DOCSLIB.ORG

Nepal COVID-19 Food Security & Vulnerability Update 2

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nepal COVID-19 Food Security & Vulnerability Update 2 Nepal COVID-19 16 April 2020 Food Security & Vulnerability Update 2 their stock. The demand for milk has estimated 30-40% of harvesting complete dropped by an estimated 60% fol- across the country as of 13 April. While no lowing difficulties in accessing mar- major difficulties are thus far reported, kets and consumer anxiety. some concerns about the smooth operation of machinery, such as combine harvesters, Other risk factors to food availability exist as many machine operators are Indi- exist as Indian producers halted rice an nationals who have since returned to exports last week. While Nepal’s India. The Ministry of Agriculture and Live- market stocks are estimated at three stock Development and Provincial counter- months and this news is not cause parts are maintaining a focus on facilitating for immediate concern, the sus- market functioning across the country, tained suspension of rice or other namely the marketing of goods — harvest, food good exports could affect food transportation and storage. The map here security in the country given Nepal’s shows preliminary estimated wheat produc- high dependence on imports: during tion in Nepal based on the CRAFT method- the first 13 days of the lockdown, ology, but using the previous year’s plant- Nepal imported a total of 25,770 MT ing area as an assumption. of food goods from major trade posts in Biratnagar, Birgunj, Kakarbhitta Markets and Bhairahawa. WFP monitors markets in 68 districts across the country through telephone sur- In country food stocks may be veys to assess possible effects of COVID- enough for three months but are not 19 on market health and commodity prices. spread across the country uniformly. Market surveys capture information on the Hard-to-access markets with low demand and supply situation, transporta- food stock levels include: Humla, tion and labour markets, including the retail Bajura, Bajhang, but also Lamjung, of essential food and non-food commodities Gorkha and Dhading districts. Kar- and skilled and unskilled labour wages. Background/note Macro-situation nali province has organized at least one As a response to the spread of the novel With a slowdown in economic activity due airlift to Humla district and has plans for The first round of the monitoring was com- coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world, to the ongoing lockdown, certain sectors more in Mugu and Dolpa districts. pleted in the first week of April 2020. Over- the Government of Nepal (GoN) ordered a of the economy have been hard hit all, more than 60 percent of traders report- national lockdown from the 24th of March, (illustrative example: brick production has A further variable that may affect food ed to have sufficient food and non-food urging people to stay at home and closing dropped by an estimated 40-50%). Within security is an anticipated shortage in the stocks, however the stock of food and non- schools, businesses and markets. While Agriculture and Livestock, the sectors supply of vegetables in India during the food commodities in Sudurpaschim Prov- the restrictions on movement and activity most affected are considered to be poul- summer months, after farmers suffered ince is reported to be insufficient by 68 per- in Nepal may be exacerbating food securi- try, dairy, vegetables and livestock pro- large losses in vegetable harvests during cent of traders. A majority of traders report- ty issues across the country, they are duction. Confinement has led to a lack of the ongoing lockdown. This could affect ed a low demand for both food and non- steps designed to slow the spread of inputs and difficulties in transportation Nepal, which imported an estimated food commodities. Demand for food and COVID-19, and to mitigate potentially dev- have been pushing down demand for 16,000 MTs of vegetables during the first non-food items has decreased compared to astating economic and social effects in food goods in urban settings in some cas- two weeks of its national lockdown. the previous week due to limited movement Nepal, and reflect measures taken by es. In the poultry sector, daily egg pro- of people and income losses caused by the most countries. duction has dropped to an estimated 2.5 Wheat harvest lockdown. million from over 3 million as feed scarci- The wheat harvesting is ongoing with an ties have left farmers unable to care for World Food Programme Nepal Evidence, Policy and Innovation Unit Page 2 Transportation services and supply of the country has been inconsistent in The provincial commodities have been affected by the terms of the basket of goods and the government has current COVID-19 crisis and lockdown, length of time. Generally, Province-1, suggested to resulting in a limited movement of trucks Bagmati and Gandaki packages are farmers that they and vehicles carrying goods. Compared to meant to last 15 days; those of Karnali can hire wage the previous week, 85 percent of traders and Sudurpaschim 10-15 days, those of labour and har- reported that the supply of goods de- Province-2, 7-10 days, and for Province- vesters from creased, with 90 percent of traders report- 5, 5-7 days. elsewhere if they ing a decrease in transporting trucks and encounter short- other vehicles. Province-1 ages as long as 82 out of 137 Palikas identified 251,852 they abide by It is reported that the labour market has ‘most affected’ households, 129,166 of appropriate so- been highly affected in the ongoing crisis. which have received a relief package. cial distancing Overall, 43 percent of traders reported a Some Palikas in mountain districts have guidelines. low demand for labour, and 22 percent a seen only a minimal impact on local liveli- medium demand. However, some traders hood activities and food security. Bagmati Prov- reported that they did not