Report on Wetlands Inventory of Chure Region (East of Narayani)

Submitted to The Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Coordination Unit, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Babhar Mahal Kathmandu

Prepared by Dr. Mohan Siwakoti Roshan Sherchan Tej Bahadur Basnet Lila Nath Sharma

July 2012 Executive Summary

Nepal houses several types of inland fresh water wetlands range from high altitudinal glacial lakes to hot springs, ponds, ox-bow lakes to river floodplains, marshes and swamps. Although, Nepal has no detail inventory of wetlands but a few studies show that most of the wetlands are distributed in high Himalayas (above 4000m) followed by Tarai, middle mountains (1100-3000m), high mountains (3000-4000m) and Chure region respectively. Chure/ Siwaliks region is the most water scarce zone of the country. However, the Chure region is the main source of water for the downstream Tarai, where over 50% population of the country resides. This region is popular for forest coverage with many valuable threatened flora and fauna. Due to loose sedimentary rock dominated by unconsolidated and porous rocks like sand, sandstone, boulders, pebbles, etc., the Chure area cannot retain the water. The Chure is regarded as youngest hills in the Himalayan system and more fragile in terms of its ongoing geological formation.

The slightly risen northern part of Tarai is considered as Bhawar region, a water recharge zone for Tarai. The Bhawar makes a transition zone between the steep northern Chure hills and southern alluvial land of Tarai. In Bhawar the rainfall during monsoon percolates down and emerges as springs and marshes along the northern edges of the Tarai, which are the main sources of water for irrigation the Tarai. The gently sloping valleys between the Chure hills and Mahabharat Lekh are known as Bhitri Madesh or Inner Tarai valley (Dun). The area of Bhawar, Chure hills and the Bhitri Madesh is considered as Chure area. The Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Implementation Guidelines 2068 B.S. (RCCPIG) also considered the area between the Tarai and the Mahabharat Lekh as a Chure area, which extends 33 districts and accounts to about 13 percent of total area of the country.

The conservation of the Chure landscape and its forest is very important to protect Tarai by reducing sedimentation and water shortage. Because of continue encroachment and irrational human activities in the Chure area leading to rapidly increased the landslides, soil erosion, floods, biodiversity loss, rapid spreading of invasive alien plant species as well as unsustainable water extraction and farming practices. Realizing the importance of Chure conservation the government of Nepal under the aegis of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation has been implementing the Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program (RCCP) since 2010 (2067/068 B.S.) and initiated various studies to understand the problems of the Chure area which makes a direct impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the Chure

I region. Realizing the gap of base line information to intervene the conservation and management initiatives, the present study to carry out the inventory of the wetlands of the Chure area (east of the Narayani) was undertaken.

The study was undertaken by a multidisciplinary team in the direction of the Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program (Coordination Unit). The information mentioned in the report is mainly collected from field study. The wetland sites located inside the protected areas are not incorporated in this report. The team explored the following 13 wetland sites of lacustrine and palustrine types located in the Bhawar to Chure hills and prepared a comprehensive inventory.

1. Halkhoria Daha

Halkhoria Daha is located in the Ratanpur VDC-1 & 2 of Bara District at an altitude of 160m. It is natural lake extends about 46 ha inside the dense tropical Sal mixed forest of Charkose Jhadi. It feeds by a Siran Khola, direct precipitation and seepages from adjoining Chure hills. It is an important waterhole including the wildlife of the Parsa Wildlife Reserve. The wetland is completely dried off. Siltation, succession, overgrazing, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources including NTFPs, forest fire, etc., are the major threats for the wetland. Renovation of the Daha and conservation of adjoining forest is urgent.

2. Baba Tal Baba Tal is situated in the Badaharamal VDC-2&3 of Siraha district at an altitude of 105m. It is a renovated wetland and has relatively a large open water body with small upstream wetland called Jordaha. It extends approximately 7 ha and is a good refuge of wildlife. Soil erosion, siltation/floods, invasive alien plant species etc., are the major threats of this wetland. It has been managed by the Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group. Maintenance of runoff harvesting dam and capacity building of local User’s group are needed.

3. Kamal Daha Kamal Daha is located at Fulbaria VDC- 1&2 of Siraha district at an altitude of 140m. It extends about 7.5 ha and feeds by a permanent ground spring (Jaruwa) and seepages from hills. It has been managed by Ghurmi Dada Community Forest User’s Group. Human activities like swimming, bathing, washing can be contributed to pollute the lake environment. Besides, unsustainable harvesting of resources, agricultural runoff such as chemical fertilizers

II and pesticides/ insecticides are the major threats for this wetland. Capacity building of local User’s is necessary for effective management of the wetland including local festival.

4. Devi Daha Devi Daha is a natural lake, situated at Taregana Govindapur-9 of Siraha district at an altitude of 115 m. The lake extends about 10 ha inside the Sal forest. Invasive alien plant species, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, overgrazing, siltation, agricultural runoff, etc., are the major threats of this wetland. Removal of invasive alien species and capacity building of local User’s group to manage the wetland is necessary.

5. Pathru Daha Pathru Daha is located in Sitapur VDC of Saptari district at an altitude of 130m. The small pond of about 1 ha feeds by an inflow that originates from the Chure hills. It has been managed by the Pathrudaha Community Forest User’s Group. Soil erosion and landslide in upstream, siltation/floods, invasive alien species and over exploiting of resources, etc., are the major threats. Bio-engineering practice is applied to control the soil erosion and silts. Plantation useful plants like bamboos around the pond and removal invasive alien species are needed.

6. Jandaul Pokhari The Jandaul ponds are located in the Jandaul - 6 & 7, Saptari district at an altitude of 130m. A series of four ponds constructed along the Banaha Khola, the larger one is about one hectare. The ponds are created to trap sand and silts to protect the downstream agricultural land from siltation. Soil erosion, excessive growth of invasive alien species, uncontrolled grazing, overfishing, etc., are the major threats of the wetland. It has been managed by the Harina Chure Community Forest User’s Group. Mainstreaming the wetland in Forest Operational Plan is essential.

7. Kamal Daha

Kamal Daha is a natural wetland located in the Kamalpur VDC of Saptari district at an altitude of 90m. The 3 ha large Daha lies amidst the Sal forest and agricultural land. A flood of 1987 degraded the lake filling with sand/ silt. It has been managed by the Grahmin Bikas Community Forest User’s Group. Rapid spread of invasive alien plant species, overgrazing, siltation, etc., are the major threats of the wetland. Maintenance, cleaning of invasive alien species and capacity building of local User’s group is needed.

III 8. Bagh Jhora Wetland

Bag Jhora wetland is situated in Indrapur VDC-1 of Morang district at an altitude of 140 m. It feeds by Kisti River and extends about 4.2 ha in the forest area. Major portion of the lake has been degraded due to siltation and invasion by alien plant species. The wetland has been managed by Bag Jhora Wetland Conservation and Promotion Committee. Maintenance, cleaning of invasive alien species and capacity building of local User’s group is needed.

9. Betani Daha

Betani Daha is a natural wetland located in Urlabari VDC-7 of Morang district at an altitude of 120m. It extends about 3.3 ha inside Sal forest. It has both inflow and outflow. Major threats are invasive alien species, overgrazing, sedimentation, etc. It has been managed by the Betani Community Forest User’s Group. Maintenance of embankment, conservation of catchment area, removal of invasive alien species, and capacity strengthing of local User’s group is needed.

10. Hasina Simsar

Hasina Simsar is natural wetland located in Sundarpur VDC-6, Morang district at an altitude of 125m. The wetland extends approx. 48 ha along with swamp, marsh, pond and streams. It feeds by 4-5 ground springs (Jaruwa). The Hasina Simsar Conservation Committee (a sub- committee of the Namuma Community Forest) is working for the restoration and sustainable conservation of this wetland. Major threats are overgrazing, sedimentation, encroachment, and invasive alien species. Maintenance, removal of invasive alien species, development of recreational center and strengthen the capacity of local User’s group are needed.

11. Raja Rani Pokhari The Raja Rani Pokhari, also called as ‘Raja Rani Dhimal Pokhari’ is one of the important wetland of Nepal. It is located north-west of Letang bazar in Bhogateni VDC-8 of Morang district at an altitude of 470m. There are three lakes namely Raja, Rani and Chhori (Rajkumari), located inside the forest along the Chure hills. The Raja Pokhari (king's pond) is located in the western side, the Rani Pokhari (queen's pond) in the eastern side, and the Chhori or Rajkumari along the north eastern side which is more degraded. This nearby settlement is dominated by Magar community. This wetland has been managed by Raja Rani Community Forest User’s Group. The three lakes cover about 20 ha of land along the catchment area of about 133 ha. It feeds by ground source “Jaruwa”, seasonal forest fed streams and direct precipitation. The area houses legally protected bird ‘Great Hornbill’ and

IV several species of epiphytic orchids and evergreen species of trees. Invasive alien species, rapid succession by tree and plant species, siltation, overgrazing are the major threats of the wetland. Renovation of wetlands, conservation of forest including aquatic tree species and orchid flora, strengthen the capacity local User’s group, explore the possibility to designate the Ramsar site are recommended for the sustainable conservation of the wetlands.

