I 1- I I Report Series, # 13

I r Report on the Flora and Fauna of the Kanchenjunga Region

Chris Carpenter (Ph.D.) Suresh Ghimire (M.Sc.) Taylor Brown (M.A.)

'\Vildlands Study Program, San Francisco State University

-n-an 100.;1 Autu.I.....LI. .... ~.//"'T PREFACE

The \\'orid Wildlife Fund Nepal Program is pleased to present this series of research reports. Though VrWF has been active in Nepal since 1967. there has been a gap in the public's knowledge of \V\VF' s \vorks. These reports help bridge that gap by offering the conscn'ation community access to works funded andior executed by \V\VF.

The report series attests to the din:rsity and complexity of the conservation challenges facing Nepal. Some reports feature scientific research that will enable ecologically sound conservation management of protected areas and endangered species. Other reports represent research in areas that are relatively less known or studied (e.g. the proposed Kanchenjunga Conservation Area or the impact of pesticides in Nepal).

The \Vildlands Studies Program. San Francisco State University, has conducted ecological surveys of vegetation and \vildlife in eastern Nepal for the past 5 years. These reports detail the community structure of forests and alpine zones in the Kanchenjunga area. Tree, wildlife. and bird species observed are given with altitudinal and habitat distribution. The report augments \VWF's feasibility study of the proposed Kanchenjunga Conservation Area by providing up-to-date data on this unique and under-studied ecosystem.

WWF thanks the Wildlands Studies Program, Dr. Chris Carpenter and his students for their contributions. WWF \velcomes feedback from peers and organizations on this report series.

Mingma Norbu Sherpa Country Representative VVWF Nepal Program Kathmandu, Nepal Report on the Flora and Fauna of the Kanchenjunga Region:

\Vildlands Studies, Autumn 1994

ehds Carpenter (Ph.D.)!, Suresh Ghimire1 , and Taylor Bro\yn3

I. Forests of the Kanchenjunga Region

The vVildlands Studies Team investigated forests along the Tamur River and Ghunsa Khola from <1000 masl to altitudinal treeline near Kembachen (4000 masl). Methods included general observations and data collections made from (20m)2 forest quadrats established near Gyepla, Ghunsa and the lower Y amtori K,~ola.

Here we submit the results of our general observations. \Ve plan to submit results from the forest plots in a supplement to this report when we have completed the analysis.

A. Community Structure of Forests in the Kangchenjunga Region

Throughout Eastern Nepal, forests consist of an evergreen broadleaf formation at subtropical to lower temperate elevations (1000 to 2500 masI), gradually replaced by deciduous broadleaftaxa at upper temperate elevations (2500 to 3000 masl). \Vith increasing elevation, the deciduous broadleafforest is in turn partially replaced by a conifer forest consisting predorrunantly of evergreen species, although a significant deciduous element remains as high as altitudinal timberline, which usually occurs at about 4000 masl in these regions. In the Kanchenjunga Region, this broad description of forest change with elevation is generally accurate, aithough the specific forest composition within this region is in maIJY ways unique.

At the lowest elevations in the Tamur River Valley, forests of AlNus nepalellsis and Engelhardtia spicata dominate stahds on either side of the Tamur River together with a rich assemblage of other subtropical tree species. In East Nepal Alder is regarded as an indicator species for cardamom farming and, indeed, cardamom is widely cultivated here. Steep slopes support stands of Castnopsis tribuloides in shaded locations and Pinlfs roxburgii on sunny exposures.

An interesting feature of slopes at the lower temperate elevations in the lower Ghunsa and Simbuwa River valleys is the drastic disparity in vegetation that occurs on opposite sides of these steep valleys. Slopes of S to SE aspect (the right bank of each stream) support grasslands with oak (Querclls semecarp?folia) woodland in places where the slope is not more than 45-500 . These grassy slopes are heavily grazed, but evidence suggests that this ecological community is not anthropogenic. Hooker's explorations in 1845 refer to extensive grasslands on slopes above the confluence of

I Wildlands Studies Program. San Francisco State University. Extended Education. 3 Mosswood Circle. Cazadero. CA 95421 2Dept. of Botany. Tribllllyan UniYersity. Kathmandu 3563 King's College Cambridge. Cambridge CBlST. u.K.

2 2

more more

than than

we we

have have

encountered encountered

in in

the the species species

rich rich

Arun Arun

Basin Basin

to to the the

west west

Perhaps Perhaps

a a

especially especially

high high

in in

this this

area area

with with

4 4

to to 5 5

species species

growing growing

together together

in in the the

same same

stand, stand,

far far

a a higher higher

proportion proportion

of of

deciduous deciduous

species. species.

