HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE Areas (Hcvas) of PARRERA FOREST SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT PROJECT

HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE AREAs (HCVAs) OF UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME PARRERA FOREST SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT PROJECT

HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE AREAs (HCVAs) OF PARRERA FOREST

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART-I ...... 1

1. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT ...... 2

1.1 Introduction: ...... 2

1.2 Brief Description of Scrub Forest Area in Salt Range ...... 2 1.2.1 Sub-Tropical Evergreen Thorn (Scrub) Forests in Punjab ...... 2 1.2.2 Chakwal ...... 5

PART-II ...... 8

1.3. Brief Description Of Parrera Forest ...... 9 1.3.1 Location of Parrera Forest: ...... 9 1.3.2 Climate of Parrera Forest:...... 9 1.3.3 Soil of Parrera Forest: ...... 9 1.3.4 Flora and Fauna of Parrera Forest: ...... 10 1.3.5 Legal Position of Parrera Forest: ...... 11

2. ACTIVITY PLAN UNDER SFM PROJECT ...... 12

3. METHODOLOGY ...... 13

4. HIGH CONSERVATIVE VALUE AREA (HCVA) ...... 15

4.1 Importance of Salt Range for High Conservation Value Area(HCVA) ...... 16

4.2 Parrera Importance w.r.t High Conservation Value Area(HCVA) ...... 17

5. IDENTIFICATION OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUES W.R.T FLORA ..... 18

AND FAUNA ...... 18

6. ANALYSIS AND MAPPING OF HCVA OF FLORA AND FAUNA ...... 20

6.1 Flora Distribution ...... 20 6.1.1 Flora Spread and HCVA...... 21

6.2 Fauna Distribution ...... 22 6.2.1 Point density of Fauna ...... 23 6.2.2 Corridor of Fauna ...... 25

6.3 Key Indicator Species for High Conservation Value Area ...... 26 6.3.1 Urial ...... 26

6.3.2 Partridge...... 29 6.3.3 Chinkara Deer ...... 31

7. RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 34

REFERENCES ...... 47

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Scrub Forests Administrative Divisions ...... 3 Figure 1.2: SFM Project Sites ...... 6 Figure 1.3Pictorial View of Flora and Fauna in Chakwal ...... 7 Figure 1.4: Pictorial View of Flora in Parrera Forest Area ...... 10 Figure 1.5: Parrera Forest in Chakwal Division ...... 11 Figure 3.1: Flowchart of Methodology ...... 14 Figure 5.1: Pictorial View of Flora in Parrera Forest ...... 18 Figure 5.2 Pictorial View of Fauna in Parrera Forest ...... 19 figure 6.1: Flora Species Distribution in Parrera Forest ...... 20 Figure 6.2 Flora High Conservation Value Area of Parrera Forest ...... 21 Figure 6.3: Fauna Species Distribution in Parrera Forest ...... 22 Figure 6.4: Point Density of Fauna in Parrera Forest ...... 24 Figure 6.5 Corridor of Fauna in Parrera Forest ...... 25 Figure 6.6:Distribution of Urial in Parrera Forest ...... 26 Figure 6.7: Point Density of Urial in Parrera Forest ...... 27 Figure 6.8: Corridor of Urial in Parrera Forest ...... 28 Figure 6.9: Distribution of Partridge in Parrera Forest ...... 29 Figure 6.10: Point Density of Partridge in Parrera Forest ...... 30 Figure 6.11: Distribution of Chinkara Deer in Parrera Forest ...... 31 Figure 6.12: Point Density of Chinkara Deer in Parrera Forest ...... 32 Figure 6.13: Corridor of Chinkara Deer in Parrera Forest ...... 33

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1:Scrub Forests in Northern Punjab ...... 3 Table 1.2: Abstract of Scrub Areas In Northern Punjab ...... 4 Table 1.3: Scrub Forest Area (Ac) In Chakwal ...... 5 Table 1.4: Sustainable Forest Management Sites of Forests in Chakwal ...... 7 Table 1.5: Abstract of Parrera Forest Area (Ac) ...... 9 Table 2.1: SFM Project Activity Plan ...... 12 Table 4.1: HCVA Categories ...... 15 Table 4.2: Flora Species in Parrera Forest ...... 17 Table 4.3: Fauna Species in Parrera Forest ...... 17 Table 5.1: Tree Species in Parrera Forest ...... 18 Table 5.2: Shurbs Species in Parrera Forest ...... 18 Table 5.3:Mammals Species in Parrera Forest ...... 19 Table 5.4: Reptiles and Amphibian Species in Parrera Forest ...... 19 Table 5.5 : Birds Species in Parrera Forest ...... 19

PART-I

1. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT 1.1 Introduction:

Sustainable Forest Management Project (SFM) objectives are biodiversity conservation including corridors, water development, Climate Change mitigation and ecotourism includes trophy hunting of Urial. The activities proposed for the project include protection of stocked and under-stocked forests for enhancement of carbon stock, avoidance of deforestation and forest degradation; biodiversity conservation; reforestation of under-stocked and blank areas by seed sowing and planting of seedlings in trenches and pits (for Rainwater Harvesting) under dry forestation techniques; involvement of communities through social organization, awareness raising, capacity building, soil conservation through bio-engineering techniques, construction of stock water ponds, paths and fire lines, removal of exotic plants like Prosopis (mesquite), preparation and implementation of ecosystem based landscape management plans focused on SFM, biodiversity preservation and climate change mitigation/carbon sequestration, and assessment of carbon stocks and trading of carbon credits.

1.2 Brief Description of Scrub Forest Area in Salt Range

1.2.1 Sub-Tropical Evergreen Thorn (Scrub) Forests in Punjab

The salt range is the most important hill range in the country, owing to the large deposits of rock-salt at its lowest, bottom rock containing large beds of pure common salt, all throughout its extent. The Salt Range is a hill system in the Punjab province of Pakistan, deriving its name from its extensive deposits of rock salt. The range extends along the south of the Pothohar Plateau and the North of the Jhelum River.in east-west, the salt range start from Jhelum district along the bank of river and enter chakwal district at south-west corner with altitude of 250- 1600m. The Salt Range contains the great mines of Khewra, Kalabagh and Warcha. Sakesar hills being the highest range and its adjoining areas of soan valley receive maximum rainfall because of its height. In Jhelum 22%, Chakwal 45%, Khushab23% and Mianwali 10% of the total area of ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ salt range is located between 32 23’ - 33 00’ N Latitude and 71 30’ - 73 30’E Longitude.

Figure 1.1: Scrub Forests Administrative Divisions The total area of Scrub Forest under forest department according to area statement in salt range is 577665 Ac.

Detail Area (Ac) of Scrub Forests in Northern Punjab Attock Chakwal Jhelum Murree Rawalpinidi Rawalpindi Khushab Mianwali Total Division Division Division Division South Division North Division Division Division

163249 143527 103879 11530 26878 25151 88668 14783 577665

Table 1.1:Scrub Forests in Northern Punjab

Scrub Forest mainly consists of low and scanty trees and shrubs of thorny species. These forests provided an ideal habitat to the wildlife of the area which seasonally migrated according to their needs. The soil of scrub biome is porous and light, unable to retain moisture or provide drainage. Large area of Scrub Forest is affected by small ravines and gullies throughout; it is scored by the deep beds of the mountains torrents. The best and most productive portions are those which lie under the watershed where there is large extent of levelled ground not troubled with ravines. Mostly there is rainfall in the months of July, August and February. The Average minimum temperature is 1◦C (January) and average maximum temperature is 36◦C (June).Most of the salt range is heavily salt infested as the water from brine springs deposits. The vegetation is not uniform and varies both in composition and density. At present, the forest areas which are under legal status are the only sites where local flora is located. The natural Vegetation of the area is mainly comprised of Acacia Modesta and Capparis Aphylla and the third, dominating species is Gymnosporia Royleana.On the foothills of the tract, natural regeneration of Dalbeergia sissoo can be observed. The Scrub Forest has areas rich in biodiversity and has a number of protected areas. On the northern side of the range, irrigated agriculture is practised. In contrary, on the southern side of the range, the area falls in between Tilla and Jalalpur Forest.

Abstract of Scrub Areas In Northern Punjab Gross Area Planted Total blank Plantable Un- Others Blank Plantable blank 577665 420761.01 156903.99 76264.689 78301 2337.621

Table 1.2: Abstract of Scrub Areas In Northern Punjab Scrub Forests have a varied and abundant wildlife species. It provides habitat for various mammals, small mammals, birds’ amphibians and reptiles. Punjab Urial and Chinkara are important herbivores in these forests. Chukar, See-see, Grey and black partridges are in plenty due to nature of vegetation and topography, which has been over hunted in the past and led to make reduction in the numbers and restrictions of the range of most species. The Range has one National Park (Chinji), five game reserves (Namal Lake, Ucchali Lake, Kallar Kahar, Diljabba- Domeli, Rasool Barrage) additional one private Game Reserve named Kalabagh) and five wildlife sanctuaries (Chumbi Surla, Jahlar Lake, Sodhi, Khabekki Lake and Kundal Rakh) in order to conserve the globally significant biodiversity. Some of these protected areas such as Ucchali, Jahlar and Khabbeki lakes are also international recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971, because these provide important habitat to a wide variety of waterfowl species. 4