12. Jamunkhadi Daha It is a modified wetland and widely used for recreation is located in Surunga VDC of Jhapa district at an altitude of 110m. The wetland has been managed by Jamunbari Community Forest User’s Group. The User’s group has providing boating and mini-zoo facilities to visitors. Awareness raising taining to local User’s group about the national and international legal provisions about the captive the wild animals and the Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare guidelines prepared by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) are necessary for operating the zoo/ mini-zoo.

13. Taltalaiya wetland Taltalaiya wetland is located in Itahari municipality- 2 & 3 of Sunsari district at an altitude of 120m. The wetand consists of 12 ponds, some of the ponds are manmade for recreational and irrigation purposes. It has been managed by Tal Talaiya Conservation and Development committee and developing as a recreational center, they also kept the wild animals inside the cage. Awareness raising training to local User’s group about the legal provisions and the Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare guidelines prepared by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is needed.

V Acknowledgements

The purpose of this report is to access the current status of important wetlands in Chure area (east of the Narayani). Information of this report is based on primary sources such as field survey and community consultation, secondary sources is also used, if any. Many individuals from government line agencies, community, local CBOs/NGOs provided their help and support while preparing this report.

We are grateful to Mr. Megh Bahadur Pandey, Joint Secretary/Coordinator of the Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Coordination Unit (RCCPCU); Dr. Prem Poudel, Undersecretary, Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management and Mr. Deepak Lammichane, Undersecretary of RCCPCU for giving an opportunity to conduct this important assignment. We are also thankful for Mr. Lal Bahadur Kurmi (Officer, DSCO, Bara), Mr. Puspa Ram Thapa (Office, DSCO, Makawanpur), Mr. Hridaya Kumar Jha (Officer, DSCO, Saptari) Mr. Bipin Kumar Jha (Officer, DSCO, Rautahat), Mr. Immamudin (Officer, DFO, Makawanpur) for providing us the valuable information and arranging field staff with us from their respective offices to visit the sites.

Local representatives from various Community Forestry User’s Groups and Wetland Conservation Committees were always supportive to the team by accompanying us to the sites and providing valuable inforamtion about the various features of wetlands. We are also grateful to the local communities of Ratanpur, Jordaha Community Forest User’s Group, Ghurmi Danda Community Forest User’s Group, Devi Daha Community Forest User’s Group, local representatives of Jandaul, Kamal Daha Repair and Maintenance Committee, Bag Jhora Simsar Conservation and Promotion Committee, Betani Community Forest User’s Group, Hasina Simsar Conservation Committee, Raja Rani Community Forest User’s Group and Raja Rani Simsar Conservation Committee. We also like to acknowledge Dr. Bharat Raj Subba (Reader) Post Graduate Campus, Biratnagar, Mr. Kul Prasad Shiwakoti, Lecturer of Damak Campus, Jhapa and Mr. Kamal Maden of Kathmandu for providing valuable information about site locations.

We appreciate valuable inputs and comments/suggestions from users to improve the accuracies and usability of this report further.

……………………….

Prof. Dr. Mohan Siwakoti

Team Leader

VI Table of Contents

Page

Executive Summary I Acknowledgements VI List of Annexes VIII List of Figures VIII List of Photos VIII

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Objective 5 1.2 Methodology 5

2 Wetlands and Biodiversity in Chure Area 8 2.1 Overview of Wetlands (East of the Narayani) 8 2.2 Major Biodiversity 9

3 Profiles of Wetlands 12 3.1 Halkhoria Daha 13 3.2 Baba Tal 18 3.3 Kamal Daha 22 3.4 Devi Daha 26 3.5 Pathru Daha 28 3.6 Jandaul Pokhari 31 3.7 Kamal Daha 34 3.8 Bagjhora wetland 36 3.9 Betani Simsar 40 3.10 Hasina Simsar 42 3.11 Raja Rani Pokhari 45 3.12 Jamunkhadi Daha 51 3.13 Taltalaiya wetland 53

4 References 56

VII List of Figures Figure 1 Wetland distribution in Central and Eastern Development … 7 Figure 2 Location Map of Halkhoria Daha, Bara ……… 13 Figure 3 Location Map of Babatal, Kamal Daha and Devi Daha … 18 Figure 4 Location Map of Pathru Daha, Jandaul Daha and Kamal …. 28 Figure 5 Location Map of Bagjhora, Betani, Hasina and Raja Rani …. 37 Figure 6 Location Map of Jamunkhadi Daha, Jhapa …….. 51

List of Photos Photo 1 Consultation with local community for Wetland Inventory … 6 Photo 2 Halkhoria Daha, Ratanpur VDC, Bara ………. 14 Photo 3 Baba Tal, Badaharmal VDC, Siraha ……….. 20 Photo 4 Kamal Daha, Fulbaria VDC, Siraha …. 23 Photo 5 Devi Daha, Taranga Govindpur VDC, Siraha …. 25 Photo 6 Pathru Daha, Sitapur VDC, Saptari ……. 29 Photo 7 Jandaul Daha, Jandaul VDC, Saptari …… 32 Photo 8 Kamal Daha, Kamalpur, Saptari …… 34 Photo 9 Bagjhora Daha, Indrapur VDC, Morang …. 38 Photo 10 Batani Daha, Urlabari VDC, Morang …. 41 Photo 11 Hasina Simsar, Sundarpur VDC, Morang … 43 Photo 12-14 Raja Rani Pokhari, Bhogateni VDC, Morang …. 46-47 Photo 15 Jamunkhadi Daha, Surunga VDC, Jhapa …… 52 Photo 16 Taltalaiya Wetland, Itahari Municipality, Sunsari …… 54

Annexes Annex 1.1-1.9 Name list of Individual and Local Representative consulted 59

Annex 2 Fauna Annex 2.1 List of Mammals 62 Annex 2.2 List of Birds 64 Annex 2.3 List of Herpeto-fauna 69 Annex 2.4 List of Fish 71

Annex 3 Flora Annex 3.1 List of tree and shrub species of Chure Wetland area 73 Annex 3.2 List of wetland dependent plant species 74

Annex 4 Laboratory Analysis Report of Water Annex 4.1 Water Analysis Report of Baba Tal 75 Annex 4.2 Water Analysis Report of Pathru Daha 76 Annex 4.3 Water Analysis Report of Kamal Daha (Siraha) 77 Annex 4.4 Water Analysis Report of Bag Jhora Wetland 78 Annex 4.5 Water Analysis Report of Raja Rani Pokhari 79

VIII 1. Introduction

The lands with water or those areas which remain waterlogged or submerged under water seasonally or throughout the year are considered as wetlands. Wetlands are most productive ecosystem due to its unique positioning as transitional zone between permanently wet and generally dry environment. Wetlands are defined in various ways; the Article 1.1 of the Ramsar Convention offers a broad definition of wetlands: “marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”. In addition to these areas, however, article 2.1 adds that Parties to the Convention may “incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six meters at low tide lying within the wetlands, especially where these have importance as waterfowl habitat”. The National Wetland Policy (2003) of Nepal defines wetlands as natural or artificial created areas like swamp, marsh, riverine floodplain, lake, water storage area and agricultural land containing water from underground resource or atmospheric precipitation that may be permanent or temporary, static or flowing and fresh water or saline.

Wetlands occur throughout the world in all climatic zones which cover about 6% of the total earth’s surface and support 15 to 20% of the total global biodiversity. The total coverage of wetlands in Nepal is still unknown, it estimates about 5% lands of the country is occupied by wetlands. The wetlands provide a wide range of ecosystem goods and services including provisioning, regulating and cultural services. Wetlands provide the critical habitats for several species of globally rare and threatened species of flora and fauna. In addition, over 11% populations of the country which are highly marginalized depend on the wetlands. Wetlands also act as a water purification system, control floods and erosion by absorbing water that runs off from rivers or from storms, as well as recycling nutrients in the water.

Nepal located in the central Himalayas houses several types of inland fresh water wetlands range from high altitudinal glacial lakes to hot springs, ponds, ox-bow lakes to river floodplains, marshes and swamps. There is a record of over 6000 rivers, 3252 glaciers, 2323 glacial lakes and 2300 ponds in Nepal. IUCN Nepal (2009) enumerates 891 wetlands in Nepal (glacial 202, lakes/ponds 563, rivers and rivulets 104, manmade sites 22) on the basis of desktop analysis. The desktop analysis indicated that out of the 891 wetlands, almost half (45%) of the wetlands 1 are distributed in high Himalayas (above 4000m), the large percentage may be due to large number of glaciers and glacial lakes in this region, followed by 3% in high mountains (3000- 4000m), 8% in middle mountains (1100-3000m), less than 1% in Chure and 9% in Tarai and 34% is undetermined. The above data indicates that the Chure/ Siwaliks region is the most water scarce zone of the country. However, Chure area is the main source of water for the downstream Tarai, where over 50% population of the country resides.