(2) (2)

The The

species species

richness richness

of of conifers conifers

is is

similar similar

elevations elevations

in in the the

Makalu Makalu

- Barun Barun

Conservation Conservation

Project Project

Area Area

where where

forests forests

have have evergreen evergreen

broadleaftrees broadleaftrees

and and

conifers conifers

dominate. dominate.

This This

pattern pattern

stands stands

in in contrast contrast

to to

Acer Acer

campbellii campbellii

the the

only only

abundant abundant

deciduous deciduous

broadleaf broadleaf

tree. tree.

In In

the the

Ghunsa Ghunsa

area, area,

broadleafspecies broadleafspecies

grow grow

to to

a a

higher higher

elevation elevation

in in the the

valley valley

of of the the

Ghunsa Ghunsa

Khola, Khola,

with with

(1) (1)

Compared Compared

to to

other other areas areas

of of

Eastern Eastern

Nepal Nepal

which which

we we have have

surveyed surveyed

evergreen evergreen

Late-successional Late-successional

forests forests

on on slopes slopes

near near

Gyepla Gyepla

are are distinctive distinctive for for two two reasons. reasons.

scars scars

on on most most of of the the large large conifers. conifers.

ovalifolia). ovalifolia).

However, However,

even even

here here

in in ravines ravines sheltered

evidence evidence

of of

fire fire exists exists

as as

burn burn

successional successional

species species also also

grow grow

in in stands stands these

(e.g. (e.g.

Mussaendajrondosa Mussaendajrondosa

and and

Lyonia Lyonia

arbOre1ll11, arbOre1ll11,

Quercus Quercus

semecarp(folia, semecarp(folia,

Q. Q.

glauca). glauca).

Common Common

early early

to to middle middle

peetinatllm, peetinatllm,

{Julia}, {Julia},

Prlll7lls Prlll7lls

.sp) .sp) and and

broadleaf broadleaf

evergreen evergreen

species species

(Rhododendron (Rhododendron

Juniperus Juniperus

indica indica

and/or and/or

J J

recurva), recurva),

broadleaf broadleaf

deciduous species species deciduous

(Acer (Acer

campbellii, campbellii,

A. A.

include include

a a rich rich

mixture mixture

of of conifers conifers

(Tsuga (Tsuga

dU111osa, dU111osa,

Abies Abies

spectabilis, spectabilis,

Taxus Taxus

baccata, baccata,

2800 2800

to to

2900 2900

masl masl

in in

the the

river river

valleys valleys

that that

drain drain

from from

the the

north north

and and

west. west.

Here Here stands stands

Closed-canopy Closed-canopy

forests forests

with with

late-successional late-successional

attributes attributes

still still

occur occur above above Gyepla, Gyepla, at at

will will be be

interesting interesting

to to

observe observe the the

effect effect

on on

successional successional

status. status.

at at

this this

time, time,

although although

when when

the the Arundinaria Arundinaria

(a (a semelparous semelparous

taxa) taxa)

flowers flowers

and and dies dies

it it

dU7170sa dU7170sa

stands. stands.

There There

is is little little

evidence evidence

that that

regeneration regeneration

of of

these these

stands stands

is is

in in progress progress

probably probably

represent represent

the the remains remains

oflate-successional oflate-successional

Abies Abies spectabilis spectabilis

and and

T.<,uga T.<,uga

stands stands

of of

Arundinaria Arundinaria

bamboo bamboo

with with

charred charred

conifer conifer

snags snags

protruding protruding

forth. forth.

These These

elevations elevations

ranging ranging

from from

2800 2800

to to

3300 3300

masl masl

and and

above, above,

most most

slopes slopes

consist consist

of of

dense dense

burned burned

repeatedly repeatedly

during during

the the

past past

30 30 years, years,

according according

to to

local local

villagers. villagers.

Here, Here,

at at

At At slightly slightly

higher higher

elevations, elevations,

slopes slopes

above above

Gyepla Gyepla

and and across across

the the Tamur Tamur River River have have

Tsuga Tsuga dumosa. dumosa.

broadleaf broadleaf

deciduous deciduous

species species

(Aeer (Aeer

ea717pbellii, ea717pbellii,

Lyonia Lyonia

oval~folia) oval~folia)

and and

conifers conifers

such such as as

glauca, glauca,

R.hododendron R.hododendron

arboreu711, arboreu711,

Abrus Abrus

nepalensis, nepalensis,

Lyonia Lyonia

oval?folia oval?folia

as as well well as as

some some

consists consists

primarily primarily

of of

broadleaf broadleaf

evergreen evergreen

species species

such such as as Qllercus Qllercus

se111ecarp~folia, se111ecarp~folia,

Q. Q. of of

dense dense

"malingo" "malingo"

bamboo bamboo

(Arundinaria (Arundinaria

sp). sp).