The areas have rich ecological and historical heritage. Within the Salt Range lies Takh – e- Babari (the Seat of Emperor Babar), passage of Alexender the Great and Shrine of the grandson of Muslim Saint Abdul Qadir Gilani, Katas and fort such as Rohtas, Malot, Kafirkot. Administratively, most of the forests in the landscape fall in the districts of Jhelum and Chakwal. These ranges are very rich in limestone, clay, coal, rock salt, gypsum and dolomite. 1.2.2 Chakwal

Chakwal is located in the Dhanni Region of the Potohar in northern Punjab, Pakistan. Its landscape features the canyons in Thirchak-Mahal and comprises of sub-tropical broadleaved evergreen thorn (scrub) forests. District border link with district like Rawalpindi and Attock in the north, Jhelum in the east, Khushab in the South and Mianwali in the west as shown in figure 1.1

Detail of Scrub Forest Area (Ac) In Chakwal Un-Plantable Gross Area Planted Total Plantable Blank Others Blank Blank

143527 108731 34796 11162 23598 35.59

Table 1.3: Scrub Forest Area (Ac) In Chakwal Soil of Chakwal is not so pure, being mixed with shale, clay or sand, weathering produces some insoluble matters which produces small amount of soil. The soil in the limestone portions although thin and shallow, is fertile due to nutritive property of calcium carbonate. Generally, the vegetation comprises of thorny and branchy trees with different densities ranging from complete crown with considerable coverage with shrubs and grasses. The main scrub forests in salt range of Chakwal are Diljabba, Surla, Samarkand,Chinji, Drangan, Noorpur ,Ghandal and Dalwali.The major protected areas in the district are also present in the aforementioned scrub forests. The Chinji forest was declared as National Park in 1984.

Figure 1.2: SFM Project Sites

The total area of the landscape under Sustainable Forest Management Project is 20,000 ha, out of which 7,859 ha is forested and owned by the state, and 6,672 ha in the outer landscape is private land, including cultivation (1,752 ha) and pastures and settlements 5,469 ha over communal lands.

S.No Name of Circle Name of Division Forest Name Total area 1 Range Management Chakwal Ara Reserve 4,270ha Circle RM Forest Diljaba Reserved 2 Rawalpindi Circle Chakwal Forest 2,280 ha 3 Rawalpindi Circle Chakwal Parrera Reserve 1,309 ha Forest Total Area 7,859 ha

Table 1.4: Sustainable Forest Management Sites of Forests in Chakwal

The following is the description of biological diversity in Scrub Forests of chakwal, giving brief account of major trees, shrubs grasses, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, birds and fish of the area. Flora species include Acacia modesta, Olea ferruginea syn cuspidata, Capparis aphylla, Butea frondosa, Tecoma spp., Pistacia integerima, Prosopis glandulosa, Morus alba, Ficus bengalensis, Dalbergia sissoo; and shrub species are Calatropis procera, Adhatoda vesica, Nerium oleander,Withiana spp. Zizyphus nummularia, Dodonea sissoo, Gymnosporea royaleana.Fana Species include Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis), Chinkara (Gazella gazelle), Wolf (Canis lupus), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus), Yellow Throated Marten (Martes flavigula), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Cape Hare (Lepus capensis), Fruit Bat (Pteropus giganteus), Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis), Punjab Snake- eyed Lacerta (Ophisops jerdonii), Rope Snake (Ptyas mucosus).

Figure 1.3Pictorial View of Flora and Fauna in Chakwal 7

PART-II

1.3. Brief Description Of Parrera Forest

Total area under the forest is 1,309 ha. This forest comes under category 1 due to its good vegetation cover. The forest is characterized by conspicuous erosion at south-east edges i.e. due to cement factories, gullies and deep ravines. Weathering of sandstone has created small areas of infertile soils which supports only limited vegetation. Habitat is blooming at northern site as compared to southern site, because of numerous water points at northern site and centre. Currently, the forest cover is confined to state owned forests in the Salt Range.

1.3.1 Location of Parrera Forest:

Parrera Forest is situated in District Chakwal. It is located at 32.783255 North Latitude and 73.143498 East Longitude.

Gross Total Plantable Un-Plantable blank Others Area Planted Blank Blank

3264 3264 0 0 0 0

Table 1.5: Abstract of Parrera Forest Area (Ac) 1.3.2 Climate of Parrera Forest: The climate of the tract is of extremes. In winter it is very cold and in summer it is very hot. Maximum temperature goes up to 46°C in June. In the 20 years, average the maximum temperature is 43.1oC. The minimum temperature frequently drops below 0°C in the month of January and occasionally in December and February. Last 20 years data indicates that more than 50 per cent of the total rain falls in three months of July (120 mm) August (177mm) and September (75mm). The second period of rainfall is January (34 mm), February (53mm) and March (57 mm). The months of October (21 mm), November (8 mm) December (20 mm) and April ¬(41 mm) May (27 mm) and June (84 mm) are mostly dry.Water from these springs is used for irrigation purpose. This is largely due to reduction of vegetative cover caused by large scale grazing and browsing both in private waste lands and Government forests and also due to indiscriminate cutting of trees from private lands for sale.

