Ecology and Conservation of Wood nemoricola in Lauribina-Gosainkunda area in Lamtang National Park,

Report Submitted By

Hari Basnet1, Mohan Bikram Shrestha2, Deelip Chand Thakuri1, Tejab Pun1, Romit Tamang3, Dhiraj Chaudhary3 1 Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, 2. Conservation Nepal; 3. Freelance nature Guide

Report Submitted to Oriental Bird Club and Wader Quest June, 2020

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Ecology and Conservation of Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola in Lauribina- Goshainkunda area in Lamtang National Park, Nepal

Wood Snipe, which flush from the rhododendron scrub, fly towards the North giving a fraction of second to capture the species in Kharka near Buddha Mandir. In all sighting, when it flush, it produces the drumming sound and makes around 500m semi-circle (Photo by: Mohan Bikram Shrestha)

Project Detail Project Title: Ecology and Conservation of Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola in Lauribina-Goshainkunda area in Lamtang National Park, Nepal

Project Site: Goshainkunda and Associate lakes and Lauribina Area

Project start & end: April 2019 to December 2019

Funding Organization: Oriental Bird Club and Wader Quest

Grantee: Mr. Hari Basnet, Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, Kathmandu Nepal

Field Expedition Team: Mr. Hari Basnet, Mr. Mohan Bikram Shrestha, Romit (Kanchha) Tamang, Mr. Deelip Chand Thakuri, Mr. Tejab Pun and Mr. Dhiraj Chaudhary

Cover Photo: Habitat of Wood Snipe in Lauribina area, Rhododendron scrub efflorescence in the area providing hide making difficulty in snipe detection. (Photo by Hari Basnet)

Report Photo by: Hari Basnet (Except mentioned)

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Acknowledgments:

We would like to extend our esteemed acknowledgements to Oriental Bird Club for funding us this project. We are thankful to Wader Quest (Rick Simpson) to support us partially to conduct the second field in August. We like to thanks Bird Conservation Nepal for collaborating the project and providing technical research officer in both field. We are thankful to Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), and Lamtang National Park for helping and supporting us by providing required research permissions to conduct this work.

We are grateful to Mr. James Eaton who provided a photo to prepare the conservation awareness poster. We are thankful to Mr. Sagar Dahal and Sayam U. Chowdhury who help us to reach out to the partial support. Moreover, we are thankful to Dave Showler for the review of preliminary report and David Gonçalves and Carol Inskipp for providing guidance and support in the project. Moreover, we will like to thanks Chauri herders, local people for providing information and show keen towards one of the highest elevation bird survey in the world.

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Contents Acknowledgments:...... 3 List of Figures ...... 5 Summary ...... 6 Background ...... 7 Objectives ...... 8 Materials and Methods ...... 9 Study Area ...... 9 Survey Design: ...... 10 Desktop review: ...... 11 Call survey ...... 11 Interview with the Local people: ...... 11 Conservation Awareness: ...... 12 Community Awareness: ...... 12 School Awareness Programme ...... 12 Results and discussion: ...... 13 Status and Distribution ...... 13 Local people and Wood Snipe ...... 15 Habitat of Wood Snipe:...... 16 Symbiotic relation-ship (Commensalism) between Wood Snipe and Chauri ...... 17 Nesting sites and selection: ...... 20 Threats ...... 20 Community Awareness...... 22 Conclusion ...... 27 Recommendation: ...... 27 Reference ...... 28 Annex ...... 29 Photoplates ...... 32