Between Between

2300 2300

and and

2700 2700

masI, masI,

the the

forest forest

recent recent

fires fires

have have

converted converted

the the

plant plant

cover cover

to to

an an

earlier earlier

successional successional

stage stage

consisting consisting

changes changes

with with dense, dense,

late-successional late-successional

forest forest

on on both both

canyon canyon

slopes slopes

except except where where

Between Between

Amjilassa Amjilassa

and and

Gyepla, Gyepla,

at at

about about 2300 2300

masl, masl,

the the character character of of the the vegetation vegetation

closed closed canopy canopy

forest, forest,

especially especially on on steep steep

slopes. slopes.

solar solar

radiation radiation

during during

the the

pre-monsoon pre-monsoon

may may

be be

necessary necessary

for for

the the

establishment establishment

of of

valley" valley"

(which (which

the the Tamur Tamur

and and

lower lower

Ghunsa Ghunsa

Khola Khola

seem seem

to to represent), represent),

lack lack

of of direct direct tree tree

species, species,

evergreen evergreen

at at

the the lower lower

elevations, elevations,

deciduous deciduous

above. above.

In In

a a Himalayan Himalayan

"dry "dry

Slopes Slopes

of of

northerly northerly

aspect, aspect,

also also

steep, steep,

support support

a a

dense dense

forest forest cover cover of of broad broad leaf leaf

During During

our our

visit, visit,

strong strong

(drying, (drying, catabatic

downslope) downslope)

winds winds

blew blew

much much of of

the the

time. time.

precipitation precipitation

that that

is is

characteristic characteristic

of of

the the

lower lower

elevations elevations

of of deep deep

Himalayan Himalayan

Valleys. Valleys.

on on

the the sunny sunny

slope. slope.

This This effect effect

would would

be be

exacerbated exacerbated

by by the the

high high

winds winds

and and

lack lack of of

lack lack

of of

forest forest

cover cover here here

is is high high

evapo-transpiration evapo-transpiration

and and

pre-monsoon pre-monsoon

drought drought

stress stress

the the

rivers rivers

which which

drain drain Olangchang Olangchang

and and

Ghunsa. Ghunsa.

A A possible possible ecological ecological explanation explanation for for more trans-Himalayan climate \"lith snowier winters and drier summers is responsible for this pattern.

At higher elev.ations near Ghunsa Village (3300 to 3400 masl), Abies spectabilis replaces TS7tga dUl110sa on stable slopes and old moraines to form a subalpine forest formation, while Larix grfffithialla forms pure stands on depositional terraces, loose slopes and other places prone to a higher rate of disturbance. Larix forests ofthe Kangchenjunga Region are ecologically significant because they represent the westernmost extreme for this unique, deciduous conifer of the Eastern Himalaya. Larix is fairly common from Sikkim to SW China and rare in the Lanf,rtang Region, but Kangchenjunga supports the only exiensive, pure stands found in Nepal.

Above 3000 masl, late-successional forests are dominated by Abies spectabilis with Betula utilis and Sorblls microphylla as important associate species. Generally these forests grow through a dense understory of sub-arboreal rhododendron (R. hodgsonii, R. campylocarpum, R. thornsonii). Along the Yamtori Glacier trail above Ghunsa, there is evidence of selective logging activity. It might be appropriate to further study the way residents of this area use the forest resource.

Places near Ghunsa which have been cleared for pasture usually have moist subalpine scrub vegetation at their margins. Here there is a bias toward species unpaiatable to domestic stock such as Juniperus recurva in shrub form and Rhododendron species. Disturbed forests on the Pleistocene(?) terminal moraine of the Yamtori Glacier, immediately SW of Ghunsa Village, consist of an early successional forest where large trees either do not grow or have been removed. Here most trees are smaller than 10 cm dbh and include Juniperus reCllrva andlor J indica, Betula uti lis, Sorblls microphylIa and Viburnum nervosum intermingled with several species of sub-arboreal and shrub rhododendron, Rosa and Berberis in a scrub formation to 4 m height.

In the valley of the Ghunsa Khola above Ghunsa Village, forest cover continues as far as Kembachen (4000 masl). Near Ghunsa, late successional stands of Abies spectabilis and Betula utilis grow near single species stands of Larix griffithiana, usually closer to the river. Large Juniper trees are also common here and the gymnosperm, Ephedra forms an increasingly frequent groundcover.