1.3.3 Soil of Parrera Forest:

Weathering of sandstone produces very poor and infertile soil which can support only a very poor type of vegetation. Where rock is not so pure is being mixed with shale, clay or sand. Weathering produces insoluble matters which produces small amount of soil. The soil in the lime

9 portions although thin and shallow, is fertile due to properties of calcium carbonate. Infertile red marl is exposed at numerous places due to erosion and steep geological tilt.

1.3.4 Flora and Fauna of Parrera Forest:

Plantation is Phulai (Acacia modesta) and Kau (Olea cuspidata); Sinatha (Dodonea viscosa) and Behkair are the other major species of significance. Other noticeable species are Sheesham, Kikar, Farash, Boor, chachara and Kanir. Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis), Chinkara (Gazella gazelle), Wolf (Canis lupus), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Yellow Throated Marten (Martes flavigula), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Cape Hare (Lepus capensis), Fruit Bat (Pteropus giganteus), Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis), Punjab Snake-eyed Lacerta (Ophisops jerdonii), Rope Snake (Ptyas mucosus).Owing to vegetation cover, the primary wildlife of the area is found more frequent in these areas.

Figure 1.4: Pictorial View of Flora in Parrera Forest Area

Figure 1.5: Parrera Forest in Chakwal Division 1.3.5 Legal Position of Parrera Forest:

Area of Parrera forest 3264acres was declared as reserved forest under Punjab government notification No. 351, dated 21 august 1882.

2. ACTIVITY PLAN UNDER SFM PROJECT

Sr.No Activity Action 1 Activity Action 1: Boundary demarcation of Demarcate boundary of different different forest categories within HCVA. categories of forest including reserved, protected, guzara and HCVA.

Table 2.1: SFM Project Activity Plan

3. METHODOLOGY

Demarcation of High Conservation Value Areas(HCVAs) is performed using geospatial Techniques. The demarcation methodology is divided into three major sections as illustrated in flowchart as shown in figure 3.1.

3.1. Identification of High Conservative Value Area (HCVA)

Conservation Value Areas (HCVA) are identified by collecting points of flora and fauna using GPS in the field survey along with consultation of field staff. These points are mapped on satellite imagery using Arcmap.

3.2. Analysis

Point analysis and directional distribution analysis are used for the computation of density, spatial extent and movement trend of fauna. Flora density is calculated by drawing polygons on the basis of points collecting in filed survey.

3.3. Mapping of High Conservation Value Area(HCVA)

After data preparation and GIS analysis, maps are prepared to demarcate High Conservation Value Areas (HCVA) in the Parrera Forest.

Identification of High Conservative Value Area (HCVA)

Fauna(Points) Flora(Points)

Analysis

Directional Point Density Distribution

Mapping of HCVA

Fauna Flora

Figure 3.1: Flowchart of Methodology

4. HIGH CONSERVATIVE VALUE AREA (HCVA)

High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs) are natural habitats, which are of outstanding significance or critical importance due to their high biological, ecological, social or cultural values. All natural habitats possess inherent conservation values, including the presence of rare or endemic species, provision of ecosystem services, sacred sites, or resources harvested by local residents. The outcome of this component would be the prioritization of areas within the landscape that are critical or important for either the conservation of species, their populations and habitats and the conservation of representative forest cover in the landscapes, climate mitigation and maintenance of essential ecosystem functions (UNDP, 2017).There are six main types of Values used to define High Conservation Value (HCVAs) . The criterions for the demarcation of High Conservation Value (HCVAs) are given in table 4.1 below:

Sr.NO Category Criterion 1 HCV1 Forest area containing globally, regionally or nationally significant concentration of biodiversity values (e.g. endemism, endangered species, refugia) 2 HCV2 Forest area containing globally, regionally or nationally significant large landscape level forests contain within, or containing, the management unit, where viable populations of most if not all natural occurring species exist in natural patterns of distribution and abundance 3 HCV3 Forest areas that are in or contain rare, threatened or endangered ecosystem 4 HCV4: Forest areas that provide basic services of nature in critical situations(e.g. watershed protection, erosion control) 5 HCV5 Forest areas fundamental to meeting basic needs of local communities (e.g. subsistence, health) 6 HCV6 Forest areas critical to local communities traditional cultural identity (areas of cultural, ecological, economic or religious significance identified in cooperation with such local communities