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List of Figures Figure 1. Map of the study area showing grid of 500*500 m ...... 10 Figure 2. A Wood Snipe distribution map in Lauribina and Gosainkunda and Associates lakes ...... 14 Figure 3. Feeding marking on the Chauri Dung by Wood Snipe ...... 15 Figure 4 Heavy snowfall covers the whole habitat of Wood Snipe in Lauribina area (April, 2019). The snow remains for more than a month and local people believe that heavy snow is one of the prime reason for declining number of Wood Snipe (Photo by Romit Tamang) ...... 16 Figure 5 A habitat of Snipe covered by the rhododendron scrub and rock boulders, feeding ground for the Chauri during our survey in two different incidences Wood Snipe was flush from the same area .... 17 Figure 6 Two different flies feeding and laying eggs on the Chauri Dung (Left) and larvae developed after a week ...... 18 Figure 7 Feeding Mark of Wood Snipe (left) and Himalayan Pheasant (right) ...... 18 Figure 8 Habitat of Wood Snipe in Brana Area, alpine Meadow, and temporary Chauri shed along with Mt. Langtang Lirung (23,734 ft) in the horizon...... 19 Figure 9 Feathers collected form the nesting sites and dropping with feathers from Lauribina area ...... 20 Figure 10 Buddha mandir (13,877 ft) with temporary tea houses and shelter area during Janaipurnima festival ...... 21 Figure 11 Conservation poster ...... 22 Figure 12 Poster was released during the World Environment day in front of at least 2,000 people working in the Environment day...... 23 Figure 13 Information sharing and distribution of Poster to the staff of Lamtang NP ...... 23 Figure 14 Door-to-door conservation awareness in the Chauri Shed ...... 24 Figure 15 Community conservation awareness in the Gosainkunda area (14573 ft) and Lauribina (12998 ft) ...... 25 Figure 16 School awareness programme, poster was mounted and provided to the School...... 25 Figure 17 Group photo with the participant involving school awareness programme ...... 26 Figure 18 Result dissemination among the staff of Lamtang National park ...... 26

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Summary

Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola is globally Vulnerable species due to its small, declining population, as a result of loss of wetlands habitats in its breeding and wintering grounds. Limited amount of scientific studies has created limited amount data about the species in scientific community. A single scientific survey in Gosainkunda and Kyanjin area conducted in 2007 estimated seven individuals. However, a follow-up survey wasn’t conducted though the site is considered as an important habitat of Wood Snipe in the world. Therefore, a survey was conducted in Lauribina-Gosainkunda area from May-August 2019 to understand status and distribution, ecology of the species along with community sensitization on conservation awareness with a motive to reduce anthropogenic stresses to the species in Lamtang National Park. Dawn and Dusk call count survey along with the sweeping survey was conducted within potential habitat. Moreover, information and perception of Chauri headers and local people was collected by Key Informant Interview and informal interviews. A total of 18 different calls were recorded in the survey area, among them 12 were recorded from Lauribina area, ranging between 3800m to 4414m asl. Most of the Wood Snipe habitat located in the North-west facing slope in alpine pasture dominated mostly by the rhododendron scrub, juniper, seasonal plant and grasses along with rock boulders. These rock boulders in the rhododendron scrub are chosen by the species for breeding without other nesting materials. Interestingly, most of the Wood Snipe site lack permanent marshland/fen despite the monsoon rain fill up the area making them temporary marshlands. Wood Snipe is quite common among the Chauri herders and the KII and informal result reveals that population of the species has been declined in recent years. Although, heavy grazing in the habitat of Wood Snipe pose threats to the breeding success however, larvae found in the Chauri dung is a source of food for the Wood Snipe during post breeding and in the early winter. During the conservation campaign, at least 500 local people and students were informed about the importance of conserving Wood Snipe. As species is closely related with the Chauri herders, a conservation campaign or building capacity for monitoring species will help to safeguard the species and develop them as a guardian of Wood Snipe conservation in one of the important sites of Wood Snipe in the World.

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Background The Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola is globally Vulnerable species due to its small, declining population, as a result of the widespread loss of wetlands habitats in its breeding and wintering grounds (BirdLife International 2020). It breeds locally in the of north-west and north-east , Nepal, and South-east Tibet, central Sichaun, Yunnan of . Moreover, it winters mainly at lower altitudes in the Himalayas, northern , and as a vagrant to the hills of central and southern India, , , , north and (Birdlife International 2020). The species is nationally Vulnerable and its population is estimated less than 100 individuals, although it is seldom recorded in Nepal, limited study has been carried out and few birdwatchers visit its breeding areas at the right time of year (Inskipp et al. 2016) while global population is estimated to be less than 10,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2020). Within Nepal, the species is rare and sparsely distributed, breeding locally in April–June in subalpine zone, alpine meadows and marshes with scattered low bushes, or in dwarf scrub in barren, boulder-strewn areas, between about 3650–4520 m asl (Inskipp et al. 2016). The post 1990 records of the species in Nepal includes Shey-Phoksundo National Park (NP), Sagarmatha NP, Lamtang NP, Makalu Barun NP, Chitwan NP and Bardia NP and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (CA) (Inskipp et al. 2016). First photographic record of Wood Snipe in Lamtang NP was in May 1990 (Buckton and Morris, 1993) and several records of the species were reported from various untargeted birding tour from the park. However, single scientific survey in the Kyanjin area and in the Gosainkunda and Associated Lakes (GAL) of Lamtang NP conducted in 2007 estimated seven individuals (Katiwoda et al. 2010, Inskipp et al. 2016). Uncontrolled grazing and huge amount of pollution during pilgrimage festival seasons in the habitat of the species has caused in the degradation of the habitat quality and breeding success of the species (Khatiwada et al. 2010). In Nepal (and elsewhere its range area), information concerning Wood is sparse with only a few observational records. Among all observational records in Nepal (N=13), GAL is the consider as globally prime habitat for the Wood Snipe nevertheless only a single survey was conducted to assess the conservation status