Near 4000 masl, forest cover is restricted to East-facing hillsides and sheltered valley-bottom locations that support mixed stands of Junipems recurva, Betula utilis and ,s'orblls microphylla. Above Kembachen, a few individuals of juniper grow extra­ zonally, but habitat is essentially alpine.

B. Community Structure of the Alpine Zone

Above Kambochen, the himal forms a rain shadow and the Ghunsa River Valley is much more dry than it is below. As a result, the alpine zone in the Kanchenjunga region'S floristic species are adapted to withstand the extremes of cold and desiccation.

The alpine zone in the Kanchenjunga region shows a remarkable change in floristic composition with altitude and aspect. Above tree- line in some wetter parts ofthe lower alpine zone (for example on n0l1h-east facing slopes at Kambochen, 13300ft)

4 4

Nepal Nepal

and and that that many many species species here here exceed exceed their their altitudinallimit. altitudinallimit.

pattern pattern of of some some

species species

is is different different

in in the the Kanchenjunga Kanchenjunga area area than than in in other other parts parts

of of

underground underground

caudex. caudex.

From From

this this preliminary preliminary survey, survey, it it is is evident evident that that the the distribution distribution

procumbant procumbant

and and

often often

possess possess

woody woody renewal renewal structures structures in in the the form form of of an an

2 m m 2

in in favorable favorable

locations. locations.

Above Above

is is an an upper upper alpine alpine belt belt in in which which plants plants are are mostly mostly

upper upper

Ghunsa Ghunsa

Khola Khola

consists consists

of of

a a

lower lower

belt belt of of woody woody vegetation vegetation that that forms forms a a scrub scrub to to

In In summary, summary,

as as

in in other other

parts parts

of of the the Eastern Eastern Himalaya, Himalaya, the the alpine alpine zone zone of of the the

Pangpema Pangpema (16,300 (16,300 ft.i. ft.i.

Arenaria Arenaria

sp. sp.

are are

found found

in in the the

extremely extremely

xeric xeric environment environment on on the the rocky rocky slopes slopes

near near

monocephallum, monocephallum,

SaZlssuria SaZlssuria sinzpsoniana sinzpsoniana

(?), (?), S. S. obvallata, obvallata, Cremanthodium Cremanthodium sp. sp.

, ,

Species Species

such such as as

17~erl?1opsis 17~erl?1opsis inflata, inflata, Mesonopsis Mesonopsis hOlTidula, hOlTidula, Leontopodizrm Leontopodizrm

Swertia Swertia

hookeri, hookeri,

Saxifraga Saxifraga hemisphaerica, hemisphaerica, S. S. punctulata punctulata etc. etc.

upper upper alpine alpine

belt belt support support

a a ground ground

cover cover of of Cassiope Cassiope fastigiata, fastigiata, Gentiana Gentiana algida, algida,

members members

of of

Geraniunz, Geraniunz, Potentiia, Potentiia,

and and Primula Primula genera. genera. North-facing North-facing slopes slopes

oftbis oftbis

Carex Carex .sp. .sp.

and and by by other other

grasses. grasses.

The The

other other associated associated herbaceous herbaceous species species include include the the

of of

the the

ground ground

is is

bare, bare, but but

in in some some places places they they are are covered covered by by Cortiea Cortiea depressa, depressa,

The The alpine alpine meadows meadows

in in this this region region

under under are tremendous tremendous grazing grazing pressure. pressure. Most Most

17,000 17,000 ft. ft. on on a a granite granite talus talus slope slope facing facing 270 270 degrees. degrees.

extends extends

beyond beyond

Pengpema-

some some

specimens specimens of of R. R. nivale nivale were were collected collected at at about about

to to

Lonak. Lonak. Ephedra Ephedra

gerardiana gerardiana

grows grows

only only to to Pangpema Pangpema (16450 (16450 ft.), ft.), while while R. R. llivale llivale

are are present. present.

These These woody woody

species species

except except

R. R. nival nival and and E. E. gerardiana gerardiana extend extend only only

up up

to to 15600 15600

ft). ft).

In In addition addition

R. R. setosum, setosum,

R. R. pendulum pendulum (?), (?), Berberis Berberis erythroclada erythroclada

etc. etc.

dense dense

carpet carpet

in in the the moraines moraines

and and stony stony

ground ground between between Kambochen Kambochen and and Lonak Lonak (13300 (13300

Caragana Caragana

sp. sp. and and

some some

junipers. junipers.

Hippophae Hippophae

tibetana tibetana and and R. R. nival nival form form patches patches

of of

Hippophae Hippophae

tibetana, tibetana,

Ephedra Ephedra gerardiana, gerardiana,

Myricaria Myricaria rosea, rosea, Rhododendron Rhododendron nivalc, nivalc,

characterized characterized

by by dry dry alpine alpine shrubs. shrubs.