Table 4.1HCVA Categories

4.1 Importance of Salt Range for High Conservation Value Area(HCVA)

The salt range is rich in both flora and fauna. There are various habitats for the development of plants communities and grasses that form dominant vegetation over extensive area and show great adoptability for life under very diverse ecological conditions, while different plant species have evolved character of drought and salinity tolerance. The Salt Range is an important wintering ground of number of migratory birds. The addition of migratory birds with the resident species has made the range rich in biodiversity. Unfortunately, due to certain adverse reasons the population of migratory birds has been affected negatively. As a result, some of very important species have either declined or have become endangered. Salt range has a varied and abundant wildlife species in the historic times. It provides habitat for various mammals, small mammals, birds amphibians and reptiles. Punjab Urial and Chinkara are important carnivores. Chukar, See-see, grey and black partridges were in plenty due to nature of vegetation and topography, which has been over hunted in the past and led to make reduction in the numbers and restriction of the range of most species. In order to conserve the globally significant biodiversity of the salt range, one national park, five wildlife sanctuaries and two game reserves have been established.

Extinction is a natural event and is a routine from geographical perspective. We know that most of the species that have ever lived have gone extinct. In modern era, due to human actions, species and ecosystems are threatened with destruction to an extent rarely seen in the past history. In a short period of time due to events of mass destruction many species have been threatened.

Over-hunting has been a significant cause of the extinction of hundreds of species and the endangerment of many more. Commercial hunting, both legal and illegal (poaching), is the principal threat. Another reason of extinction of species is habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are important causes of known extinctions. As deforestation proceeds in forests, this promises to become the main cause of mass extinctions caused by human activity. All species have specific food and habitat needs. Other factors including introducing invasive species, climate and pollution plays important role in biodiversity degradation.

4.2 Parrera importance with respect to High Conservation Value Area(HCVA)

Parrera is one of forest consider as rich in biodiversity in salt range. It has thick vegetation cover as wildlife dependent on vegetation cover for feeding and grazing. Due to illegal hunting and shooting causes threat to the wildlife species. Its endemic species is Urial which is rapidly decreasing due to illegal hunting. Other species, which are under threat, are partridge and Chinkara deer.

Therefore, conservation of this rich biodiversity area is required. Conservation is the protection, preservation, management, restoration of wildlife and natural resources such as forests and water. Through the conservation of its biodiversity, the survival of many species and habitats, which are threatened due to human activities, can be ensured.

The key indicator species for high conservation value areas(HCVA) regarding flora and fauna are given in table 4.2 and 4.3.

Sr.No Name 1. Phulai(Acacia Modesta) 2. Shisham( Dalbergia sissoo) 3. Kau(Olea Cuspidate)

Table 4.2: Flora Species in Parrera Forest

Sr.No Name 1. Urial 2. Chinkara Deer 3. Partridge

Table 4.3: Fauna Species in Parrera Forest

5. IDENTIFICATION OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUES W.R.T FLORA AND FAUNA

A survey was conducted with the help of field formation and GIS lab team for the identification of HCV area of fauna as well as flora. GPS Points and attribute data were taken for the tree species and Wildlife habitat. The list of flora and fauna found in Parrera Forest are as follows: Flora: Sr.No Name 1. Phulai(Acacia Modesta) 2. Shisham( Dalbergia sissoo) 3. Kau(Olea Cuspidate) 4. Kikar( Acacia karoo)

5. Bohar (Ficus Benghalensis)

6. Chachara(Butea Monosperma)

Table 0.1: Tree Species in Parrera Forest

Sr.No Name

1 Sinatha(Dodonea Viscosa)

2 Kanair(Nerium indicum)

Table 0.2: Shurbs Species in Parrera Forest

Kau and Sinatha Kikar Chachra

Figure 0.1: Pictorial View of Flora in Parrera Forest

Fauna:

Sr.No Name 1 Punjab Urial (Ovisvigneipunjabiensis) 2 Jackal (Canisaureus) 3 Pangolin (Pholidota) 4 Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) 5 Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) 6 Wild boar (Sus scrofa) 7 Wolf (Canis lupus) 8 Chinkara Deer (Gazella gazelle)

Table 0.3:Mammals Species in Parrera Forest

Sr.No Name 1 Snake (Serpentes) 2 Bengal Monitor(lizard)

Table 0.4: Reptiles and Amphibian Species in Parrera Forest

Sr.No Name 1 Common Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) 2 Partridge 3 Quail (Coturnix coturnix) 4 Russian pigeon 5 Wood pecker (Picidae)