find labour for ince their daily business activities which The lockdown has remained effective in 63 out of 119 pushed them to close down their busi- restricting population movement; only Palikas identified nesses. Looking at the current supply and essential shops are allowed to 197,211 ‘most transportation situation, markets are likely open. Markets are partially functioning affected’ house- to be vulnerable in terms of availability of holds, of which 82,118 have received a age. Tarakhola Palika in Baglung district is with limited supply; vegetable prices have one example of relief packages including essential goods and market-goers’ pur- increased by 20-50%. More than 100 tea short-term relief package. Kathmandu chasing power should the lockdown per- Metropolitan City alone has thus far iden- locally-produced food, like maize and millet, industries which had reopened their busi- of which 35 kg were distributed to each sist in the coming weeks. ness last week, are now closed again due tified 35,200 households or about 176,000 people, though this number is family with up to 4-members, and 52.5 kg to a short supply of fuel. for families with more than 4 members. By-Province updates expected to rise should the lockdown continue; of these, 28,089 people have As local governments begin to tally the Province-2 received food assistance. Only a limited number of markets are func- numbers of most affected households 71 out of 136 Palikas identified a prelimi- tional, with market stocks in most districts (including daily wage labour working in the nary total of 257,431 ‘most affected’ only sufficient to meet demand for between informal sector, premature returnee mi- Only essential food shops are open in the households (of which socially marginal- two and eight weeks. The provincial gov- grants, marginalized communities and markets following government protocols. ized communities identified include Terai ernment has plans to ease market function- other vulnerable people), WFP is tracking Pharmacies are open the whole day while Dalits: Musahar, Khang, Batar, Mallaha ality by allowing food traders to access this progress by district. The map shown only certain banks are providing services, and Dhanuk, and Muslim people). Some passes to more easily transport goods with- on page 3 represents the relative concen- on reduced hours (1-2 hrs/day). The price 20,760 of these have received a 7-10 day in and outside Gandaki province. As food tration of vulnerable people identified by of vegetables has increased by 50-80% relief package of: 15-20 kg of rice, 1-2 kg supplies from outside the province are lim- the different local governments and in line since the start of the lockdown through of pulses, 2-3 kg of potatoes, 1 litre of oil, ited, vegetable products in provincial mar- with indicative targeting criteria issued by April 10th. Wheat harvesting is estimated 1kg of salt, and 2-4 pieces of soap. kets are mainly coming from farmers of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General to be 30-35% complete. Labour shortag- es have caused delays in harvesting win- Baglung, Parbat and Tanahu districts. Administration following a cabinet decision Markets are partially functioning with spo- late last March. This work remains ongo- ter crop, while there are indications of radic supply. The price of vegetables has delays in the planting of summer crop Province-5 ing however and revised estimates are gone up by 50-75% since the start of the expected to be available once local gov- (maize and spring paddy) as well. 80 out of 109 Palikas identified 154,016 lockdown through April 10th. The crisis/ households as ‘most affected’, of which ernments finalize the identification. movement restriction has led to a short- Gandaki Province some 87,874 households have received age of wage labour and harvesters in relief support. Reports exist of at least one A note on Palika food assistance packag- 53 out of 85 Palikas identified 79,487 some locations which is expected to ad- Palika having stopped collecting infor- es mentioned below: distribution across versely affect the ongoing wheat harvest.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Critical Development Constraints Nepal’S Pace of Growth and Poverty Reduction Has Lagged Behind That of Other South Asian Countries
    Nepal: Critical Development Constraints Nepal’s pace of growth and poverty reduction has lagged behind that of other South Asian countries. The country diagnostic study—Nepal: Critical Development Constraints—inquires into the causes for Nepal ’s slow growth vis-à-vis that of other South Asian economies by posing three questions: • What are the critical factors constraining investments, both domestic and foreign? • What should policy makers do to revive investment, particularly by the private sector? • How can the growth be made more inclusive? The inquiry and the results thereof aim to assist the work of government, development agencies, and the private sector to achieve a higher, more equitable growth path to benefit the people of Nepal. About the Asian Development Bank ADB’s vision is an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty. Its mission is to help its developing member countries substantially reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. Despite the region’s many successes, it remains home to two thirds of the world’s poor: 1.8 billion people who live on less than $2 a day, with 903 million struggling on less than $1.25 a day. ADB is committed to reducing poverty through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Based in Manila, ADB is owned by 67 members, including 48 from the region. Its main instruments Nepal for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, grants, and technical assistance. About the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development Critical One in six people in the world today, almost 1 billion people, live in poverty on less than $1 a day.