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back in 2007 without any follow up survey afterwards.. Understanding the importance and global significance and limited information of the species, a survey was conducted with a motive to understand the ecology, status and distribution of the species focusing in community sensitization on conservation awareness of Wood Snipe in Lamtang NP.

Objectives

The aim of the project is to enhance the knowledge on the habitat ecology & conservation initiatives to reduce threats to Wood Snipe in Lamtang NP. The specific objective is to

● Assess the status, distribution & habitat ecology of Wood Snipe. ● Identify the important covariates affecting the distribution of Wood Snipe and, ● Production of conservation awareness materials and community sensitization on conservation awareness issues of Wood Snipe.

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Materials and Methods Study Area

The study was carried out at Lauribina (28.092056 85.386680), Brana (28.094798 85.392349), Buddha Mandir (28.089658 85.392629), Gosainkunda and Bhairab Kunda (28.082711, 85.413772), Naukunda area (28.061518 85.391882) and Phedi area (28.070515, 85.43783). Lauribina, Brana, Buddha Mandir (Lauribina area) lie on the way to Gosainkunda while Phedi area lies after crossing the Lauribina pass above 4650m asl. Gosainkunda and Associates lakes is Ramsar site of international importance which lies at between 4,054-4,620m asl an area of 1,030 hectares as the catchment of Gosaikunda and associated lakes with 54 ha as water bodies covered by 16 lakes (Mool et al. 2002). GLA is a unique and representative wetland type in the high Himalayan Paleoartic biogeographical region. It is one of the world's highest freshwater lake systems, between 4,054-4,620 m altitudes, lies in the Lamtang NP. These lakes are important sources of water for the famous Trisuli river of Nepal. Trishuli River forms a major tributary of Narayani River, one of the 4 major River systems of Nepal. The study site has religious associations for Hindus and Buddhists and one of popular and spectacular trekking destinations, reached with a short trek from Kathmandu. Thousands of pilgrims of Hindus and Buddhists visit the Gosainkunda every year during Ganga Dasara and Janaipurnima which falls in May and August each Year.

The zone locates above treeline with scrubs interspersed by rocky slopes, talus and alpine pasture. The vegetation is represented by Alpine pasture meadow and Dwarf Rhododendron scrub. The alpine pasture meadow is dominated by Carex spp., Kobresia spp., Poa spp., Festuca spp., with a number of colorful herbs belonging to family Rosaceae, Primulaceae, Ranunculacea, Gentianaceae, Polygonaceae, Campanulaceae, Papaveracea, Crassulaceae, Scrophulariaceae and so on. Vegetation of this area associates a number of medicinal and aromatic plants. Within the GLA, six species of wetland dependent migratory have been recorded along with globally threatened species, Snow Leopard Panthera uncia, Red Panda Ailurus fulgens, Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus leucogaster.

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Figure 1. Map of the study area showing grid of 500*500 m

Survey Design:

The total potential area was divided into 500*500 m2 grids. Altogether 93 grids were overlaid in the study area, among them 30 grids were removed as they represent the half of the total size of the grids. Among 63 total full grids, 13 grids were randomly selected while remaining six grids were purposely selected in order to cover the previous surveyed area (Figure 1). A detailed plan was made consulting local assistants and staff of Lamtang NP. The survey was conducted during the breeding season from May 25 2019- 10 June 2019 and post breeding survey was conducted from 29 July 2019- 10 August, 2019. In May, 65 human working days and July/August 68 human working days, accounting 133 human working days were spent in field.