The scarcity of water and low number of wetlands in the Chure area is due to loose sedimentary rock dominated by unconsolidated and porous rocks like sand, sandstone, boulders, pebbles, etc., which cannot retained the water. The Chure is regarded as youngest hills in the Himalayan system and hence more fragile in terms of its ongoing geological formation. The Chure range is stretched east west following a belt of merely 15-20 km in width, forming the north boundary of plains of Tarai and southern boundary of the Mahabharat Lekh. In some area like Chitwan valley and Dang-Deokhuri valley it forms an international border between Nepal and India. The Chure region is covered by the quaternary deposits comprising mostly of alluvial and co-alluvial deposits. The quaternary deposits are made up of alternating layers of sand, stone, silt or clay deposits. Being very young in geological formation and tectonically active, the hills exhibit a very conspicuous fragile terrain (Hagen, 1998). The region is extremely important because of it is the prime source of sediments, which a number of steep gradient torrents transport downstream to the plain of the Tarai. It leads to the rise of streambed level further aggravating the flooding and inundation problems in the plains. Many parts of the region are still covered by tropical forest. According to LRMP (1986) Chure has the highest percentage of forest coverage (75.7%) which is the main source of timber, NTFPs and repository of biodiversity. The Chure area is equally rich in fossils which provide knowledge on the evolution of Asian flora and fauna (Itihara et al., 1972). The forest and wetlands of Chure also serve as a wildlife corridor between the lowlands and the Midlands.

The ravine landscape of Chure area lies north of the Tarai (the southernmost alluvial flat land), as the Tarai slightly rises towards north considered as Bhawar region, a water recharge zone for downstream Tarai. The soil of the Bhawar is differed from the Tarai by the accumulation of gravel, boulders, stone and sand which are washed down from the foothills or Chure hills. Water is scarce in this part throughout the year except during the monsoon when sizable streams often

2 run; otherwise these streams are disappearing beneath the gravel on emerging into the Bhawar. The Bhawar makes a transition zone between the steep northern Chure hills and southern alluvial land of Tarai. In Bhawar the rainfall during monsoon percolates down and emerges as springs and marshes along the northern edges of the Tarai, which are the main sources of water for irrigation the Tarai. Considering this the Agriculture Prospective Plan (1995) has recommended designating the Chure forests as protected forests to conserve the water recharging zone.

Several very young seasonal streams are also originated from the Chure area during monsoons which are dried off during summer. The Chure region has a little agriculture land, except in the Inner Tarai valley due to scarcity of water where some extensive forest survived. The continuous strip of forest from east to west considered as Charkoshe Jhadi. The northern parts of the Bhawar or the outermost foothills rise abruptly and reach the elevation up to 1500m which run in a line roughly parallel with the Indian border are known as Siwaliks or Chure hills. It is composed of sedimentary rocks with big boulders. The width of the dissected topography of Chure hills is not uniform which is wider in west and far west Nepal while narrow at east Nepal.

In the case of slope gradient of this hilly region, the southern part has more steep and irregular slops then the northern side. Sometimes, the Chure range is overlapping upon the Tarai belt. It is true in the case of Karnali of the far west and Dharan of the eastern Tarai. The inclination of dip is very low at the north and is more at the south. The Mahabharat Lekh lies beyond the northern Chure. There are some gently sloping valleys between the Chure and Mahabharat Lekh and are known as Bhitri Madesh or Inner Tarai valley (Dun) such as Dang valley in western Nepal, Chitwan valley in central Nepal and Trijuga valley in eastern Nepal. The valleys of Bhitri Madesh are not much suffered from water shortage as in the Bhawar. The areas of Bhawar to Chure hills and the Bhitri Madesh are considered as Chure area. As all of these areas show more or less similar geological characteristics, hence, to conserve the Chure hills these areas need to be protected. The Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Implementation Guidelines 2068 B.S. (RCCPIG) also accepted this spirit. According to RCCPIG the Chure area lies between the Tarai and Mahabharat Lekh and extends 33 districts and accounts to about 13 percent of total area of the country. The Chure area provides the habitat for millions of people among them 80 percent are of marginalized communities.

The Chure area is fragile in terms of geology, biodiversity, culturally and socio-economically since the dependency of local communities on the natural resource is high. The weak geology, heavy rainfall and tropical weathering are more affected to Chure range. However, the man made factors are also contributing to the high rate of erosion process. The rate of erosion is expected to be very high in eastern parts of the range due to heavy rainfall, weak geology and high human activities. The Chure area is facing several threats like deforestation, over exploitation of timber, fire wood, NTFPs, heavy grazing, forest fire and more importantly heavy extraction of gravels, boulders and sand which has severely affected the natural regeneration capacity of its ecosystem. The conservation of the Chure forest and water resources is very important to protect the fertility of Tarai, a granary zone of Nepal. Because of continue encroachment and irrational human activities in the Chure area rapidly increasing the landslides, soil erosion, floods, biodiversity loss, rapid invasion of alien species and unsustainable water extraction and farming practices. These lead to the loss of soil fertility, the depletion of water tables, the drying up of springs and sedimentation. The accumulations of sediments in river channels, intense human pressure on riverbank areas, construction, and excavation of channels have increased the risk of downstream flooding. This has a direct impact on peoples’ livelihood further the natural disasters have exacerbated the problem.

Realizing the sensitiveness and increasing threats of the Chure area, the Tenth Five year plan (2002-2007) of Nepal says “Priority will be given to integrated watershed management to conserve the underground water and soil in the Chure-Bhawar and Tarai areas by coordinating the work of agriculture and water resources sectors” (NPC, 2003). Nepal government under the aegis of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation has been implementing the Rastrapati (President) Chure Conservation Program (RCCP) since 2010 (2067/068 B.S.) as an initiative to stop the harmful activities that have been direct impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the Chure region. The first reason is concerned over the need to protect the area from further degradation in order to protect the downstream low land plains, which serve more than 80% of the food supply to the country. The second one is concerned over the need to conserve the forest cover in order to mitigate the land degradation problems which is in increasing trend as a consequence of deforestation to meet the timber, firewood and litter needs of the local people. In spite of the thick vegetation cover, the Siwalik is characterized by the formation of numerous instabilities especially gullies and landslides. This is a result of weak geological formation and

4 intense rainfall over the region. There are two distinct consequences of these instabilities: firstly, they are the main source of sediments, which produce sediment hazards such as debris flow. Secondly, their gradual expansion is leading to the decrease in forest resource.

RCCP has realized the data gap for the implementation of the program about the status and threats of the natural resources including wetland resources. With the recognization of the importance of inventory of wetlands in the Chure area, the inventory has been conducted to the east of Narayani to Jhapa districts in the first phase. The inventory provides the essential data and information necessary for managers and decision makers.

1.1 Objective The main objective of the study is to make an inventory of the significant wetlands distributed in the Chure area (East of the Narayani). The specific objectives are as follows:

• To collect information on physical, hydrological, biological (floral and faunal), ecosystem goods and services of the wetlands of Chure. • To find the conservation and management status of major wetlands of Chure area. • To suggests the management recommendations for future piloting.

1.2 Methodology A multidisciplinary team of 4 experts comprising with wetlands expert, forester/socio-economist, wildlife biologist and botanist was formed. The team made a literature review of previous wetlands works at Chure and initiated consultation with experts who worked on the wetlands of Chure area and authorities of the Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Coordination Unit (RCCPCU). Field field visit was made from Chitwan to Jhapa districts to observe the site status and collect the useful information during June 2012. The Wetlands Inventory, Assessment and Monitoring (WIAM) Tool prepared by the ‘Wetland Project’ of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, namely Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands of Nepal (CSUWN, 2011) and IUCN’s Rapid Inventory Assessment (IUCN, 1998) were applied with modification to collect the primary information. Water samples were collected from the field and analyzed at Water Engineering and Training center, Kathmandu. Different techniques were applied to

5 identitifed the plants and animals. Most of the plants were identified in the field; unidentified species were collected from the field and identified at Kathmandu consulting different literatures (Siwakoti and Varma, 1999; Cook, 1996). Most birds were identified by direct observation with the help of guide book by Grimmet et al. (2000) on the spot and some were confirmed by their calls. Secondary information (indirect evidences) such as droppings, pugmarks, footprints and scales of the animals were also collected to identitfy the wild animals. The colour sketches and photographs of fauna were also used during the interactions with local people (herders, fisherman and farmers - Photo 1) to known the fauna. Those collected local information was verified with the help of guide books such as Baral & Shah (2008) for mammals, Shah and Tiwari (2004) for Herpeto and Shrestha (1994) for fish. Global and national threatened, conservation and CITES status of the fauna were used as followed by Biodiversity Profile Project (1995) and Bhuju et al. (2007). Consultation was made with district/ local level stakeholders such as the relevant District Forest Office and its Ilaka forest office, Range Post and the District Soil Conservation Office of the study sites, the Forest User Groups, Wetland Conservation Sub-committee, Local Management Committees, local leaders and Key informants of the representative sites to discuss the ecosystem goods and services and management aspects of the wetlands (Annex 1).