    [Show full text]
  • Pro-Poor Tourism Case Study from Humla District, West
    48 6. Appendices 6.1 Data on tourist numbers in Humla Table A1 Number of trekking permits issued16 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 28 209 191 462 404 558 949 595 Table A2 Nationality of tourists registering at Simikot Police Station 1996-2000 (top ten nationalities account for 97% of visitors ) % of total tourists SN Country over 4 years 1 Germany 27.13 2 Australia/Austria 13.65 3 Switzerland 11.61 4 USA 11.45 5 France 9.36 6 UK 7.76 7 Italy 5.12 8 Spain 2.64 9 Netherlands 2.20 10 Japan 1.65 16 Source: Paudyal & Sharma 2000 49 6.2 Background information on SNV’s programmes in Humla preceding the DPP sustainable tourism programme 1985-1992 A Trail and Bridge Building Project was run to improve infrastructure in the Karnali Zone because this was seen to be a pre-requisite for developing the area generally. The project completed a total of 21 bridges, 2 trails and 10 drinking water schemes covering several Karnali Zone districts. In Humla, work on trails, 7 bridges, and several drinking water projects were completed. On the Simikot - Hilsa trail a suspension bridge crossing the Karnali River at Yalbang and a section of trail called ‘Salli-Salla’ were constructed. 1993 – September 1999 The Karnali Local Development Programme was run to further develop infrastructural improvements and to integrate these with social development by building capacity at community and local NGO levels. The district level activities included • District Development Committee (DDC) (i.e. local government) capacity building in participatory planning; • Improvement of intra-district infrastructure; and • Support of NGOs committed to work in the Karnali Zone.
    [Show full text]
  • Logistics Capacity Assessment Nepal
    IA LCA – Nepal 2009 Version 1.05 Logistics Capacity Assessment Nepal Country Name Nepal Official Name Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Regional Bureau Bangkok, Thailand Assessment Assessment Date: From 16 October 2009 To: 6 November 2009 Name of the assessors Rich Moseanko – World Vision International John Jung – World Vision International Rajendra Kumar Lal – World Food Programme, Nepal Country Office Title/position Email contact At HQ: [email protected] 1/105 IA LCA – Nepal 2009 Version 1.05 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Country Profile....................................................................................................................................................................3 1.1. Introduction / Background.........................................................................................................................................5 1.2. Humanitarian Background ........................................................................................................................................6 1.3. National Regulatory Departments/Bureau and Quality Control/Relevant Laboratories ......................................16 1.4. Customs Information...............................................................................................................................................18 2. Logistics Infrastructure .....................................................................................................................................................33 2.1. Port Assessment .....................................................................................................................................................33
    [Show full text]
  • Feasibility Study of Kailash Sacred Landscape
    Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation Initiative Feasability Assessment Report - Nepal Central Department of Botany Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal June 2010 Contributors, Advisors, Consultants Core group contributors • Chaudhary, Ram P., Professor, Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University; National Coordinator, KSLCI-Nepal • Shrestha, Krishna K., Head, Central Department of Botany • Jha, Pramod K., Professor, Central Department of Botany • Bhatta, Kuber P., Consultant, Kailash Sacred Landscape Project, Nepal Contributors • Acharya, M., Department of Forest, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MFSC) • Bajracharya, B., International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) • Basnet, G., Independent Consultant, Environmental Anthropologist • Basnet, T., Tribhuvan University • Belbase, N., Legal