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Desktop review: Desktop review was done to identify sampling sites, point count stations as well as the new potential area for the species. Xeno-canto (https://bit.ly/2Xui6zA) and eBird (https://ebird.org/species/woosni1) data was assessed for more information of the probable peak breeding season (time to survey). Other information was also extracted like type of call, duration, time of day and location from the above source. Information about the project was circulated and a meeting held with staff of Lamtang NP during the celebration of World Wildlife Week, 15 April 2019, at Dhunche to identify potential stakeholders in the project. Moreover, suggestion from bird experts and researchers involved in the previous study of Wood Snipe in the region were received and considered prior to the field survey.

Call survey Dawn call count survey was conducted from 0430hrs to 0730hrs while dusk call counts survey was conducted from 1630hrs to 1945hrs in the vantage point chosen during the survey. The vantage point was selected based on the Key Informant Interview (KII) with herders, preliminary survey in those sites. Each selected site was surveyed at least three times (Dawn-dusk-dawn or dusk-dawn-dusk), avoiding heavy rainfall or heavy fogs. In each session, different researcher will do the survey to cross check the number of calls. Altogether 45 call count survey were done, among them 60% call counts were conducted in morning. All the drumming displays or chipping calls (if the bird flush during sweeping) were noted. During the first 10 min, playback call was not used, waiting for Wood Snipe to call naturally. If no call was heard then drumming or chipping playback call downloaded from xeno-canto were played in order to stimulate birds to respond. Moreover, a sweeping technique was used to flush the bird keeping a distance of 10m between each surveyor in the post breeding season. Timing and direction of the call was recorded to avoid the double counting. Moreover, important covariates affecting the distribution of Wood Snipe (Site-specific, time specific and anthropogenic stresses) was also noted. All the places where species sighted, feather sign, feeding signs as well as information from Chauri sheds (The crosses of yak (Bos grunniens) and local hill cow (Bos indicus) and vice versa are called Chauri) sighted location was marked in GPS.

Interview with the Local people: Knowing the importance of herders in sharing the information or the conservation of Wood Snipe, Key Informant Interview (KII) was conducted with nine Chauri herders in the study area. Similarly, 26 informal interview was done with local people and hotel owner’s from Gosainkunda trekking area with specified questions about historical/recent presence, population sizes, their ecology, threats along with

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their perception to conserve the species. At the end of interview or KII, the importance of Wood Snipe and local community role in conservation of wood snipe was shared

Conservation Awareness: A poster which includes the conservation importance, conservation challenges, Conservation measures were highlighted along with conservation quotes was produced. These posters were distributed on different platforms to aware concerned stakeholders.

Community Awareness: Two community conservation awareness meetings and several focal group discussions were conducted at different hotels in the study area during the survey period. Conservation awareness meetings and Focus Group discussions were started with a brief introduction of the project followed by introduction of species, discussion on the anthropogenic threats to the species recorded in the past and current survey and our role and responsibility to conserve the species.

School Awareness Programme: School awareness program was intended to conduct in Thulo Safrubesi. Concerning to small student number in the school, the school Wood Snipe conservation awareness program was carried in the Rasuwa Secondary School reaching to higher number of students and teacher. The programme was conducted in the interactive method to engage them for two hours. This instruction methodology involves students with their active participation, creativity and learning with fun, i) all the students were provided with a piece of paper and instructed to draw a picture (Nature, , Plants) that is the best to them and keeping it secret. ii) Student was asked to unveil selected picture drawing it in white board (chart paper) respectively. In the end, the board will be filled with animals, plants and nature- a complete ecosystem iii) Awareness team will fill the board or chart paper by drawing targeted species of awareness followed with the explanation of habit, habitat, threats and efforts required for the conservation of the species.

Result dissemination: Project result was shared among the park staff of Lamtang NP.

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Results and discussion: Status and Distribution

During the spring of 2019 (May 25- August 10), 18 different calls were recorded from 9 different sites in the survey area. However, no call was heard from nine sites after dawn and dusk survey. Among 18 different calls, 12 calls were recorded from Lauribina area and six were recorded from Gosainkunda area (Annex 1). Thus, at least 18 Wood Snipe were present in the study area as there were a total of 18 calls. Talking with the local herders about the frequency of different calls and Wood Snipe area, our survey poorly represent the whole potential habitat of Snipe so there might be possibly more snipe in the region. The majority of calls were recorded from the North-west facing slope in Lauribina area, lies on the way to Gosainkunda area. This survey confirmed, Kharka area lies 720m north of Buddha Mandir was the important site where four different call was heard in three consecutive surveys. In our whole survey, seven Wood Snipe were sighted in seven different incidences. Among them four snipe was able to flush during the sweeping method by the team members and other three sighted by the herders during Chauri herding in our survey time (Figure 2).