This This area area is is marked marked by by occurence occurence the of of

In In the the dry dry

trans-Himalayan trans-Himalayan

valleys valleys above above Kambochen Kambochen the the vegetation vegetation is is

shrublets shrublets

like like Gaultheria Gaultheria trichophylla trichophylla and and Diapensia Diapensia himalaica. himalaica.

parnasstfolia, parnasstfolia,

Gentiana Gentiana

depressa, depressa,

Epilobium Epilobium sp., sp., Potentilla Potentilla sp., sp., and and by by tufted tufted

woody woody

lower lower

alpine alpine belt belt

are are

also also

by by covered herbaceous herbaceous perennials perennials such such as as Saxttraga Saxttraga

dry dry

rocky rocky

slopes slopes and and on on

rod rod

.. .. ), ), ground ground

at at slightly slightly higher higher elevations. elevations. The The slopes slopes of of

the the

Hippophar Hippophar

tibetana, tibetana,

Berberis Berberis

elythroclada, elythroclada,

Salix Salix sp. sp. and and Juniper Juniper reC1irva reC1irva on on open open

associates associates

of of

this this region. region.

These These species species are are replaced replaced by by ·R. ·R. setosu171, setosu171, R. R. nivale, nivale,

Acollog07ll1m Acollog07ll1m

sp. sp.

and and

junipers junipers

(J (J indica indica and and J J recurva) recurva) are are the the other other important important

Rosa Rosa

sp., sp.,

etc. etc. Other Other

important important

associates associates of of this this region region include include Bistorta Bistorta afflnis, afflnis,

R. R. fulgens, fulgens,

R. R. anthopogon, anthopogon,

R. R. lepidot1im, lepidot1im,

Salix Salix sikkimensis, sikkimensis, Sorbus Sorbus 171icrophylla 171icrophylla

("1), ("1),

the the flora flora

is is represented represented by by moist moist alpine alpine scrub scrub such such as as Rhodedendron Rhodedendron companlllatum, companlllatum,

5 5

Larix Larix griffithiana griffithiana

larch larch

3335 3335

Rhododendron Rhododendron fulgens fulgens

3335 3335

Sorbus Sorbus

l11ierophylla l11ierophylla

mountain mountain

ash ash

3335 3335

3552 3552

Betula Betula utilis utilis

bireh bireh

3335 3335 3552 3552

Prunus Prunus ?eornuta ?eornuta

2939 2939

Aeer Aeer peetinatum peetinatum

maple maple

2939 2939

Abies Abies speetabilis speetabilis

silYer silYer

fir fir 2915 2915

3551 3551

Juniperus Juniperus ?indiea ?indiea

Jumper Jumper

2896 2896 3506 3506

Juniperus Juniperus ?reeun'a ?reeun'a

juniper juniper

2896 2896

3506 3506

Mussaenda Mussaenda frondosa frondosa

2896 2896

2939 2939

Quereus Quereus glauea glauea

oak oak 2896 2896

Aeer Aeer ?aeuminatul11 ?aeuminatul11

maple maple 2832 2832

Aeer Aeer eampbelli eampbelli

maple maple

2774 2774

3-1-45 3-1-45

Aralliaeeae Aralliaeeae sp sp

2774 2774

Pieris Pieris fonnosa fonnosa

2750 2774 2774 2750

Mahonia Mahonia nepalensis nepalensis

2750 2750

Tsuga Tsuga dumosa dumosa

hemlock hemlock

2750 2750

2915 2915

Lyonia Lyonia ovalifolia ovalifolia

2750 2750

3506 3506

Rhododendron Rhododendron e3l11pylocarpum e3l11pylocarpum

2750 2750

3506 3506

Rhododendron Rhododendron arboreum arboreum

2750 2750 2939 2939

Quereus Quereus sel11eearpifolia sel11eearpifolia

oak oak

2750 2750 2896 2896

(mill) (mill) (ma;..,:) (ma;..,:)

Species Species

Enrrlish Enrrlish Name Name Elevation Elevation ramre ramre

masL masL From From data data coHected coHected in in (20m)-square (20m)-square quadrats. quadrats.

Tamur Tamur

River River

Valley Valley

above above 1200 1200 masl masl

and and Gunsa Gunsa Khola Khola to to altitudinal altitudinal treeline, treeline, ~4000 ~4000

19 19 October October to to 5 5 Kovember\ Kovember\ 1994. 1994.