Table 0.5 : Birds Species in Parrera Forest

Partridge Footprints Urial Jackal Footprints

Figure 0.2 Pictorial View of Fauna in Parrera Forest

6. ANALYSIS AND MAPPING OF HCVA OF FLORA AND FAUNA

The high conservation value areas with respect to flora and fauna were delineated using point density and Directional distribution analysis. Point density indicates the density as well as spatial pattern of fauna and flora. Directional distribution analysis describes the corridor of fauna, which delineate their movement. 6.1 Flora Distribution

Distribution of flora species were collected as points by using GPS, during the survey carried out by GIS lab team. Collected points depict the scattering of flora species. These points were mapped on satellite imagery. The distribution map of flora as shown in figure 6.1 describes the spatial spread of forest tree species. According to the map Kau(Olea Cuspidate) and Sinatha(Dodonea Viscosa) exist in north-east of the forest whereas Phulai(Acacia Modesta) and Sinatha(Dodonea Viscosa) are uniformly present in all around the forest.

Figure 6.1: Flora Species Distribution in Parrera Forest

6.1.1 Flora Spread and HCVA

Polygons were drawn to calculate the spread of flora species by using Arcmap software. According to map as shown in the figure 6.2; the total area of the forest is 3205.7 acres out of which 1580.77 acres has come under the high conservative value area w.r.t flora. Major tree species exist in the delineated HCVA are Kau (Olea Cuspidata), Phulai (Acacia Modesta) and Sinatha (Dodonea Viscosa). Grouping of Phulai (Acacia Modesta) and Sinatha (Dodonea Viscosa) has been found in in the north-east of the forest and the ratio of trees is approximately 50:50. Grouping of Kau (Olea Cuspidata) and Sinatha (Dodonea Viscosa) has been found in the rest of the forest and the ratio of the tree is approximately 70:30.

Figure 6.2 Flora High Conservation Value Area of Parrera Forest

6.2 Fauna Distribution

Distribution of fauna species were collected as points by using GPS, during the survey carried out by GIS lab team. Collected points portray the scattering of species around the forest. These points were display on satellite imagery by using Arcmap software. The distribution map of fauna as shown in figure 6.3 describes the spatial extent of fauna in the forest.

Figure 6.3: Fauna Species Distribution in Parrera Forest

6.2.1 Point density of Fauna

Point Density analysis was carried out to measure the density of biodiversity of the forest by using the GPS points collected during survey (see figure 6.3). The density map of biodiversity as shown in the figure 6.4 describes the compactness of wildlife habitat, it also indicates the area of high and low density of the fauna species as well as its spatial pattern. According to map as shown in the figure 6.4; north of the forest has higher density of the fauna. It is declared as high conservation value area (HCVA), perimeter of an area is approximately 6.42 km. This area is the natural habitat of Urial, black partridge and chukar partridge. Other noticeable specie has been found in this area is grey partridge. The map also describes the movement of these species, which could be north-east to north-west and vice versa. The reason of their is the presence of two water points in the north-east of the forest Another reason of their density is the dense vegetation exists in the north-west of the forest (See figure 6.2). Another high conservation value area (HCVA) also exist in the south of the forest, perimeter of an area is approximately 5.33km. This area is the natural habitat of chinkara deer; other noticeable specie has been found in this area is chukar partridge. The map also describes the movement of these species, which could be south to north and vice versa. The reason of their is the presence of two water points in the south-east of the forest and dense vegetation exists in the south or middle of the forest (See figure 6.2).

Figure 6.4: Point Density of Fauna in Parrera Forest

6.2.2 Corridor of Fauna

Directional Distribution analysis was carried out for mapping the corridor of fauna species by using the GPS points collected during survey (see figure 6.3).The overall fauna corridor map has shown in figure 6.5, it depicts the common movement trend of fauna. They move from north to south or vice versa, because of the presence of water channel and water point in the north of the forest.Another reason of their movement trend is the presence of dense vegetation in north-west of the forest and middle or south-east of the forest (see figure 6.2), which consider as their feeding and grazing area.

Figure 6.5 Corridor of Fauna in Parrera Forest

6.3 Key Indicator Species for High Conservation Value Area

The key indicator species for the High Conservation Value Area(HCVA) in Parrera Forest are Urial , chinkara deer and Partridge. 6.3.1 Urial Urial is endemic to salt range and comes under threatened species. Illegal hunting of urial threatened the species. Distribution of urial was collected as points by using GPS, during the survey carried out by GIS lab team. Collected points portray the scattering of species around the forest. These points were shown on satellite imagery by using Arcmap software. The distribution map of urial as shown in figure 6.6 which depicts the spread and natural habitat round the forest.According to the map Urial usually resides in north of the Parrera Forest. It usually lives near rounded stony hills with scattered vegetation of Acacia modesta and Olea ferruginea.