Current survey identified that Wood Snipe was distributed from 3,800m elevation to 4535m elevation in the study area. However, KII and informal interviews with concerned stakeholders reported the occurrence of Wood Snipe in their village (Thulo Sapru) which lies around 2200m during the winter season. Additionally, sighting and Call of Wood Snipe was recorded from Fokrang area (2900m) at the beginning of breeding season. Fokrang area is one among spots where herders spend some time during the nomadic herding. Moreover, hotel owners and herders settled at Chandanbari (3300m) reported frequent listening of the call in their area during the breeding season. Moreover, a sheep herder from Yarsa Rural Municipality (RM) reported that he frequently listened the call of Wood Snipe while sheep herding rearing in the Langu area (above the Yarsa RM) and Ujali area (lies 1km far from Naukunda area). All the information indicate that the species descend down to lower elevation in the winter season but comes to higher elevation in the spring for the breeding purposes.

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Figure 2. A Wood Snipe distribution map in Lauribina and Gosainkunda and Associates lakes

In the May 2019 (breeding season),dawn call of Wood Snipe was started from just before the 0500hrs and dusk call was listened from 1804hr to till 0730hrs but using the playback call the species responded at late morning or day time. However, in the post breeding season, Snipe start dawn call as early as 0421hrs till 0449hrs with few calls were recorded till 0521hrs and dusk call started at 1916hrs listened till 1935hrs.

The current survey identified three probable locations where were used by the species for breeding purposes as large number of feathers of the Wood Snipe along with the dropping of Wood Snipe was recorded. Moreover, at least 36 locations were identified in Lauribina area where feeding sign of Wood Snipe on the Chauri dung was recorded (Figure 3).

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Figure 3. Feeding marking on the Chauri Dung by Wood Snipe

Local people and Wood Snipe

Herders and local people know about the Wood Snipe very well. They called it “Tele Chip-chip” (Tele: mud; Chip-chip- a way of feeding) means feeding in the muddy area in Tamang language. It was common among the local people due to the following facts a) the species has the distinct call b) it gives early call and latest in the evening among other birds in the region although Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasant were other distinct dawn calling birds and c) long beak and d) species shared common habitat with Chauri and so frequently encounters the species during herding.

Moreover, among the Key Informant Interview (KII) with Chauri-herders and local Hotel owners, 87% people know about the species if we asked by its local name Tele Chip-chip while 68% people know by its call while 56% recognize the species in photo-elicitation, but their response fluctuate if two species Wood Snipe and Eurasian Snowcock shown together. However none of the responded know about its conservation status and Nepali and English name. Among the KII, 77% responded by the population is declining in the area as frequency of call listened

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in recent years so as the sighting of the species. The region behind the decline is unknown although around 40% people blame the heavy snowfall in the recent years. Similarly among the 29 local peoples, 62% respondents could recognize the species correctly (with local name) while 52% think that species has declined in the past few years.

Figure 4 Heavy snowfall covers the whole habitat of Wood Snipe in Lauribina area (April, 2019). The snow remains for more than a month and local people believe that heavy snow is one of the prime reason for declining number of Wood Snipe (Photo by Romit Tamang)

Habitat of Wood Snipe:

In Lauribina area, Wood Snipe were recorded in between 3,800m to 4400m elevation in alpine pasture land dominated mostly by the Dwarf Rhododendron Rhododendron anthopogon, Pinky Scaly Rhododendron Rhododendron lepidotum and Snow Rhododendron Rhododendron nivale along with juniper, seasonal plant and grasses. More than 70 % (the grids on which call was heard) ground has been covered by the vegetation in the Lauribina area along with presence of significant area covered by rock boulders and exposed rocks. Most of the suitable habitat of Wood Snipe lies West and North-West facing aspect with a slope of 30-45 degree.