Photo 1: Consultation with community for Wetland Inventory of Chure

The inventory was made mainly lacustrine (lakes/ponds) and palustrine (marshes/swamps) wetlands that retained the water throughout the year. Wetlands distributed northern sides of the East West Highway along the Bhawar and Chure hills were only considered (Figure 1). Betana wetland of Belbari (Morang) touches the highway is not considered due to its Tarai location. Wetlands distributed in protected areas such as the Chitwan National Park and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and their buffer zones were not studied because it was not under the mandate of the study team. The protected areas are popular for housing a large number of wetlands and wetland dependent wildlife. The wetlands of protected areas are equally facing the problems of siltation/sedimentation, eutrophication, and invasion by invasive alien species of plants as located outside the protected areas. The report was presented with the officials of the Rastrapati Chure Conservation Progaram (Coordination Unit) and their comments are incorporated in the final report.

Figure 1: Wetland Distribution in Central & Eastern Development Region of Nepal.

2. Wetlands and Biodiversity in Chure Area

2.1 Overview of Wetlands (East of the Narayani)

Nepal houses only freshwater wetlands and can be classified into 19 types of natural inland wetlands and 10 types of man-made according to the Ramsar Convention’s classification (Siwakoti, 2007). The Chure area has at least 10 types of inland wetlands and some man-made wetlands. The Chure area is drained by a number of permanent and seasonal rivers/streams which formed various river basins. The major river basins east to the Narayani River are eastern Narayani river basin and Sapta Koshi river basin and their tributaries. These rivers are originated in Tibet area of People’s Republic of China and pass through the Nepal Himalaya, considered as first Grade Rivers. These are old rivers flowing to make wide and large valley with maximum contribution of sediment loads in the summer period. The pre-Himalayan Rivers started depositing sediments in the shallow area and giving rise to Chure hills (Sharma, 1977). The rivers originate from Mahabharat Lekh passes through Chure areas are Rapti and Reu rivers of Chitwan, Bakeya of Bara, Chandi of Rautahat, Bagmati of Sarlahi, Ratu of Mahottari, Kamala of Siraha and Dhanusa, Trijuga of Udaypur and Saptari, Budhi, Sardu of Sunsari, Ratuwa, Bakraha, Lohandra, Singiya, Chisang kholas of Morang, Kankai, Mechi, Biring, Ratuwa of Jhapa and Mai khola, Chanju khola, Kamal khola, Mawa khola, Ratuwa khola of Ilam, etc. These rivers have good floodplains along their margins in the Tarai, Bhawar and Inner valleys. The Kankai river of Jhapa forms a large wetland in Domukha VDC– 8, when a dam was built to storage the water for Kankai irrigation canal just about 2 km north of the Kankai Bridge, These Mahabharat originated rivers are young and perennial considered as second Grade Rivers.

Besides, several streams/rivulets are originated in the Chure hills, considered as third Grade Rivers which are very young and dried off during summer. They have no discharge in dry season and are seasonal in nature. Some of the examples of the Chure origin streams are Mainawati, Gagan, Khuti, Balan of Siraha, Mahuli, and Balan of Saptari and Udaypur, Seuti of Sunsari, Saranamati and Baniyani of Jhapa district. All of these rivers and streams of Chure origins form floodplains and riverine ecosystem in the Chure-Bhawar areas. In addition, Chure has several permanent and seasonal lakes, pools, marshes, swamps and springs. The lakes along the Bhawar and Inner Tarai are created by the meandering nature of river and known as ox-bow lakes, whereas along the Siwalik/ Chure hills originated by tectonic activity. 8

2.2 Major Biodiversity

Wetlands of Chure and Bhawar region of eastern Nepal (east of Narayani River) support significant number of wildlife and plant species. During the field visits and consultation with local people following fauna and flora are observed.

Fauna Mammals: The mammals distributed in the Chure area belong to six orders, 15 families, 25 genus and 27 species. Among them five species are legally protected by NPWC Act 1973 by the government of Nepal. They are Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Spotted Lingsang (Prionodon pardicolor), Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris) and Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus). The Bengal Tiger and Asiatic Elephant are also falling under the IUCN red list as ‘Endangered’ category. Similarly the Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) is under ‘Vulnerable’ category. There are 16 species of mammals listed under the CITES Appendix I, II and III. Among them six species such as Hanuman Langur (Semnopithecus entellus), Common Leopard (Panthera pardus), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Spotted Lingsang, Bengal Tiger and Asiatic Elephant are listed under the CITES Appendix I Eight species are ‘restricted range’ found only in the Tarai and siwalik region (Bhuju et al., 2007) in Nepal. These include Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Indian Pangolin, Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Spotted Deer (Axis axis), Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Irrawaddy Squirrel (Callosciurus pygerythrus), and Five-stripe Palm Squirrel (Funambulus pennantii) (Annex 2.1). Some animals like Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta), Hanuman Langur, Golden Jackal (Canis aureus), Common Leopard, Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Spotted Deer (Axis axis), Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and Hare (Lepus nigricollis) have wide distribution range commonly seen in this area too.

Birds: The Chure area houses one hundred species of birds classified under 80 genera 39 families and 17 orders. Most of them are residential in nature. According to IUCN Red List ‘Threatened’ categories, Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) falls under ‘Vulnerable category’, whereas Lesser Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis) and Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) are listed as ‘Near Threatened category’. The Great Hornbill is legally protected species by the government of Nepal. Similarly, 19 species including Great Hornbill are listed under CITES Appendices and nine species of birds have ‘restricted range’ only in Tarai and

Siwaliks region in Nepal (Bhuju et al., 2007). The restricted range species are Great Hornbill, Black-rumped Flameback (Dinopium benghalense), Himalayan Flameback (Dinopium shorii), Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), Black Baza (Aviceda leuphotes), Black Bittern (Dupetor flavicollis), Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis), Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) and Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus). The ‘most common’ ten bird species of this region are Lesser Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna javanica), White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus), Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus), Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii), Black-hooded Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus), Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus), Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striatus) and Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) (Annex 2.2).

Herpeto fauna: A total of 17 species of amphibia and reptile belonging to 14 genera, 11 families and 4 orders are reported from the Chure and foothill’s wetland of eastern Nepal. Among them the Yellow Monitor (Varanus flavescens) and Asiatic Rock Python (Python molurus) are legally protected by Government of Nepal. The Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) reported from Rajarani Morang (Basnet, 2001) is fall under ‘Endangered’ category of IUCN Red List. Similarly eight species are listed under the CITES Appendix I and II. The Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), Yellow Monitor and Asiatic Rock Python are listed under the CITES Appendix I. Similarly, the Asiatic Rock Python, Jerdon's bull frog (Hoplobatrachus crassus), Black Turtle (Melanochelys trijuga), Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata) and Chequered Keelback (Sibynophis sagittarius) are exclusively restricted in the Chure and Tarai of Nepal. The most common species known from these areas are the Asiatic Rock Python, Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) and Asiatic Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus) (Annex 2.3) .

Fish: A total of 27 species of fish belonging 18 genera, eight families and four orders have been known from this region. Among them 12 fish distribution are restricted in only Tarai and siwalik zone of Nepal. They are Getu (Botia lohachata), Gonch (Bagarius bagarius), Katla (Catla catla), Deduwa (Chela laubuca), Rewa (Cirrhinus sp.), Rohu (Labeo sp.), Darai (Oxygaster phulo), Pothi (Puntius sp.), Singhi (Botia dayi), Tengra (Mystus bleekeri), Buhari (Wallago attu) and (Channa sp), respectively (Annex 2.4). Katla, Pothi (Danio sp.) and Hile have been known as the most common species in these areas.

Flora The Chure area is dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta), the associated species Khair (Acacia catechu), Saj (Terminalia alata), Sisau (Dalbergia sissoo), Simal (Bombax ceiba), Jamun (Sygygium cumini), etc. A number of medicinal plants such as Bijaya Sal (Pterocarpus marsupium, a rare species of western tropical Nepal), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Kurilo (Asparagus recemosus), Harro (Terminalia chebula), Barro (Terminalia bellirica), and Amala (Phyllanthus emblica) are commonly observed. The dominant fodder plants of this region are Bharlo (Bauhinia vahlii), Khanyu (Ficus hispida), Tanki (Bauhinia purpurea), Dabdabe (Garuga pinnata), Badahar (Artocarpus lakoocha), etc. The upper hills of eastern Chure are occupied by Schima wallichii and Castanopsis spp. Some rare species such as Cycas pectinata and Cythea spinulosa (CITES listed species), Ratton (Calamus spp.), Bhalupate (Talauma hodgsonii) are reported in the eastern moist Chure-Bhawar area of Ilam (Oli, 2000). Several government protected species such as Alstonia scholaris, Butea monosperma, Oroxylum indicum, Dalbergia latifolia are commonly distributed along the Chure range (Bhuju & Joshi, 2009) (Annex 3).