Tree Tree

Species Species

recorded recorded by by Wiidlands Wiidlands Studies Studies survey survey of of Kangchenjunga Kangchenjunga Region, Region,

6 6

These These

obserations obserations

are are

summarized summarized

as as follows: follows:

skinned skinned carcass. carcass.

skulls skulls

lying lying in in

places places where where

camp, camp, people

fragments fragments

of of

skin skin

also also

with with saw saw

fur, fur, evidence evidence

and and

one one

that that partially partially bharal bharal

are are

hunted. hunted.

This This

evidence evidence

consisted consisted

During During

of of the the

a a number number

seven seven

days days ofbharal ofbharal

spent spent

in in the the

upper upper Ghunsa Ghunsa

Valley, Valley,

(above (above

Ghunsa Ghunsa

village), village),

we we

some some

of of the the same same individuals. individuals.

of of

sight sight

behind behind

a a ridge. ridge.

It It

is is

possible possible

that that

both both

of of

these these

groups groups Vie Vie

observed observed

might might

have have the the

animals animals contained contained

for for

about about

10 10 IT'inutes IT'inutes

before before

they they

Kambochen. Kambochen.

grew grew

restless restless

The The

and and

second second climbed climbed

group group

out out

appeared appeared

to to

include include

at at

least one one least southeast-facing southeast-facing

ram ram

and and two two

slopes slopes juveniles. juveniles.

at at

4300 4300

masl, masl,

approximately approximately

1 1

km km

group. group.

up up

the the

Later Later

Ghunsa Ghunsa

in in

the the

Khola Khola

same same

from from day day

at at

1 1 :30 :30

p.m., p.m.,

we we

observed observed

too too a a

group group

great great

of7 of7

for for

us us individuals individuals

to to

determine determine

on on

the the

sex sex

or or count count

the the number number

southwest-facing, southwest-facing, of of

adults adults

and and

juveniles juveniles

turf-covered turf-covered

in in

the the

slopes slopes

at at approximatesly approximatesly

the the

4600 4600

morning morning

masI. masI.

The The of of

Octocer Octocer

distance distance

28th, 28th, was was

one one

group group

of of

5 5

animals animals

spent spent

We We several several

observed observed

hours hours

two two browsing browsing groups groups

on on

ofbharal ofbharal

near near

Kambochen Kambochen

in in the the

upper upper

Gunsa Gunsa

Khola. Khola.

On On

Bharal Bharal

(Blue (Blue

Sheep, Sheep,

Psel/dois Psel/dois nayal/f) nayal/f)

typifies typifies

this this

animal animal

was was heard heard

several several on

occassions. occassions.

Ghunsa Ghunsa

at at 11,400 11,400

ft. ft.

Further Further

on, on,

at at

elevations elevations

of of

up up

to to

15,000 15,000 midst midst

of of ft., ft., a a

larch! larch! the the

shrill shrill fir fir

(Lw"ix (Lw"ix whistle whistle

griffithiana griffithiana that that

and and

Abies Abies

spectabi/is) spectabi/is)

open open

terrain. terrain. forest forest

along along

The The the the

Kanchenjunga Kanchenjunga trail trail

above above

area area is is

no no

exception exception

and and

tundra tundra

one one

individual individual

loving loving

animal, animal, was was

seen seen

in in

the the in in

the the Eastern Eastern

part part

of of

its its

range range

pikas pikas

are are Several Several

found found

pikas pikas in in

both both

were were

forest forest

seen seen

and and or or heard heard

at at elevations elevations

above above

Ghunsa. Ghunsa.

Though Though

primarily primarily

a a

Himalayan Himalayan

Mouse-Hare Mouse-Hare

(Pika, (Pika,

Ochotona Ochotona rovlei) rovlei)

opportunistic. opportunistic.

was was

seen seen

so so near near

to to

habitation habitation

is is

not not

unusual, unusual,

as as

these these

animals animals

to to

be be

on on are are a a

both both hunting hunting

bold bold

foray foray

and and when when

interrupted interrupted

by by

our our

passing. passing.

However, However,

A A

solitary solitary

the the

jungle jungle

fact fact

that that cat cat

was was this this

cat cat at at

noontime noontime

near near Pholey Pholey

(10,000 (10,000

ft.). ft.).

The The animal animal

appeared appeared

Jungle Jungle

Cat Cat (Felis (Felis chaus) chaus)

solitary solitary

hunters, hunters,

this this

siting siting

appears appears

to to be be

a a

bit bit

unusual. unusual.

roughly roughly

the the

same same

age age and and

size. size.

Since Since

these these

creatures creatures

tend tend

through through stick stick to

open open to to

forest forest

bari bari and and

lands lands

are are towards towards

usually usually

the the

Tamur Tamur

River. River.