In Lauribina, a brook and a patch of marshland lies in between Maya hotel and Brana area where local herders regularly see the species feeding on the marshland during the month of September during sheep herding. Similarly, a permanent stream flows in the Brana area (where a group of six Chauri Shed lies) with the swampy area, however, no any Wood Snipe was seen or recorded during the survey or by the local people though flight call of Wood Snipe listen each morning and evening in the region. Most of the grids, there wasn’t any permanent stream and neither marshland although monsoon rain makes the whole area wet. Although

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no significant collection of NTFPs were recorded in the area, grazing intensity were high as seen by the dung and trampling in whole area.

Figure 5 A habitat of Snipe covered by the rhododendron scrub and rock boulders, feeding ground for the Chauri during our survey in two different incidences Wood Snipe was flush from the same area

Symbiotic relation-ship (Commensalism) between Wood Snipe and Chauri Altogether 11 Chauri Sheds were present in the Lauribina-Brana-Buddha Mandir area (Lauribina area). However, no Chauri Shed was recorded in Goshainkunda area though temporary Sheep Shed has been found in this area. Each Chauri shed has an average of 35 Chauri, accounting approximately 385 Chauri in the habitat of Wood Snipe in Lauribina area. In Lauribina area, these cattle shed reach around July and stay till September enjoying grasses of the alpine pastureland. Most of the Chauri and sheep herders in the Lauribina area, have seen the species frequently because each morning and evening they birng 20-30 Chauri back to their shed for the milking purposes and after milking they are sent back to the new area for grazing in the pastureland. During this process, herders chase Chauri to move fast which helps to flush the hidden species from Rhododendron scrubs. Though studies about detail food habits of the species are yet to be done, it is said that species feed upon small worms, small aquatic insects and grubs and also seeds (Baral et al., 1996). However, the current study, identified that the species may feed upon larvae present in the pile of dung of Chauri. Different types of flies laid eggs on dung piles. Eggs then are hatched and developed into larvae. These larvae are one of the important sources of protein for Wood Snipe and its chicks during the breeding season.

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Figure 6 Two different flies feeding and laying eggs on the Chauri Dung (Left) and larvae developed after a week

Figure 7 Feeding Mark of Wood Snipe (left) and Himalayan Pheasant (right)

Feeding sign with claw mark has been seen in most of the dung (a week older) while fresh dung were without any sign of feeding Snipe. During our survey, a herder at Kharka saw the Wood Snipe feeding on the dung at 0725 hrs but conceals into the rhododendron scrub as soon as herder approaches. According to locals, early winter (month of October) is the best time to observe the Wood Snipe. In this time, Chauri shed moves to the lower elevation keeping the area free of any disturbances. Local people have seen Wood Snipe feeding on the piles of dungs in the Chauri Shed where inside the dry dung larvae and grub was found. Moreover, Wood Snipe is also regularly seen in the marshy area feeding on macroinvertebrates.

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Figure 8 Habitat of Wood Snipe in Brana Area, alpine Meadow, and temporary Chauri shed along with Mt. Langtang Lirung (23,734 ft) in the horizon.

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Nesting sites and selection:

In our survey, two potential previously used nesting sites of Wood Snipe were recorded. Large numbers of feathers and piles of dropping suggested that these sites were used for nesting purposes by Wood Snipe. In both sites, surrounding areas were covered more than 70% rhododendron scrub, and no nesting materials were used although both sites were chosen below the bouldered rock keeping the area drier than surrounding areas.Moreover, Local Chauri herders have seen the nest of the species below the boulders rocks in between rhododendron scrub, without any nesting material four years back with three white eggs. Moreover, in the area like in Forkang and Chandanbari (Forested area), they have seen the nest on the shed or cavities of Blue Pine Pinus wallichiana on the ground although the information needs to be verified by the field survey to these areas.