3. Profiles of Wetlands

3.1 Halkhoria Daha

3.1.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Ratanpur VDC-1&2, Bara District (Figure 2); alt. 157m, lat. 27° 12.253', long. 085°05.323'E.

Figure 2: Location Map of Holkhoriya Daha, Bara.

3.1.2 Overview: Halkhoria Daha is natural wetland situated inside the dense tropical Sal mixed forest of Charkose Jhadi in southern part of Chure hills. The Halkhoria daha associates with other six small ponds of different size. This unique wetland provides important refuge for birds and is a key waterhole for wildlife including the wildlife of the Parsa Wildlife Reserve. The Wildlife Reserve is located about 12 km west from the wetland. The Daha is surrounded by a forest along the foothills of the Chure towards the North. It is bordered by the Bakaiya stream to the east, Mahendra (East west) to the south, Balganga (Bhandri) stream to the west and Hatia and Chhatiban VDCs of Makawanpur district to the north. Large part of the lake has been covered by sand deposits and vegetation growth converting as grass land drying the wetland.

3.1.3 Access: The Halkhoria Daha is accessible from the east west highway; it lies about 10 km east from Pathalaiya of Bara district. A seasonal dirt road of about 5 km diverts before crossing the bridge of the Pasaha River. The Pasaha river lies west of the Nijgadh bazar.

3.1.4 Ecological Feature: The wetland covers approximately 46 ha, but during the dry season, the water coverage area limits to 5-10 ha. The study team didn’t see the open water body during the field visit on 19th June 2012 walked through almost middle of the wetland to cross it. It was almost converted as swamp or marshy grassland (Photo 2). The Daha has been drastically shrunken due to the cumulative effects of by siltation, sedimentation and succession, low water recharge and including the invasion by invasive alien weeds.

Photo 2: Halkhoria Daha, Ratanpur VDC, Bara.

3.1.5 Hydrological Features: There is a permanent inflow from a small stream of Siran Khola (originated from Chure hills) which is very shallow during dry season. A secondary tributary, Kalikhola that originates from the Halkhoria Chure forest, equally shallow also feeds this wetland. Otherwise, the wetland receives water from monsoon rain and seepages from adjoining Chure hills. No ground water source observed in Halkhoria. The upstream of Siran Khola avoids the human settlement.

The Halkhoria Daha exists along with its associates respectively i) Singyahi ii) Piparawa iii) Deb Daha iv) Thalatti v) Kachuhani (east of Hallkhoria) and vi) Rikrihan (east of Hallkhoria). These small water bodies have surface feeding and ground springs.

According to the personal communication with local representatives, the Halkhoria daha had sufficient water before 1990s The water level was up to the breast height (4 feet) even during the dry season. When the wetland has been given lease out for fishing during that period the degradation of the wetland is started. The fish contractor dried out the wetland to remove all the native fish species using the pump before releasing the fish fingerlings (the native fish species can eat the fingerlings) as well as to harvest fishes, which led a degradation and shrinkage of daha as it didn’t retain the water in the lake as before. Local people believed that Halkhoria and associate wetlands never dried due to the power of Ban Devi (forest deities) but by the activity of fish contractor the Goddess Ban Devi had angry and water level is never raised as before.

3.1.6 Wetland type: Lacustrine (lake/pond) and Palustrine (marsh/swamp). 3.1.7 Water Quality: Not examined. 3.1.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity: The wetland is located inside the Sal dominated mixed forest of Charkoshe Jhadi. The flora and fauna observed during field visit are as follows:

Fauna The Halkhoria Daha supports the habitat for 17 mammalian species. The Bengal Tiger, Nilgai and Sambar Deer are commonly visited in this wetland area of Chure- Bhawar region. The Sambar Deer was also sighted during the field visit. The most common mammalian species observed along this lake are Rhesus Macaque, Golden Jackal and Barking Deer. The wetland and its surrounding forest has been harbors plenty of residential and breeding bird species. During the field visit on June over forty species of birds had been sighted. Most of them were breeding and residential. During the study following five species were recorded only from this wetland area. They were Bar-wing Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus picatus), Greater Racket-tail Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus), White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus), Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis) and Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus). Greater Coucal, Red-vented Bulbul, and Spotted Dove were found as the most common bird species. Similarly, over ten species of each herpeto-fauna and fish have reported from this wetland. Amphibia and

Fish were not observed during the field visit of the dry season since the lake has been highly successional stage and there was no open water body (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora The Halkhoriya harbors diverse tree species of riparian nature along the flooded area. Vegetation around the lake is formed by Sal (Shorea robusta), Dumri (Ficus racemosa), Rajbrikshya (Cassia fistula), Bhalayo (Semecarpus anacardium), Bhelar (Trewia nudiflora), Simal (Bombax ceiba), Amala (Phyllanthus emblica) etc. This wetland does not have floating floral species. Currently due to sand deposition on the lake, even the former wetland area has been encroached by many woody species. Such successional tree species include Khayar (Acacia catechu), Bhelar (Trewia nudiflora), Tikuli (Mitragyna parvifolia), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Bauhinia malbarica and Ficus species. The wetland dependent herbaceous species include Narkat (Phragmites karka), Pire Jhar (Polygomum hydropiper), Persicaria species, Cyperus digitalis, Carex species, kans (Sachrum spontenum) etc. The moist parts around the wetland have been seriously invaded by Lahare Banmara (Mikania micrantha) (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.1.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services The wetland provides a wide range of goods and services to local community such as grazing land and waterhole for livestock, wild fruits/tubers, thatch grass (khar), fishing and snail collection. Not only from nearby villages, the Malaha community from Kalaiya bazar also used to come for fishing and snail collection often created conflicts in the past with local people on resource use.

The Ratanpur village is the nearest settlement from the Halkhoria, it was dominated by Danuwar (Kacchad) community before 2032/033 B.S. In last 70', other social groups such as Bramin- Chtettri from mid hill migrated and settled in ward number 2, increasing the human pressure to Daha and its basin for the resources. Danuwar community was the traditional users of this wetland for fish, food, fodder, etc. As the resources depleted the Danuwar community is migrated from ward no.1 and settled at ward no. 2 which is more far from the wetland now their dependency on this wetland is reduced. The people from Piluwa village situated south of East West Highway also frequently used this wetland for their livestock grazing and collecting firewood and fuel wood.

The Halkhoria Daha has also cultural values; the local communities believe that the Halkhoria Daha and its forests is an abode of Goddess due to its sacredness. In addition, Halkhoria had become popular all of sudden when a supposedly saint “ Ram Bahadur Bamjam” nicknamed as a Buddha boy, visited this area for meditation in 2005 and hundreds of devotees and visitors come to worship “Bamjam” every day. The followers of Bamjam fenced the forest area with barbed wire inside the forest and restricted the grazing, collecting fire woods & fodders for creating tranquility for saint’s meditation. However, the human movements disturbed the wildlife habitat. Besides, the rural people from Ratanpur, Piluwa and nearby villages come to Halkhoria daha for worshiping goddess in every Haribodini Ekadashi in the Nepali month Kartik.

3.1.10 Observed Threats; Siltation, succession, overgrazing, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources including NTFPs, forest fire, etc., are the major threats for the wetland. Soil erosion from the adjacent hills dried up of feeders (Siran khola and Kalikhola). 3.1.11 Institutional Involvement: IUCN Nepal (1995) prepared a Bara Forest Management Plan; the Nepal Tourism Board allocated NRs 500,000/- for constructing road from Bhadrakali army post to HalKhoria Daha in 2011/12. The District Soil Conservation and Watershed Management has supported for construction of water tank for drinking water purpose in the villages. 3.1.12 Land ownership and Management: The landownership remains under the Government of Nepal; it has been managed by the Bara district forest office. 3.1.13 Management Recommendations: The significance and threats of the Halkhoria Daha are realized since a long time ago but the rate of degradation is continued and is almost verge of extinction. So, it needs urgent restoration to bring back to its previous state and help providing the ecological services to the local people. As being a key waterhole for the wildlife of Parsa Wildlife Reserve so it should be restored to protect the wildlife of this region. The key restoration project will cover following actions.

• Construction/ maintenance of dam at the southern end of the Halkhoria Daha. The current dam constructed in 2006/07 with the support of VDC has fallen down. • Regular removal of silts/sands from the lakebed to increase a depth and enhances its water holding capacity.

• Remove invasive alien plant species and unwanted tree species from the Daha. • Conserve the upstream of Siran Khola so that the soil erosion will be reduced during the monsoon. • The entire catchment with its forest, vegetation and waterhole needs to be fully protected to boost the water recharge. • Provide capacity building training to local communities for restoration and sustainable use of the Daha, and to manage local festival. • Conduct detail inventory of floral and faunal species found in and around the wetland. • Develop and implement the income generating programs for wetland dependent community of Halkhoria area.

3.2 Baba Tal 3.2.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Badaharamal VDC-2&3, Siraha district (Figure 3); alt. 105m, lat. 26° 53.836', long 086° 09.888'E.