All All

three three

above above

individuals individuals

Amjilassa Amjilassa

appeared appeared

(8,000 (8,000

ft.). ft.). to to

be be These These

individuals individuals

were were

seen seen

bounding bounding

A A

group group

across across

ofthree ofthree

the the

trail trail Himalayan Himalayan

and and

YeHow YeHow

Throated Throated

Martins Martins

were were observed observed

about about

112 112 mile mile

Himalavan Himalavan

Yellow Yellow

Throated Throated

Martin Martin

CA-fortes CA-fortes flavigula) flavigula)

A. A. Mammals Mammals

recorded recorded

throughout throughout

the the

trip trip

and and will will

be be

analyzed analyzed

and and

presented presented

observation. observation.

to to

V·l\\Tf V·l\\Tf In In

at at

the the a a later later the the

case case date. date. of of

birds, birds,

zonally zonally

specific specific

non-repetitive non-repetitive

Information Information

lists lists often often about about

the the were were

fauna fauna

of of

the the

Kanchenjunga Kanchenjunga

region region

was was gathered gathered

using using

direct direct

IT. IT. Fauna Fauna At Kambachen, two skulls at the upper campsite in the meadow approximately 300 m up Kambachen Khola from the settlement.

At Lonak, tv.ro skull and numerous small pieces of hide identical to that seen on the partially-skinned carcass described below.

Approximately halfway between Lhonak and Pangpenma, one bharal carcass lying near a campfire site. The carcass had only been partially stripped offlesh and the hide had been discarded along with the bones. Three legs were skinned and stripped of meat, the remaining leg was untouched.

At a campsite about 1 hour below Pangpengma, one bharal horn.

At the Pangpengma campsite, two bharal sl-ulls.

The number, condition and location of these remains provide strong evidence of huntng activity. However, the way in which the carcass we observed had been treated suggest that the meat and hide of these animals is not highly valued. It would be useful to determine the identity of the bharal"user's group", and to learn more about the group's rational for hunting. It would also be very useful to investigate the effect of this hunting on the bharal populations that occur in this area, and the secondary effects hunting exert on bharal-preditors such as the snow leopard.

B. Birds

Notes on some infrequent or interesting bird sightings in the Kangchenjunga Region, 12 October to 13 November, 1994.

Names from Fleming et al. 1984. Birds of Nepal, 3rd Edition.

1. Allied Warbler (Seicercus ajJinis). According to Inskipp, this species has not been described from Nepal except for a single specimen included in Hodgson's 18th Century Collection. It"is reported from dense evergreen forests from Nepal east to Arunachal Pradesh. However, I have observed a Seicercus warbler on several occasions which matches the description given in Fleming: solid, bright yellow underparts, olive green above with black crown and distinct white eye ring. This species seems to be occasional in the Tamur Basin at elevatons from 1000 to 2400 masl during the fall. One individual was also seen on the Arun River - Sankuwa Khola Divide (~2440 masl) in April 1993.

2. Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus). A group of at least 10 birds was active in the understory of a patch of juniper scrub (Jumperus recurva) along the Yangtori Khola above Ghunsa (3400 masl).

3. Cro~sbil1 (LOXia CU}1Jirosfra). A pair were seen in scrub (J reCU}1JQ, Rosa 5])., Berberis sp.) along the trail below Phole. Bold.

4. Golden-breasted Tit Babbler (Alcippe Chlysotis): Pair observed at close range in dense "malingo" bamboo along trail below Gyepla (2439 masl)

7 5. Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelana): Pair observed along trail near a stream in heavily shaded Alder (Alnzts nepalensis) forest on Tamur, 0.3 km below Sirnbua Khola confluence (1555 masl).

6. Maroon-backed Accentor (Prunella il71maculata): Several individuals seen along trail in "malingo" bamboo near stream (2652 masl).

7. Plumbeous Redstart (Rhyacornisjufjginoslfs) and White-capped River Chat (Chai171arrornis leucocephaIZls): These two species are abundant on boulders in and alongside rapidly moving streams at elevations ranging from tropical to alpine. The guild includes several other species less frequently observed, including Little Forktail (Enicurus scouleri) and Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasii). All of these species engage in distinctive flagging behavior with tail feathers of contrasting color, perhaps because of the high ambient noise levels of their habitat

8. Snow Pigeon (Columba leuconata): Flocks ofthese birds (>30 individuals) were abundant at sub alpine elevations.

9. Tibetan Snowcock (Tetraogallus tibetanus): Often heard in the North Kanchenjunga valley above Kembachen (4000 masl), but seen only once at 5000 masl (Pangpema Base Camp). Tracks and scat are very abundant throughout the region above 4000 mast

10. White-spotted Laughing Thrush (Garrulax ocellatus): One seen at Yamtori Khola above Ghunsa (3415 rnasl) together with a flock of Black-faced Laughing Thrush (G. affinis) which are common in the Ghunsa area.

11. Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis): Individual seen on a day hike above Pangpema (North Kangchenjunga Basecamp) at 5762 mast The eagle was gliding at more than 6000 mast

12. Eurasian Kestral (Falco tinnunculus): By far the most abundant raptor in the Kangchenjunga area, common from 1000 to 5000 masl, often in pairs this season, characteristic hovering on wind currents.

13. Golden Eagle (Aquila chlysaetos): Two seen above Ghunsa.

14. Bearded Vulture, Lamrnergeier (Gypaetus barbatzts): One seen near Gyepla, second individual seen between Ghunsa and Kembachen.

15. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis): In fruiting tree with warblers and bulbuls near Dhoban in lower Tamur Valey (700 masl).

Bird Species recorded by \Vildlands Studies survey ofKangchenjunga Region, 19 October to 5 November, 1994.

Birds of Proposed Conservation Area, including Tamur River Valley above 1200 masl and Gunsa Khola to Kangchenjunga North Base Camp (elevations supplied only for

8 sightings v,/ithin proposed Conservation A.rea).

Common Name Genus Species Eleyation Range Allied \-Varbler 5,'ciccrcus at/in is 2393 Bearded Vulture Crypaetlls barbaws 27++ 3659 Beautiful Niltan jfllscicapa slll1dara 1223 Black Redstart Plwcnicllrlls ochruros 1311 Black-faced Laughi.ng Thrush Garrulax at/in is 27+..j. 32<)3 Blood Pheasant lthaginis crucnrus 3+15 Blossom-headed Parakeet Psi{(acula himalavwlo 1372 Blue Whistling Thrush .\iyiophonus cacrlllcus 1220 277J,

~ Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitla castanca 1')')_~D Chestnut-crowned Warbler .s'ciccrclls castan i ccps 23+8 Coal Tit Panls atcr 2857 3506 Collard Bush Chat Saxicola torqllata 1216 1311 Crossbill Loxia curl'iroslrcl 2982 Crowned Leaf Warbler PhylloscoPllS regllloides 1338 335+ Eurasian Kestral Falco ti nl1lll1culus 1677 +573 Eurasian Nuthatch Sirta curopaea 2433 Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeulll ingipccfllS 1543 Golden Eagle Aquila c!llysactos 3268 .+573 Golden-breasted Tit Babbler Alcippc chrysotis 2439 Goshawk Accipiter gcntilis 2.:J.09 Gray Bulbul H.vpsiperes madagascaricnsis 1311 1585 Gray-faced Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus macllfipcnnis 1311 1543 Gray-headed Flycatcher Cuficicapa ceylonensis 15.:J.3 Gray-headed Warbler SeiccrcLls xanthoschisfOs 1311 Green-backed Tit Panls l7lonticolus 1311 Himalayan Goldfinch Cm'duelis spinoides 2524 Himalayan Griffon Gyps hilllalayensis 3034 r Himalayan Tree Pie Dendrocitta forlllosae 1311 gr H~R'S Redstart Phoenicurus /i'ontalis 1311 3034 Jungle Crow ConJus }]}acrorh.vnchos 1616 3293 Kalij Pheasant LoplJUra lellcomelana 1555 Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella il7llllaculata 2652 Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalensis 1220 2521 Orange-gorgetted Flycatcher Afllscicapa strophiafa 1311 2393 Padd:-field Pipit Anlhus novacseelandiae 1232 Plain LeafWarb1er Phylloscopus inornatus 2393 Plumbeous Redstm1 Rhyacornis juliginosus 1189 2668 Raven COl'VUS corax 4573 5030 Red-billed Chough J~vrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 3720 5030 Robin Accentor Prunella rubcculoides ~573 4756 Rufous-fronted Tit Acgithalos iOl!sch istos 2774 Scaly-breasted vVren Babbler Pnoepvga alhivcnter 1189 2982 Scarlet Minivet Pcricrocotus jlalii III e u s 1220 1341 Sikkim Black Tit Parus rubidiventris 3293 3354 Snow Pigeon Calumba leuconola 2378 3293 Spotted Piculet PicUI71J1US inno}}linatus 15-+3 Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 5762 Stripe-throated Yuhina Tuhina gularis 2774 3110 Tibetan Sno\\'cock Tetraogallus tihcfanlls 5000 Tickell's Leaf Warbler Ph.vlloscoplls a.ffinis 3506 \Vhite-browed Blue Flycatcher J\Jusicapa supcrciliaris 2393 White-browed Tit Babbler Alcippe viJ1ipcctus 274+ 2835

9