expert • Bhatta, S., Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation • Bhusal, Y. R. Secretary, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation • Das, A. N., Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation • Ghimire, S. K., Tribhuvan University • Joshi, S. P., Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation • Khanal, S., Independent Contributor • Maharjan, R., Department of Forest • Paudel, K. C., Department of Plant Resources • Rajbhandari, K.R., Expert, Plant Biodiversity • Rimal, S., Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation • Sah, R.N., Department of Forest • Sharma, K., Department of Hydrology • Shrestha, S. M., Department of Forest • Siwakoti, M., Tribhuvan University • Upadhyaya, M.P., National Agricultural Research Council
    [Show full text]
  • A Connectivity-Driven Development Strategy for Nepal: from a Landlocked to a Land-Linked State
    ADBI Working Paper Series A Connectivity-Driven Development Strategy for Nepal: From a Landlocked to a Land-Linked State Pradumna B. Rana and Binod Karmacharya No. 498 September 2014 Asian Development Bank Institute Pradumna B. Rana is an associate professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Binod Karmacharya is an advisor at the South Asia Centre for Policy Studies (SACEPS), Kathmandu, Nepal Prepared for the ADB–ADBI study on “Connecting South Asia and East Asia.” The authors are grateful for the comments received at the Technical Workshop held on 6–7 November 2013. The views expressed in this paper are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of ADBI, ADB, its Board of Directors, or the governments they represent. ADBI does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this paper and accepts no responsibility for any consequences of their use. Terminology used may not necessarily be consistent with ADB official terms. Working papers are subject to formal revision and correction before they are finalized and considered published. “$” refers to US dollars, unless otherwise stated. The Working Paper series is a continuation of the formerly named Discussion Paper series; the numbering of the papers continued without interruption or change. ADBI’s working papers reflect initial ideas on a topic and are posted online for discussion. ADBI encourages readers to post their comments on the main page for each working paper (given in the citation below). Some working papers may develop into other forms of publication. Suggested citation: Rana, P., and B.
    [Show full text]
  • India-Nepal,Kalapani,Nepal,Open Border
    APRIL 2020 ISSUE NO. 356 India and Nepal’s Kalapani Border Dispute: An Explainer SOHINI NAYAK ABSTRACT Neighbours India and Nepal, who share an open border, have not always had the most amicable of relations, oscillating from one extreme to the other. One of their long-standing disputes is over the border area of Kalapani. This discord has the potential to disrupt the other aspects of their ties, especially in the domains of the economy and cross-border security. Further, if the two countries fail to arrive at a resolution to the disagreement, it might give other stakeholders such as China an opportunity to interfere. This brief explains the Kalapani issue and in that context, explores what can be expected of the bilateral relationship in the future. Attribution: Sohini Nayak, “India and Nepal’s Kalapani Border Dispute: An Explainer,” ORF Issue Brief No. 356, April 2020, Observer Research Foundation. Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a public policy think tank that aims to influence the formulation of policies for building a strong and prosperous India. ORF pursues these goals by providing informed analyses and in-depth research, and organising events that serve as platforms for stimulating and productive discussions. ISBN 978-93-89622-94-2 © 2020 Observer Research Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, archived, retained or transmitted through print, speech or electronic media without prior written approval from ORF. India and Nepal’s Kalapani Border Dispute: An Explainer INTRODUCTION External Affairs, Nepal, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali also In November 2019, the Home Ministry of India issued a statement for the media stating that, released a new edition of the Indian political “The Nepal government is committed to map, showing Jammu and Kashmir along with protecting the country’s external borders and it 1 Ladakh as the new union territories of India.