Figure 3: Location Map of Baba Tal, Kamal Daha and Devi Daha; Siraha

3.2.2 Overview: The Baba Tal is a renovated wetland and has a relatively large open water body. This wetland is an expansion of previously existing small wetland where dam has been constructed in the outlet of wetland to retain water. It situated on the foothills of Chure range and is connected with a small wetland of upstream called Jordaha. It has becoming a good refuge of wild animals and bird species due to the effective conservation practices (Photo 3). 3.2.3 Access: The Baba Tal is about 2 km north away from Bandipur bazar of the East West Highway in Siraha district. 3.2.4 Ecological Feature: Baba Tal extends approximately 7 ha, but before renovation it was extended only about 2 ha. A pair of ponds (Jordaha) lies at the upstream of Baba Tal. The Baba Tal is managed by the Jordaha Community Forest User’s Group. The community managed forest provides good refugia for wildlife/birds. 3.2.5 Hydrological Feature: The wetland is fed by a small stream (Jordaha), surface recharge, and seepages from hill and direct precipitation.

3.2.6 Wetland type: Lacustrine (pond/lake).

3.2.7 Water Quality: Physico-chemical and biological characters of the water is given in (Annex 4.1) 3.2.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity: The vegetation is seen as a secondary nature, the good regeneration of forest species observed due to recent conservation activity. The dominant fauna and flora are as follows:

Fauna Baba Tal and its surrounding area support over ten mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this area are Rhesus Macaque, Golden Jackal and Wild boar. Similarly, the lake and its surrounding forest provides habitat for many residential and breeding bird species. During the field visit of June 2012 over 35 species of birds had been sighted. Among them, Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala), Black Bittern (Dupetor flavicollis), Lesser Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis), Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti), Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo) and Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) were recorded only from this area. Local people also reported Demoiselle Crane and Kalij Pheasant

19 from this area. Lesser Whistling-duck, White-throated Kingfisher and White-breasted Waterhen were observed most commonly along the pond. Similarly, six species of herpeto-fauna and some exotic fishes have reported in the pond and its surrounding habitat (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Photo 3: Baba Tal, Badaharmal VDC, Siraha.

Flora The forest vegetation around the lake seems very much degraded in the past; however, recent conservation measure can be manifested by the current improved forest structure. Forest vegetation is composed of Banjhi (Anogeissus latifolia), Khayar (Acacia catechu), Diospyros species, Badkamle (Caesaria glomerata), Gayo (Bridella retusa), Rajbrikshya (Cassia fistula), Indrajau (Holarrhena pubescens), Bel (Aegle marmelos), Bayar (Ziziphus mauritiana), Sindure (Mallotus phillipensis) and Aule (unknown specie), Ceropegia species etc. Climbing species such as (Dioscorea bulbifera) and Bhyakur (D. deltoidea) and Ceropegia species are commonly observed in the forest. Major aquatic species in the pond are Pire Jhar (Polygonum hydropiper) and Besaram (Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa). Immediate catchments of the pond is encroached by Invasivw Alien Species (IAS) like Lahare Banmara (Mikania micrantha), Kanike kanda (Lantana camara), and Banmara (Chromolaena odorata). A high value medicinal plant Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) is also observed in this wetland area (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.2.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services Approximately 265 households from Badaharamal VDC are benefited from irrigation through the run-off-harvesting dam of the Tal. The run-off-harvesting dam was constructed with the support of District Soil Conservation Office. Local people cut grasses around the lake for their livestock but grazing is not allowed inside forest. There is a good practice of stall feeding in villages. Cutting grass is also an ecological tool to break the succession that helps stop grassland to convert in to forest in the long run. The run-off-harvesting dam functions as a desilting reservoir and allows only the silt/sand free water to the agricultural field. Local people shared that after Baba Tal has been conserved through the community forest user’s group, they have been benefited by i) preventing from soil erosion which otherwise fills to agricultural fields and ii) improving the water table which is currently 30 feet against previous 40 feet. The baba Tal has also a cultural value; there is a Nanda baba (Nange baba) temple in the adjoining forest. Local people go there to worship the Nanda baba.

3.2.10 Observed threats: This wetland is relatively good condition due to restoration activity, but still several threats such as soil erosion and landslides in upstream, sedimentation, siltation/floods, invasive alien plant species etc., are observed.

3.2.11 Institutional Involvement: The District Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Office (DSCWMO) of Siraha supported to construct a runoff harvesting dam that allows surface water to irrigate the arable land of downstream Tarai. A de-sanding/de-silting artificial tank also built to control siltation in the agriculture land. The Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group and Chure Bachau and Baba Tal Conservation Committees have been worked together to restore the wetland with the support of GTZ. The GTZ has provided food grains in return of people labor contribution under the program of food for work.

3.2.12 Land Ownership and Management: The land ownership belongs to the government of Nepal, and it is being managed by the Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group.

3.2.13 Management Recommendations: The government line agency, donor agency and community have been involved for restoration of the Tal, still lot of challenges are

experienced. Therefore, for the sustainable management and conservation following actions are recommended:

• Regular repair and maintenance of runoff harvesting dam to regulate the hydrological flow. • Make an access up to the strategic point rather than around the lake for desilting the silts and sands from the pond. • Conduct detail inventory of floral and faunal species found in and around the wetland. • Develop and implement upstream (Jordaha catchment) lake conservation program to reduce the run-off and siltation from the sources. • Develop and promote the Baba Tal as a recreational and educational center. • Pilot the payment of ecological services as it has a demonstrative effects on soil control in the arable land in the downstream village. • Provide training for capacity building to the representatives of Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group and Chure Bachau and Baba Tal Conservation Committee for effective management and development of recreational and education centre.

3.3 Kamal Daha

3.3.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Fulbaria VDC-1&2, Siraha (Figure 3); alt 140 m, lat 26°50.671', long 086°18.362'E. 3.3.2 Overview: Kamal Daha, a natural wetland is located at the foothills of Chure, amidst the degraded forest. It has been managed by Ghurmi Danda Community Forest User’s Group. The entire community forest is divided in to 7 blocks and Kamal Daha is located at block 2 as can see in the approved Forest Operational Plan. 3.3.3 Access: Kamal Daha is approximately 7 km north away from Fatepur (Fulbaria-3) along the East West Highway. 3.3.4 Ecological Feature: The area of the Daha is approx.7.5 ha while its entire basin is about 151 ha.

3.3.5 Hydrological Feature: The Kamal Daha has no permanent inflow and out flow. The Daha is fed by the permanent ground spring (Jaruwa) and seepages from hills during rainy season and direct precipitation. It also receives surface water drained from Ghurmi Danda. Due to ground spring the level of the wetland is always maintained (Photo 4). 3.3.6 Wetland type: Lacustrine (lake/pond). 3.3.7 Water Quality: Physico-chemical and biological characters of the water are given in (Annex 4.2).

Photo 4: Kamal Daha, Fulbaria VDC, Siraha

3.3.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna Kamal Daha and its surrounding area support over ten mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this area are Rhesus Macaque, Golden Jackal and Wild boar. Similarly, this lake and its surrounding forest has been harbors numerous residential and breeding birds. During the field visit over 30 species of birds had been sighted. The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris) were sighted only in this wetland. Red-vented Bulbul, Black Drongo and Greater Coucal were most commonly sighted in this area. Similarly,

23 ten species of herpeto and five species of fish have reported in the pond its surrounding habitat. Most common fish species are Rohu (Labeo sp.), Naini (Cirrhinus mrigala) and Pothi (Puntius sp.) (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora The forest vegetation around the lake is much disturbed and seems degraded by human activities including grazing. Forest around the lake is mixed type and is composed of Sal (Shorea robusta), Khayar (Acacia catechu), Diospyros species, Karam (Adina cordifolia), Tikuli (Mitragyna parvifolia), Archal (Antidesma species), Indrajau (Holarrhena pubescens), Saj (Terminalia alata), Sindure (Mallotus phillipensis), Bot Dhayero (Largestomia parvifolia), Chhatiwan (Alstonia Scholaris), etc. People have cleaned the lake recently therefore, larger part of the wetland devoids of macro flora; however, a small section is covered by Kamal (Nelumbo nucifera). Other wetland associated plant species includes Besaram (Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa), Jal Kumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes), Saccharum spontaneum, Pire Jhar (Polygonum hydropiper) and Persicaria species. The marginal areas cover with Siru (Imperata cylindrica) and many invasive species like Kanike kanda/Banmara (Lantana camara), Lajjawati (Mimosa pudica), and Banmara (Chromolaena odorata) (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.3.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services: The upstream of Kamal Daha has a Nanuwa village with 35 houses of Tamang and Magar communities. The communities for subsistence depend on farming and livestock herding. They used the wetland for various purposes such as drinking water for livestock, washing cloth, swimming and fishing. Local community informed that the lake was given to lease in the past for commercial fish farming, later on, the Users Group realized that the wetland is being more polluted and degraded by the activity of fish contractor and terminated the contract.