. Figure 6.6:Distribution of Urial in Parrera Forest

Point density analysis was carried out for computing the density of urial in the Parrera Forest as shown in figure 6.7. The corresponding map indicates the area of higher density of Urial and its spatial extent is approximately 5169.48 acres. According to the map north of the forest is their main habitat. One of the reason of their habitat is the presence of water points and water channel in both ends of the forest. Other reason is the presence of dense vegetation in north-west of the forest (see figure6.2) and many high boulders.

Figure 6.7: Point Density of Urial in Parrera Forest

The corridor map has shown in figure 6.8 demonstrates the natural movement trend of Urial. It consistently moves from east to west or vice versa and the perimeter of their trail is approximately 4.28km. One of the reasons of their location and movement is the presence of water points in north-east and water channels in the north-west and north-east of the forest. This area under comes under their corridor consider their main feeding and grazing area as this area; has rich vegetation cover (see figure 6.2). They graze in early morning and evening on grasses and preferred species are Elousine flagellifera and Cenchrus species, retreating to the shelter of bush studded ravines by the middle of the day.

Figure 6.8: Corridor of Urial in Parrera Forest

6.3.2 Partridge

As bird shooting is the common practice in the area. Partridge has become endangered species. It is rapidly decreasing as compared to last decades. That’s why it is consider for conservation to prevent its distinction.

Distribution of partridge was collected as points by using GPS, during the survey carried out by GIS lab team. Collected points portray the scattering of species around the forest. These points were shown on satellite imagery by using Arcmap software.The distribution map of partridge as shown in figure 6.9depicts the spread and natural habitat of Partridge round the forest. According to the map Partridge has found in all around the Parrera Forest as well as their major existence found in north-west and north-east of the forest. The categories of partridge found in the area are black, great, see see and chukar partridge (see annex1 and annex 2).

Figure 6.9: Distribution of Partridge in Parrera Forest

Point density analysis was carried out to compute the density of partridge in the Parrea Forest as shown in figure 6.10. The corresponding map indicates the area of higher density of Partridge and its spatial extent of habitat is approximately 7096.43km. According to the map partridge mostly resides in north-west and north-east of the Parrera Forest. The main reason of the presence is water points and water channels in both end of the forest. Other reason of the presence in a rich form is thick vegetation cover in the north –west of the forest (see figure 6.2). Their diet consists of grain, tender shoots of grass, food cropsgreen shoots and leaves, grass seeds and variety of insects and larvae.

Figure 6.10: Point Density of Partridge in Parrera Forest

6.3.3 Chinkara Deer

Distribution of Chinkara deer was collected as points by using GPS, during the survey carried out by GIS lab team. Collected points portray the scattering of species around the forest. These points were shown on satellite imagery by using Arcmap software. The distribution map of chinkara deer as shown in figure 6.11depicts the spread and natural habitat of Chinkara Deer round the forest. According to the below map chinkara deer usually lives in south-east of the Parrera Forest.

Figure 6.11: Distribution of Chinkara Deer in Parrera Forest

Point density analysis was carried out to compute the density of chinkara deer in the Parrea Forest as shown in figure 6.12. The corresponding map indicates the area of higher density of Chinkara Deer and spatial extent of its habitat is approximately 525.59 acres. According to the map chinkara deer mostly resides in south of the Parrera Forest. The main reason of the presence is water points and water channels in south-east of the forest. Other reason of the presence in a rich form is thick vegetation cover in the middle of the forest (see figure 6.2).

Figure 6.12: Point Density of Chinkara Deer in Parrera Forest

The corridor map has shown in figure 6.13 demonstrates the natural movement trend of Chinkara deer. Corridor of Chinkara deer describes the movement of Chinkra deer, it recurrently moves from south-west to south–east or vice versa and the perimeter of their trail is approximately 2.34km. One of the reasons of their location and movement is the existence of various water points and water channels in south-east and north of the forest. This area under comes under their movement consider their main feeding and grazing area as this area has rich vegetation cover (see figure 6.2). They feed on grass, leaves and wild fruits.

Figure 6.13: Corridor of Chinkara Deer in Parrera Forest

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Improve the connectivity corridors between protected areas through afforestation and community awareness for movement of wildlife for cross breeding and colonization into new areas.

2. High Conservation Value Areas should be notified.

3. Improve management of protected areas and the surrounding buffer zones and community forests that are embedded within the selected forest landscape.

4. Pre and post wildlife surveys should be conducted on regular basis to monitor the wildlife.

5. Water ponds should be constructed to prevent wildlife migration and mortality during drought seasons.

6. There should be development of management plans for the HCVFs as a part of the landscape management plan and also the mainstreaming of HCVFs management prescriptions in the forest working plans to ensure effective management of these high value conservation forests

7. Capacity building and training of both communities and forests and wildlife officials in the management of high conservation value forests and wildlife management practices.