    [Show full text]
  • Revisedindo-Nepal Treaty of Trade Ministry of Commerce
    REVISED INDO-NEPAL TREATY OF TRADE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA NEW DELHI Oct 2009 1 REVISED TREATY OF TRADE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL The Government of India and the Government of Nepal (hereinafter referred to as the Contracting Parties), Being conscious of the need to fortify the traditional connection between the markets of the two countries, Being animated by the desire to strengthen economic cooperation between them, Impelled by the urge to develop their economies for their several and mutual benefit, and Convinced of the benefits of mutual sharing of scientific and technical knowledge and experience to promote mutual trade, Have resolved to conclude a Treaty of Trade in order to expand trade between their respective territories and encourage collaboration in economic development, and Have for this purpose appointed as their Plenipotentiaries the following persons, namely, For the Government of India For the Government of Nepal (Anand Sharma) (Rajendra Mahto) Commerce and Minister of Commerce and Industry Minister Supplies Who, having exchanged their full powers and found them good and in due form, have agreed as follows: 2 ARTICLE I The Contracting Parties shall explore and undertake all measures, including technical cooperation, to promote, facilitate, expand and diversify trade between their two countries. ARTICLE II The Contracting Parties shall endeavour to grant maximum facilities and to undertake all necessary measures for the free and unhampered flow of goods, needed by one country from the other, to and from their respective territories. ARTICLE III Both the Contracting Parties shall accord unconditionally to each other treatment no less favourable than that accorded to any third country with respect to (a) customs duties and charges of any kind imposed on or in connection with importation and exportation, and (b) import regulations including quantitative restrictions.
    [Show full text]
  • Challenges to Health Care Access in Maoist Nepal Kimber Haddix Mckay
    Himalaya, the Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies Volume 23 Number 2 Himalaya; The Journal of the Association Article 8 for Nepal and Himalayan Studies 2003 Challenges to Health Care Access in Maoist Nepal Kimber Haddix McKay Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/himalaya Recommended Citation McKay, Kimber Haddix (2003) "Challenges to Health Care Access in Maoist Nepal," Himalaya, the Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies: Vol. 23: No. 2, Article 8. Available at: http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/himalaya/vol23/iss2/8 This Research Article is brought to you for free and open access by the DigitalCommons@Macalester College at DigitalCommons@Macalester College. It has been accepted for inclusion in Himalaya, the Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Macalester College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. KIMBER HADDIX McKAY Challenges to Health Care Access in M aoist Nepal This paper describes cha llenges to the health care system in Humla District of Northwestern Ne pal , and describes the ways in which deli ve ry of heallh care and developmenL of the h e~ lth care system have been ~ d ve r s el y im pacted by the on-going 1vlaoist revo lution. The 1vlaoists maintain a heavy presence in this part ol th e country and have imposed limits upon develop­ ment projects and the movement of village rs in and out of the ir villages. This has had a sig­ nificant impact on the ability of Nepali and non-Ne pali organizati ons to improve the health care system in this part of the country.
    [Show full text]
  • Removing Roadblocks to Trade
    CASE STUDY Removing Roadblocks to Trade Improving border roads and customs administration can help landlocked countries integrate into regional and global markets. Photo credit: ADB. Nepal has made it easier to move goods across borders by updating customs software, constructing a new inland clearance depot, and rehabilitating border access roads. Published: 23 February 2018 Overview The landlocked country of Nepal faces a challenging geography that not only limits domestic commerce, but also presents a big roadblock to international trade. Nepal’s semi-isolated economy used to be highly dependent on long and challenging transit routes for imports and exports. Trade facilities and transit logistics that could make freight handling and transfers faster and easier were inadequate and inefficient. Customs clearance procedures and other cross-border inspections were cumbersome and time-consuming. The passage of goods was further delayed by the traffic congestion at border crossings and the poor condition of many access roads. Nepal needed to remove these roadblocks by improving its transport system and trade facilities to better integrate into regional and global markets. With half of Nepal’s total border length shared with India, its largest trading partner, much of Nepal’s imports and exports, including those to and from its neighbors Bangladesh and Bhutan, pass through India. India is also Nepal’s top export destination, though its goods reach as far as Europe and North America. Asia, meanwhile, is the major source of Nepal’s imports, but much of this is entrepot trade moving through Singapore and Hong Kong. Nepal also imports goods from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United Arab Emirates.