There is a Hanuman temple (Monkey god) at the eastern bank of the Daha. According to local people about 70-80 thousand peoples visit the wetland during Thuli Ekadashi festival that starts from 11th day of Tihar to 15th day (Purnima) in the month of Kartik. A wrestling game (kusti) is also organized during this festival. In addition, this site has been increasingly popular for celebrating New Year (1st of Baishak). A few years before it was leased for fish farming but now the Ghurmi Danda Community forest users group stop the fish farming.

3.3.10 Observed Threats: Human activities like swimming, bathing, washing heavily contributed to pollute the lake environment. Besides, encroachment, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, agricultural runoff such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides/insecticides are the major threats for this wetland. A herd of livestock was observed grazing around the Tal contributing the soil erosion. The forest vegetation around the lake is much disturbed due to human activities including grazing and lopping.

3.3.11 Instuttional Involment: Not documented

3.3.12 Landownership and Management: The land belongs to the government of Nepal; it has been managed by the Ghurmi Danda Community Forest User’s Group.

3.3.13 Management Recommendations: Currently the lake is suffering from “tragedy of common” syndrome. It is suffered from pollution and sedimentation. Specific restoration and conservation measures will be followings:

• Strengthen the capacity of the Ghurmi Danda Community Forest User’s Group for effective conservation measures. • Manage uncontrolled grazing around the lake. • Designate specific sites for fishing (non-commercial), holy bathing and discourage the use of detergents. • Promote effective management for celebration of local festival to minimize pollution contributing activities in the wetland. • Maintenance of the dam to increase the water retention capacity. • Promote the alternatives to wetland dependent people for sustainable livelihoods. • Develop and promote the Kamal Daha as a religious and recreational site.

3.4 Devi Daha

3.4.1 Location and Geographical Information: Taregana Govindapur VDC-9, Siraha (Figure 3); alt. 115 m, lat. 26°44.545', long. 086°30.429'E. 3.4.2 Overview: Devi daha is a natural lake, located at the foothills of the Churia range along the Sal forest. 3.4.3 Access: The wetland can be reached through the Gol Bazar of the Siraha, after driving 3-4 km north. Gol Bazar is near to Lahan along the East West Highway. 3.4.4 Ecological Feature: It is a permanent wetland and retains water with maximum depth 2-3 m in dry season. The lake extends about 10 ha including marginal marshes. 3.4.5 Hydrological Feature: The wetland has no inflow and outflow. The sources of water are surface flow, direct precipitation and seepages from the catchment area during monsoon and ground spring (Photo 5).

3.4.6 Wetland Type: Lacustrine and Palustrine.

3.4.7 Water Quality: Not examined

Photo 5: Devi Daha, Taregana Govindapur VDC, Siraha.

3.4.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna The Devi Daha and its surrounding forest support six mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this area are Golden Jackal, Indian Grey Mongoose and Indian Crested Porcupine. Similarly, the lake area harbors numerous residential and breeding bird species. During the field visit over 20 species of birds had been sighted. The most common bird species in the lake were Lesser Whistling-duck, White-breasted Waterhen, and Red-wattled Lapwing. Similarly, eight species of herpeto and six fish species were known to be found in the lake and surrounding habitat. Rohu (Labeo sp.), Hile (Channa spp.) and Pothi (Puntius sp) are the most common fish species in Devi Daha (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora Vegetation along the catchment area is dominated by Sal (Shrorea robusta). Associated forest trees species include Karam (Adina cordifolia), Khayar (Acacia catechu), Simal (Bombax ceiba), Sindure (Mallotus phillipensis), Saj (Terminalia alata), Bhelar (Trewia nudiflora), etc. The lake has been encroached by floating species like Eichornia crassiceps, Pistia stratoites and Monochoria species; however, the threat is not serious. Siru (Imperata cylindrica), Sacchrum spontaneum, Pire Jhar (Polygonum hydropiper), Eichnochloa spp., Cyprus digitalis, Suire Ghans (Unknown species) and Besaram (Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa) dominantly occur along the marginal areas of the wetland (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.4.9 Ecosystem goods and Services values: The main users of this wetland are 143 households from the Balansher and Daulatpur villages. This Daha has been used for irrigating about 30-38 ha of cultivated land primarily at Daulatpur and Balansher villages. In addition, local people collect the dead and fallen trees for fuel woods.

3.4.10 Observed Threats: The wetland has been degrading by various problems. The common threats are rapid invasion by invasive alien plant species, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, overgrazing, siltation, agricultural runoff, etc.

3.4.11 Institutional Involment: Not documented

3.4.12 Landownership and Management: The land belongs to the government of Nepal; it is being managed by the Devidaha Community Forest User’s Group.

3.4.13 Management Recommendations: The following actions will be helpful to conserve the Devidaha sustainably.

• Detail inventory of floral and faunal species found in and around Devidaha. • Develop program to conserve the catchment area of the wetland to minimize soil erosion. • Removal of invasive alien species/weeds. • Promote the alternatives to wetland dependent people for sustainable livelihoods. • Capacity building of the local institutions (Forest User’s groups ) to make them able to address the threats effectively

3.5 Pathru Daha

3.5.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Sitapur VDC, Saptari (Figure 4); alt 130 m, lat. 26°38.294', long. 086°46.546'E.

Figure 4: Location Map of Pathru Daha, Jandaul Daha & Kamal Daha; Saptari.

3.5.2 Overview: Pathru daha is modified pond in a previous natural wetland; it is fed by a permanent inflow that originates from the Chure hills (3 km away) and runoff from the Pathru community forests. It consists of two ponds which are protected by constructing the sand trapping tank in the stream of the foothills of Chure hill. The Patrudaha is currently being managed by the Pathrudaha Community Forest User’s Group. Bio-engineering practice is applied to control the soil erosion and silts. 3.5.3 Access: Pathru Daha is approx. 2 km north from Bhawanipur bazar along the East West highway. 3.5.4 Ecological Feature: The water coverage area is about 1 ha, and the total area of community forest is 101 ha. 3.5.5 Hydrological Feature: Pathru daha has a perennial stream of Chure origin. In addition, it is fed by surface run-off and direct precipitation especially during the monsoon. Outflow has been regulated through the run off harvesting dam which functions only during the rainy/monsoon season when water level increases (Photo 6).

Photo 6: Pathru Daha, Sitapur VDC, Saptari.

3.5.6 Wetland type: Lacustrine (lake/pond) and Palustrine (marsh/swamp).

3.5.7 Water Quality: Physico-chemical and biological characters of the water are given in (Annex 4.3).

3.5.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna Pathru Daha and its surrounding area support one dozen mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this area are Rhesus Macaque, Golden Jackal and Wild boar. Similarly, this lake and nearby forested areas have been harbour numerous residential and breeding birds. During the field visit over 30 species of birds were recorded within a short time. Among them Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) was observed only in this area. The most common species were Lesser Whistling-duck, White-throated Kingfisher, White-breasted Waterhen and Red-vented Bulbul. Similarly, eight species of herpeto and five species of fish were known to be found in the lake and surrounding habitat. Bhakur (Catla sp.), Hile (Channa sp.) and Pothi (Danio sp.) are reported as the most common fish species in the lake (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora Vegetation around the lake shows riverine elements. Dominant species are Marchaiya (unknown tree), Indrajau (Hollarhaena pubescens), Carissa carandans, Khayar (Acacia catechu), Satisal (Dalbergia latifolia), kadam (Anthocephalus chinensis), Ficus species, Antidesma species etc. Trees and shrubs around the lake is covered by Gurjo (Tinospora sinensis). Moist part around lake is dominated by Lahare banmara (Mikania micrantha), Solanum torvum, Trichosanthes cucumerina. The dominant wetland flora is mainly represented by Besaram (Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa) and Pirejhar (Polygonum hydropiper), Alternenthera philoxeroides, Fimbrystylis miliacea. The Lahare Banmara (Mikania micrantha) and Trichosanthes cucumerina form a thick blanket around the lakes (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.5.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services: The primary users for this wetland are about 280 households from Sitapur-7, 8 & 9. The community used the wetland for fishing, irrigation (approx. 40 ha), it has also been serving soil erosion control and recreation. Plants occur

around wetland, such as bamboos and NTFPs supporting to income generation of community.

3.5.10 Observed threats: Soil erosion and landslide in upstream, siltation/floods, invasion by invasive alien species and over exploiting of resources, etc., are the major threats.

3.5.11 Institutional Involvment: Not documented.

3.5.12 Land Ownership and Management: The land belongs to the government of Nepal; it has been managed by the Pathru Daha Community Forest User’s Group.

3.5.13 Management Recommendations: Following actions are recommended-

• Develop and implement the conservation programs such as afforestation of bamboo plants that reduces the rate of soil erosion. • Removal of invasive alien species/weeds regularly. • Maintenance of the runoff harvesting dam that regulates the hydrological flow for irrigation and functions as soil erosion control. • Promote the alternatives to wetland dependent people for sustainable livelihoods. • Strengthen capacity of Pathrudaha Community Forest User’s Group on wetland management. • Mainstreaming wetland conservation practices in the Forest Operational Plan (FOP).