8. Preparation of local level guidelines and field manuals, biodiversity friendly, Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) extraction, harvesting and processing guideline.

9. Promotion of sustainable ecotourism through print and electronic media and building the capacities of local communities to facilitate tourism.

10. Development of community controlled hunting area within the landscape, it will add value to conservation and financial assistance to local communities.

11. Agreements with the local communities be signed for sustainable use of forests and also to restrict grazing in the core zones.

Annex-I

Distribution Maps

(Black Partridge, See See Partridge, Grey Partridge, Chuakr Partridge)

Black Partridge:

The corresponding map given below depicts the spread and natural habitat of Black Partridge in round the forest. According to the below map Black Partrdige usually lives in north of the Parrera Forest.

See See Partridge:

The corresponding map given below depicts the spread and natural habitat of CC Partridge round the forest. According to the below map CC Partrdige found in both north and south of the Parrera Forest.

Chukar Partridge : The corresponding map given below depicts the spread of Chukar Partridge round the forest. According to the below map Chookar Partridge found in both north and south of the Parrera Forest.

Grey Partridge: The corresponding map given below depicts the spread of Grey Partridge round the forest. According to the below map Grey Partridge found in all around the Parrera Forest.

Annex-II

Point Density Maps

(Black Partridge, See See Partridge, Grey Partridge, Chuakr Partridge)

Black Partridge : The corresponding map given below indicates the area of higher density of black Partridge and its spatial extent of habitat is approximately 1253.32km. According to the map black partridge mostly resides in north of the Parrera Forest.

See See Partridge: The corresponding map given below indicates the area of higher density of See See Partridge and its spatial extent of north habitat is approximately 349.17 acres and spatial extent of south habitat is 551.584 acres. According to the map See See Partridge mostly resides in south of the Parrera Forest.

ChuKar Partridge:

The corresponding map given below indicates the area of higher density of Chukar Partridge and spatial extent of its habitat in north is approximately 1186.215 acres and spatial extent of its habitat is approximately 1372.96 acres. According to the map Chukar Partridge mostly resides in north of the Parrera Forest.

Grey Partridge: The corresponding map given below indicates the area of higher density of Grey Partridge and spatial extent of its habitat is approximately 5222.56 acres. According to the map Grey Partridge mostly resides in north- east of the Parrera Forest.

Annex-III

Tree Species

Annex-IV

Water Channels and Points

Annex-V

Wildlife Footprints and Habitat

(Jackal, Pig)

REFERENCES

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18. FSC. 2012 (October). Global FSC certifcates: type and distribution. https://ic.fsc.org/facts-fgures.19.htm 19. FSC Principles & Criteria v. 5.0 (2012) and FSC Principles & Criteria v. 4.0 (2002) https://ic.fsc.org/principles-and-criteria.34.htm 20. HCVRN. 2010 (September). Reviewing High Conservation Value reports: HCV Resource Network guidance for peer reviews of HCV assessment reports - Version 2.1. 21. Proforest. 2008a (July). Good practice guidelines for High Conservation Value assessments: A practical guide for practitioners and auditors 22. Proforest. 2008b (April). Assessment, management and monitoring of High Conservation Value Forest: A practical guide for forest managers 23. Proforest. 2003. Jennings, S., R. Nussbaum, N. Judd and T. Evans with: T. Azevedo, N.Brown, M. Colchester, T. Iacobelli, J. Jarvie, A. Lindhe, T. Synnott, C. Vallejos, A. Yaroshenko and Z. Chunquan. 2003 (December). The High Conservation Value Forest Toolkit. 24. Synnott, T. with M. Colchester, N. Dudley, N. Ghaffar, A. Gough, D. Hall, A. Lindhe, D.R. Muhtaman, J. Palmer, R. Robertson, G. Rosoman, C. Stewart, C. Thies and M. Tyschianouk.2012 (June).

Sustainable Forest Management Project “SFM” is to ensure multiple benefits in Pakistan’s high conservation value forests (SFM) project is a joint undertaking of the Ministry of Climate Change, Provincial Forests and Wildlife Departments, United National Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The objective of the project is to promote Sustainable Forest Management in Pakistan’s Western Himalayan Temperate Coniferous, Sub-tropical broad leaved evergreen thorn (Scrub) and the riverine forests for biodiversity conservation, mitigation of climate change and securing of forests ecosystem services. The project management and implementation Unit-Punjab (PMIU) operating through the office of Conservator of Forests, Development and Working Plan Circle.

Project Management & Implementation Unit- Sustainable Forest Management Project-Punjab, Office of the Conservator of Forests, Development & Working Plan Circle, 108-Ravi Road, Lahore Phone: +92 42 3710 3311, E-mail: [email protected]