    [Show full text]
  • ZSL National Red List of Nepal's Birds Volume 5
    The Status of Nepal's Birds: The National Red List Series Volume 5 Published by: The Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK Copyright: ©Zoological Society of London and Contributors 2016. All Rights reserved. The use and reproduction of any part of this publication is welcomed for non-commercial purposes only, provided that the source is acknowledged. ISBN: 978-0-900881-75-6 Citation: Inskipp C., Baral H. S., Phuyal S., Bhatt T. R., Khatiwada M., Inskipp, T, Khatiwada A., Gurung S., Singh P. B., Murray L., Poudyal L. and Amin R. (2016) The status of Nepal's Birds: The national red list series. Zoological Society of London, UK. Keywords: Nepal, biodiversity, threatened species, conservation, birds, Red List. Front Cover Back Cover Otus bakkamoena Aceros nipalensis A pair of Collared Scops Owls; owls are A pair of Rufous-necked Hornbills; species highly threatened especially by persecution Hodgson first described for science Raj Man Singh / Brian Hodgson and sadly now extinct in Nepal. Raj Man Singh / Brian Hodgson The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of participating organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of any participating organizations. Notes on front and back cover design: The watercolours reproduced on the covers and within this book are taken from the notebooks of Brian Houghton Hodgson (1800-1894).
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity in Karnali Province: Current Status and Conservation
    Biodiversity in Karnali Province: Current Status and Conservation Karnali Province Government Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Surkhet, Nepal Biodiversity in Karnali Province: Current Status and Conservation Karnali Province Government Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Surkhet, Nepal Copyright: © 2020 Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, Karnali Province Government, Surkhet, Nepal The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of Ministry of Tourism, Forest and Environment, Karnali Province Government, Surkhet, Nepal Editors: Krishna Prasad Acharya, PhD and Prakash K. Paudel, PhD Technical Team: Achyut Tiwari, PhD, Jiban Poudel, PhD, Kiran Thapa Magar, Yogendra Poudel, Sher Bahadur Shrestha, Rajendra Basukala, Sher Bahadur Rokaya, Himalaya Saud, Niraj Shrestha, Tejendra Rawal Production Editors: Prakash Basnet and Anju Chaudhary Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Citation: Acharya, K. P., Paudel, P. K. (2020). Biodiversity in Karnali Province: Current Status and Conservation. Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, Karnali Province Government, Surkhet, Nepal Cover photograph: Tibetan wild ass in Limi valley © Tashi R. Ghale Keywords: biodiversity, conservation, Karnali province, people-wildlife nexus, biodiversity profile Editors’ Note Gyau Khola Valley, Upper Humla © Geraldine Werhahn This book “Biodiversity in Karnali Province: Current Status and Conservation”, is prepared to consolidate existing knowledge about the state of biodiversity in Karnali province. The book presents interrelated dynamics of society, physical environment, flora and fauna that have implications for biodiversity conservation.
    [Show full text]
  • In Humla District, Nepal
    Abundance, Distribution and Conservation of Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in Humla District, Nepal A Final Report: Submitted to: Snow Leopard Conservation Grant 2015 Snow Leopard Network Seattle, USA Submitted by: Rinzin Phunjok Lama Global Primate Network-Nepal www.primatelife.org Kathmandu, Nepal 1. Executive Summary The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is categorized as an ’Endangered Species’ in the IUCN Red Data Book and protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973; thereby making it a priority species for conservation. This is the first study aiming at assessing status, distribution and conservation threat of snow leopard and its prey in Limi valley of Humla district and the first study to successfully capture a camera trap image of the species in the area. Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) technique (Jackson & Hunter, 1996) was followed with a sign survey. Based on the sign survey, camera trapping location were identified and one camera was placed in each grid for larger area coverage and confirming presence of snow leopard. Point count was used for estimating the abundance of prey in the valley. Similarly, structured questionnaires were used to collect information on livestock loss to snow leopard and related conservation threats. In total, 19 transect (average length = 616.5m) were walked covering a total length of 11.7 km. Snow leopard sign abundance of 12.89 ± 2.96 (mean ± SE) per km with scrapes abundance of 10.64 ± 2.50 (mean ± SE) per km was observed. Of the total signs, 82% were scrapes followed by 11% feces, 3% pugmark and 4% others (Rock scent/hair).
    [Show full text]