Figure 9 Feathers collected form the nesting sites and dropping with feathers from Lauribina area

Threats During the pre-breeding season, Wood Snipe habitats in Lauribina area were free from the seasonal grazing but herding starts in these areas after July each year and remains till September. During the herding period, around 385 Chauri ruled the pastureland which may affect the breeding success of Wood Snipe due to the fact that these species make nest in the rhododendron scrub. Moreover, chasing Chauri to run towards their respective shed during the milking could destroy the nest as well as small chicks. However, in the post-breeding season, Wood Snipe have commensalism relationship with Chauri as they feed on the larvae on the Chauri dung. According to Khatiwoda et al. (2010), tourism is considered as the potential threats to the snipe. Although habitat of Wood Snipe in Lauribina is located in the trekking route, our survey suggests that there were no significant threats to the Snipe as most of the trekkers only follow the trekking route within entering the snipe habitat. Moreover, they are one of the difficult species to detect as the species inconspicuous except during drumming display or chipping calls in the dawn and dusk. One of the potential threat associated with tourism could be collection of

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grasses from the wood snipe habitat. During the time of Pilgrimage festival (Janaipurnima), a temporary tea houses (or shelter area) was constructed to provide accommodation to the pilgrims. Around 24 temporary shelters were constructed at Buddha Mandir area which was identified as the best sites for the species from our survey. Each shelter collects the grasses from the Wood Snipe area to cover the wet ground inside the shelter in the post breeding of Snipe. According to local Pasang Tamang, saw the Snipe with two chicks on the ground cover with grasses and rhododendron scrub while collecting dry grasses. Killing of the species is prohibited by their religion, however lack of knowledge among the local herders or hotel owners could have impacted the species as a boy working in the Maya hotel collected two chicks from the nest of snipe though it was released instantly after being scolded by the hotel owners during our survey.

Figure 10 Buddha mandir (13,877 ft) with temporary tea houses and shelter area during Janaipurnima festival

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Community Awareness

A thousand copies of “Wood Snipe” Conservation poster were produced. The poster has the information message of the importance of conservation, conservation challenges and steps to conserve the species.

Figure 11 Conservation poster

Littérateur century personality and culture expert Mr. Satya Mohan Joshi, promoting the poster on Environment Day, 2019. The event was organized to build support for pro-environment measures; at least 2,000 people participated.

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Figure 12 Poster was released during the World Environment day in front of at least 2,000 people working in the Environment day.

Key Information survey and project briefing was conducted with the staffs of Lamtang National park on the occasion 2019 wildlife Week. Poster was distributed and displayed in the route of Dhunche Goshainkunda Trek.

Figure 13 Information sharing and distribution of Poster to the staff of Lamtang NP

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Conservation Awareness Programme:

Altogether six conservation door-to-door conservation campaigns were done among the local Chauri headers. Informal discussion was carried to gather information regarding the species followed by sharing the conservation importance of Wood Snipe and their role in the conservation of the species.

Figure 14 Door-to-door conservation awareness in the Chauri Shed

One and half hour’s conservation campaign was conducted among the eighteen local people from ThuloSaprubesi in Goshainkunda area (4300m asl). Gathering these people was a big challenge but all the local people gathered at 3rd of August to clean Goshainkunda temple and preparing temporary shop for the pilgrim who visits the area during the Janaipurnima festival. Moreover half an hour awareness programme was conducted in lauribina area among 11 people. Both conservation programs were started with a brief introduction followed by the purpose of the study. All the informations regarding wood snipe were collected from the participants followed by information regarding conservation importance, challenges and community and Chauri headers role in conservation of the species. Moreover, a discussion was carried out for the possibility of Wood Snipe based eco- tourism that can be promoted as Red Panda in Lamtang area.

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Figure 15 Community conservation awareness in the Gosainkunda area (14573 ft) and Lauribina (12998 ft)

Securing the future of the wood snipe conservation in its habitat, two hours school awareness program in Rasuwa secondary School, Dhunche was conducted on August 7, 2019. A total of 40 students of grade 8 were acquainted with Wood snipe since this particular bird was not noticed by student before. Students were provided knowledge on Wood Snipe habit, habitat and distribution through interactive method. Moreover, a frame of Wood Snipe poster was prepared and provided to school.

Figure 16 School awareness programme, poster was mounted and provided to the School

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Figure 17 Group photo with the participant involving school awareness programme

All the results and recommendation from the research were shared among the staff of Lamtang National Park on 7th August 2019.

