over 150 ha of arable land has been intensively utilized for vegetable farming. The vegetable grown in Hirminia is marketed to Nepalganj and nearby Indian bazaar.

Similarly, a weeklong exposure visit was also organized among 22 local women from Ward 7, 8 and 9 of Thakurdwara and Ward 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Suryapatuwa VDCs. All women taken to the exposure tour were the members of 8 different WEGs and are actively engaged in various income generating activities. During the tour, women had an opportunity to observe a wide range of conservation and income generating activities conducted by local communities of Madanpokhara (Palpa District), Chaugada (Makawanpur District), Bhandara and Sauraha (Chitwan District) and Bhairahawa (Rupandehi District). The income generating activities observed by the group included vegetable farming, organic coffee farming and processing, fish farming, sericulture, horticulture, farming of non-timber forest species and farming of high breed livestock. In addition, the group also had an opportunity of observing plant nurseries and community forestry programs.

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Figure 13. Women group in their exposure tour at Palpa

During the visit, interaction programs were organized to share experiences with different individuals, groups, users committees, local government institutions and conservation oriented non-government organizations. Exposure visit was organized between 29 May and 4 June 2002.

4.5.5. Crop Damage Minimization Damage to agricultural crops, loss of life and property damage by marauding wild animals has badly affected the livelihood of local people residing along the park boundary. The park animals, particularly rhinoceros, elephant, spotted deer, wild boar, blue bull and monkeys inhabiting along the border of the park enter the cultivated field and raid crops of all varieties – rice, maize, wheat, mustard, lentil and vegetables grown in the kitchen garden. Similarly, the large predators, mainly leopard frequently lift livestock resting in the shed at night and while grazing in the forest areas. Tigers also frequently kill livestock (cattle and buffalo) grazing in the forest. Elephants, in addition to crop raiding damage houses. Furthermore, a number of people are attacked, injured or killed by tiger and leopard. The wildlife damage to crop and property, and local harassment has ultimately created negative attitudes towards the conservation of mammals including megaherbivores like rhinoceros and elephants.

xxxv To minimize crop damage by wild animals KMTNC through its Bardia Conservation Program has been experimenting a wide range of techniques that include digging deep trenches, bio fencing, solar power fencing etc. Of these, solar power fencing has been proven an effective means to prevent animals entering into the field. The solar fencing system consists of solar fencer magnum that generates power and discharges electric pulses in short intervals. The pulses are then passed through a thin galvanized aluminum cable. Realizing the effectiveness of solar fence, the project has purchased three fencer magnums and other necessary materials (insulators, cable, nails etc).

The fencing materials (magnum and cable) will be provided by the project where as the labor cost for establishing the fence and cost for wooden post will be borne by the communities. After the installation of the fencing system the concerned communities will take overall management responsibilities. Based on the information from field survey, the solar power fence will be erected in three different hot spots along the park boundary: Betani, Thakurdwara/Shivpur, Chitkaiya/Gobrela all located in the southwestern section of the park.

4.5.6 Capacity Building for Local CBOs

A two-day training was organized among 16 members of 8 WEG on Office Management and Account Keeping. Chairpersons and Secretary of WEGs from Ward 7, 8 and 9 of Thakurdwara and Ward 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Suryapatwa VDCs attained the training program. At the end of the session, a medium seized metal trunk consisting of office materials such as files, punching machines, calculators, staplers, envelops, registers, white papers, ball pen, pencils etc were handed over by the Senior Women Development Officer to the eight WEGs that participated in the training program.

Similarly, support has also been extended to the Buffer Zone Council to construct additional two rooms on existing office building. The necessary materials have already been purchased and construction work will soon be started.

4.5.7 Conservation Education

xxxvi 4.5.7.1 Support to local schools

To promote conservation education in the area, 2 one-day workshops were organized among students of Nepal Rastria Primary School (23 May 2002) and Prithbi Primary School (24 May 2002) of Thakurdwara VDC. Altogether, 300 school children including 145 girls participated in the workshop. To conduct conservation education program regularly, Student Environment Groups (SEG) have been formed in both schools. As demanded by the SEGs and school authorities, conservation education materials were made available to newly formed as well as existing SEGs of different schools.

Figure 14. Conservation education session at a local primary school

In addition, Conservation Education Teacher Mr. Basudev Bhattarai was hired for six months (November 2001 – April 2002) to conduct conservation education classes in Manjushree Shishu Batika Secondary School and Surya Primary School of Suryapatuwa VDC. During his tenure, Mr. Bhattarai focused his effort in strengthening the existing student environment groups and organized a number of outdoor trips to make school kids aware of the surrounding environment.

Similarly, supports have also been extended to Prithbi Primary School, Thakurdwara to establish plantation within the school premises. For this, fencing materials and plant

xxxvii saplings of different species are provided. Students and teachers will carry out the fencing and plantation work.

4.5.7.2 Conservation education mobile camps and training With an objective of spreading conservation messages (particularly on bird conservation) among local school kids, mobile camps have been arranged. A total of 3000 school children from 17 different schools of the project area will directly be benefited from this program. The program will be continued until the end of July 2002.

Figure 15. A glimpse of conservation education mobile camp

Similarly, environment conservation training was organized between 14 and 15 June 2002 among 30 school children from 4 different schools of Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs. Introduction on environment, challenges and obstacles in environment conservation, basic concept on biodiversity and protected areas of Nepal were discussed during first day session. The second day session covered different issues of avifauna conservation including knowledge on protected bird species of Nepal, important habitats for bird life, bird identification techniques and role of student environment groups in avifauna conservation.

4.5.7.3 Celebration of world environment day

xxxviii Poem Competition Program was organized on the occasion of World Environment Day 2002 among the schoolteachers of the project area. The theme of the poem was environment conservation. A total of 12 poems were recited during the program. At the end of the program, Mr. Barna B. Thapa, RBNP’s Assistant Warden distributed prizes for the best three poems.

Figure 16. Poem competition during world environment day, 5 June 2002

4.5.7.4 Shepherd Education To promote conservation awareness among shepherd, regular classes have been conducted in the project area. So far, a nine-month shepherd class is completed in Pathharbojhi area where 15 shepherds of 8 to 13 years of age attended the class. The shepherd education package was combined with non-formal education. Necessary education materials (copy, pencil, chalk, duster) were provided by the project.

Similarly, in collaboration with Shivpur - Bhandrahawa Users Committee a nine-month shepherd class has recently been initiated in the Shivpur area of the Thakurdwara VDC where 25 shepherds of 8 - 15 years of age are regularly attending the classes. The classes are conducted in the evening time. Education and sports materials have been provided by the project.

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Figure 17. Shepherd education has become an effective means to disseminate conservation messages

4.5.7.5 Workshop on preventive measures against aggressive wildlife With an objective of preparing guideline on protecting from aggressive wild animals a two-day (13-14 June 2002) workshop on “Safety Measures to Protect from Aggressive Wild Animals of Nepal’s lowland” was organized within the BCP premises. A total of 26 persons including senior wildlife technicians, senior wildlife tracker, senior naturalists, senior game scouts, ranger and biologists participated in the workshop. During the workshop, the participants were divided into three groups to identify the major aggressive animals, their behavior during encounter/attack, and way of attack and techniques to protect from the attack. Major aggressive animals identified to cause physical harm to people include rhinoceros, elephants, tiger, leopard, sloth bear and snakes. The first draft of the guideline has already been prepared and is circulated among concerned personnel for reviewing.

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Figure 18. Participants discussing on preventive measures against wildlife attack

4.5.8 Health and Sanitation 4.5.8.1 Eye camp In collaboration with Nepal Red Cross branch office, Thakurdwara a one-day eye camp was organized on 12 June 2002 at Thakurdwara. Eye specialists from Nepal Red Cross District Office examined a total of about 300 patients having eye problems. Of these, 40 were identified having cataract and were referred for immediate operation. As prescribed, the patients were sent to the Fattewal Eye Hospital, Nepalganj for operation. The project contributed a total sum of 30,000 rupees as project contribution for operating 30 patients. All cases were successfully operated and the patients have now fully recovered with improved eyesight.

4.5.8.2 Training on women and reproductive health A one-day training was arranged for 16 women health volunteers of Ward 7, 8 and 9 of Thakurdwara and Ward 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Suryapatuwa VDCs. The workshop was held within BCP’s premises on 9th June 2002. The purpose of the training was to enhance the knowledge on child and mother health, women reproductive health, use and effectiveness of temporary means of family planning. At the end of the training program a medical kit consisting of a book on “Where there is no Doctor, weighing machine, temporary means

xli of family planning, scissor, forceps, thermometer and general medicines for cold, diarrhea, pains (analgesics), fever (antipyretic) and ointments etc was handed over to health workers. A small metal box was also provided for health worker to safely carry medicines and equipment while visiting the patients.

Figure 19. DNPWCs Director General distributing medicine kit to local health workers

4.5.8.3 Village sanitation campaign A large-scale village sanitation campaign has been initiated in collaboration with Banugaon User Committee in Baugaon village of Thakurdwara VDC. Under this program, support has been extended to install low cost toilets among poor families, mainly the indigenous Tharus. The main objective of the program is to improve the sanitation in the village surroundings. So far, a total of 32 toilets have been constructed. This program will be continued to provide toilets to other remaining households of Banugaon and neighboring villages. The sanitation campaign in Banugaon is combined with village greenery program where community will carryout roadside plantation. The necessary plant saplings of diverse species will be provided free of cost.

4.5.8.4 Health post support

xlii A small grant of 30,000 rupees has been granted to Nikunj Community Health Post, (NCHP) Thakurdwara to upgrade the existing laboratory. As per the proposal submitted by NCHP the grant will be used to purchase electrical centrifugal machine and office materials. NCHP has regularly been providing general health services including Direct Observation Treatment Service (DOTS) for tuberculosis patients. Health camps (eye, ear, family planning) are also organized through the center. The only health service center with adequate medicine at subsidized prices, NCHP is jointly managed by RBNP and KMTNC’s Bardia Conservation Program and directly benefit for over 15000 - 20000 local people of the area.

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