Figure 18 Result dissemination among the staff of Lamtang National park

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Conclusion Majority of Wood Snipe habitat lies in the Lauribina area (Lauribina-Brana- Buddha Mandir area) rather than Gosainkunda area, the area was overlooked in the 2007 survey. The breeding ground of Wood Snipe lies between 3800m to 4414m in alpine pasture land dominated mostly by the Rhododendron scrub interspersed with rock boulders. According to local, Wood Snipe do migration as the species was seen in lower elevation (up to 2200m) in the winter season. The species prepared nest underneath the rock boulders in the area covered by rhododendron scrub. Although there is no direct evidences, grazing during the breeding season might affect the breeding success of species though the species get diet from the larvae found in dung inpost-breeding season. Although the Wood Snipe was common among the local herders, lack of conservation knowledge could impact the species so conservation awareness along with capacity building could be helpful for the survival of species in the region.

Recommendation: Detailed survey on the ecology and interaction of Wood Snipe with the grazing is necessary.

Survey on the lower elevation during the winter season will be helpful to understand the species movement along with satellite tagging to the species to understand the migration pattern along with the ecology of the species.

Conservation awareness among the local people especially Chauri herders is of utmost need as they can be guardians of the Wood Snipe conservation.

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Reference BirdLife International (2020) Species factsheet: Gallinago nemoricola. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 30/04/2020. Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2020) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 30/04/2020

Buckton, S. and Morris, P. (1993) Observations of Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola in Nepal. Oriental BirdClub Bull. 17: 31–35.

Inskipp C., Baral H. S., Phuyal S., Bhatt T. R., Khatiwada M., Inskipp, T, Khatiwada A., GurungS., Singh P. B., Murray L., Poudyal L. and Amin R. (2016) .The status of Nepal's Birds: Thenational red list series. Zoological Society of London, UK.

Khatiwada, J. R., Chaudhary, H., Ghimire, D., Thakuri, J. J., Chalise, M.K., and Kyes, R.C. (2010) Conservationstatus of Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola in Langtang National Park. Danphe 19(1): 6-8.

Mool, P., Bajracharya K., Samjwal R. and Joshi S.P., 2002. Inventory of Glaciers, GlacialLakes and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, Monitoring and Early Warning systems in the HinduKush-Himalayan Region, Nepal. ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal.

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Annex Small lakes in the east of Gosainkunda lake

S. Day Day Day N. X Y Elev. Site 1st 2 3 Survey date Post-breeding 1 28.09171 85.38691 3987 550m east of Maya Hotel 1 2 2 season Post-breeding 2 28.08722 85.39014 4228 Buddha Mandir 3 3 3 season Post-breeding 3 28.08943 85.39813 4288 850 N east of Buddha mandir 2 2 1 season

4 28.083372 85.40578 4346 Bhairab Kunda 1 1 0 Breeding season Small lake East of 5 28.077589 85.41794 4414 Gosainkunda 2 2 2 Breeding season

6 28.0594 85.39285 4347 Naukunda 2 2 2 Breeding season Post-breeding 7 28.08952 85.39574 4201 Kharka 3 4 3 season Post-breeding 8 28.089017 85.38445 4044 550m west of Buddha Mandir 2 2 2 season Post-breeding 9 28.095955 85.39007 3894 Brana Area 1 1 1 season

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Annex 2. Permission letter from Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation

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Annex 3. Permission letter from Lamtang National Park and letter of completion of School awareness programme

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Photoplates

Left: First field expedition team (Mohan, Dhiraj, Hari, Deelip and Romit), Right: Second field expedition team (Mohan, Tejab, Hari and Romit)

Left: Brana pasture area with Langtang Lurung and LangtangRi in background, Right: Buddha Mandir and Lauribina area pasture land, the area is dominated by rhododendron scrub and rock boulders (the habitat of Wood Snipe).

Small lakes in the east of Gosainkunda lake

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Left: BhairabKunda lies just below the main lake Gosainkunda, during the breeding season drumming call of Snipe can be heard from the hotel from Gosainkunda; Right: Phedi area, habitat of Wood Snipe where a photo was taken back to 1990.

Left: Field survey helped by the local herders in the Buddha Mandir area where he saw the Snipe feeding on the Chauri dung Right: Micro-climate is quite fluctuate in the alpine zone, most of the survey time is covered by the fog providing some window time to do the sweeping survey.

Snowfall in the Gosainkunda area during survey in the Phedi area.

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Left: Chauri feeding on the habitat of Wood Snipe; Right: Chauri in the shed in the morning for milking purposes

Left: local herders in Buddha Mandir showing the Wood Snipe feeding site Right: Herder from Lauribina area demonstrating the feeding sign of Wood Snipe

Camping site in the Brana area

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