3.6 Jandaul Pokhari

3.6.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Jandaul VDC - 6 & 7, Saptari, (Figure 4); alt. 130m, lat. 26°38.874', long. 086°47.455' E. 3.6.2 Overview: Jandaul pokhari consists of series of four ponds constructed along the small stream named Banaha Khola. The wetlands are created along the Chure originated stream with the aim of trapping sand and silts to protect the downstream agricultural land from siltation. 3.6.3 Access: Jandaul pokhari approximately 1-1.5 km north away from Jandol bazzar along the East West highway.

3.6.4 Ecological Feature: The estimated area of the large Pokhari is about 1 ha.

3.6.5 Hydrological Feature: Jandaul pokhari feeds by a Chure originated seasonal Banaha Khola, also fed by the surface run off from the surrounding forests and direct precipitation during monsoon (Photo 7). 3.6.6 Wetland Type: Lacustrine (lake/pond), Palustrine (marsh/swamp) and riverine.

3.6.7 Water Quality: Not examined.

Photo 7: Jandaul 1, one of the wetlands series, Jandaul, Saptari.

3.6.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna The Jandaul and Pathru Daha, both are manmade ponds and located at the same location. So, both have similar faunal species (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora The ponds are surrounded by tropical mixed forest dominated by Shorea robusta. Other associated forest species are Diospyros specie, Sindure (Mallotus phillipensis), Antidesma

32 species, khayar (Acacia catechu), Marchaiya (unknown tree), Rajbrikshya (Cassia fistula), Indrajau (Hollarhaena pubescens), etc. Moist part around lake is dominated by Lahare Banmara (Mikania micrantha), Solanum torvum, and Trichosanthes cucumerina. Ponds in Jandaul Tal devoid of floating and submerged macro flora, but some emergent species such as Pire Jhar (Polygonum hydropiper), Besaram (Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa), Jaluko (Alocasia species) are present (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.6.8 Ecosystem goods and Services: The wetland provides services for irrigating the agricultural fields of approx. 291 households and fishery. It controls soil erosion and enhances water table.

3.6.9 Observed Threats: Soil erosion, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, excessive growth of invasive alien species, uncontrolled grazing, overfishing, etc., are the major problems of the wetland.

3.6.10 Land ownership and Management: The land ownership belongs to the government of Nepal; it is being managed by the Harina Chure Community Forest User’s Group.

3.6.11 Management recommendations

• Initiate soil conservation measures such as, afforestation of bamboo plants along the degraded areas and bioengineering technology. • Control the excessive growth of invasive alien plant species. • Generate community income through sustainable fish farming in the wetland. • Maintenance of the runoff harvesting dam that regulates the hydrological flow for irrigation and soil erosion control. • Strengthen institutional capacity of Harina Chure Community Forest User’s Group on wetland management. • Mainstreaming wetland conservation and management strategy and actions in the Forest Operational Plan.

3.7 Kamal Daha

3.7.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Kamalpur VDC, Saptari (Figure 4); alt 90 m, lat. 26°41.331', long. 086°56.254'E. 3.7.2 Overview: The Kamal Daha is natural wetland, situated at the foothills of Churiya range. The wetland had covered a big area until 1987, a flood of that year degraded the lake filling with sand/silt. It has been managed by the Grahmin Bikas Community Forest User’s Group since 1993. 3.7.3 Access: Kamal daha is about 8 km north from Kanchapur bazar along the East West Highway. 3.7.4 Ecological Feature: The coverage of the Daha is about 3 ha amidst the Sal forest and agricultural land. 3.7.5 Hydrological Features: This wetland has no permanent inflow but receives water from ground springs, surface run off from forests and agricultural land as well as direct precipitation (Photo 8).

Photo 8: Kamal Daha, Kamalpur VDC, Saptari.

3.7.6 Wetland Type: Lacustrine (lake/pond) and Palustrine (marsh/swamp).

3.7.7 Water Quality: Not examined.

3.7.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna The Kamal Daha and its surrounding area support one dozen mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this area are Golden Jackal, Wild boar and Rhesus Macaque. IUCN Red list ‘Endangered’ categorised species ‘Asiatic Elephant’ sometimes visited this area. The lake and nearby forested areas have been harbor numerous residential and breeding bird species. During the field visit two dozen species of birds were recorded with in the limited time period. Among them Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia) was observed only in this lake. Most common bird species were Lesser Whistling-duck, White-throated Kingfisher, White- breasted Waterhen and Asian Pied Sterling, etc. Similarly, six species of herpeto and seven species of fish were known to be found in the lake and surrounding habitat. Bhakur (Catla sp.), Rahu, and Buhari (Wallago sp.) are reported as the most common fish species in the lake (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora Forest vegetation near Kamal daha is tropical mixed forest dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta). Associated tree species include Karam (Adina cordifolia), Kadam (Anthocephalus chinensis), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Saj (Terminalia alata) etc. Several species of floating and submerged plants are distributed in most parts of the wetland. Dominant floating species in the lake are Kamal (Nelumbo nucIifera), Jal Kumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes), Lemna minor, Vallisneria natans and Monochoria species. Emergent species in the lake are Besaram (Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa), Schenoplectus mucronatus, Isachme milliace, Chrysopogon acicaltus, Paspalidium sp., Alternenthera philoxeroides, etc. Many invasive alien species like Banmara (Lantana camara), Banmara (Chromolaena odorata), Croton bonplandianus, etc. were present around the wetland (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.7.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services: About 180 households from Kamalpur-7 are directly benefited from the Kamal daha from various wetland resources like irrigation, fishing, snail and NTFPs (lotus, fruit of water chestnut) collection, grazing land, water for cattle, etc.

3.7.10 Observed Threats: Eutrophication, invasive alien plant species, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, grazing, siltation, etc.

3.7.11 Institutional Involvement: Not documented.

3.7.12 Land ownership and Management: The land ownership belongs to the government of Nepal; it is being managed by the Grahmin Bikash Community Forest User’s Group.

3.7.13 Management Recommendations: Following actions are suggested:

• Initiate soil conservation measures such as afforestation of bamboo and wetland friendly species of plants along the degraded areas with full protection of the existing forests. • Manage unregulated grazing and unsustainable harvesting of wetland resources. • Regularly remove the invasive alien species/weeds. • Explore the possibilities of alternate use of the invasive alien species. • Maintenance of the dam for promotes irrigation facility and soil erosion control. • Strengthen institutional capacity of Grahmin Bikas Community Forest User’s Group for effective management of pokhari (lake) and running recreational centre. • Promote the alternatives to wetland dependent people for sustainable livelihoods. • Mainstreaming wetland conservation and management in the Forest Operational Plan.

3.8 Bagh Jhora Wetland

3.8.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Indrapur VDC-1, Morang (Figure 5); alt. 140 m, lat. 26°40.777', long. 087°23.800'E.

3.8.2 Overview: Bag Jhora wetland is situated at the foothills of Churiya range. It has both marshy land and deep water pool up to 6m depth. Most portion of the lake has been degraded due to siltation and succession by many plant species. A local NGO, namely Bag Jhora Wetland Conservation and Promotion Committee (WCPC) has been managed this wetland.

3.8.3 Access: Bagjhora is approx. 2.5 km north from Birat Chowk that lies at east west highway.

3.8.4 Ecological Feature: The wetland extends about 4.2 ha in the forest area.

3.8.5 Hydrological Feature: The wetland is fed by a permanent inflow from the Kisti River located in the East direction. The wetland also receives water from ground springs, surface water from agricultural land and forest as well as direct precipitation (Photo 9).

Figure 5: Location Map of Baghjhora Daha, Betani Simsar, Hasina Simsar and Raja Rani, Morang.

3.8.6 Wetland Type: Palustrine and Lacustrine.

3.8.7 Water Quality: Physico-chemical and biological characters are given in (Annex 4.4).

3.8.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna The Bagjhora wetland and its surrounding forest harbor over one dozen of mammalian species. The most common mammalian species are Golden Jackal, Mongoose and Rhesus Macaque. ‘Indian Pangolin’ one of the legally protected species in Nepal, also reported from this area. The area is rich for several residential and breeding bird species. During the field visit 34 species of birds were recorded. The most common bird species were Common Myna and Black Drongo.

Similarly, seven species of herpeto and four species of fish were known to be found in the lake and surrounding habitat (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Photo 9: Bagjhora , Indrapur VDC, Morang

Flora Dominant vegetation in its vicinity is by Sal (Shorea robusta). Associates of Sal are Karam (Adina cordifolia), Khayar (Acacia catechu), Saj (Terminalia alata), and Aule (unknown tree). Wetland vegetation consists of floating, submerged, and emergent weed flora. Most parts of lake are covered by Pistia stratoites and Eichhornia crassipes. A species of fern, namely Microsorus marginata, has also observed in the marshy as well as silt deposited areas of the wetland. Emergent species in this lake are Cyperus digitalis, Schenoplectus mucronata, Besaram (Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa), Narkat (Phragmites karka), and Jalkumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes). The invasive alien species like Banmara (Chromolaena odorata), Banmara (Lantana camara) are found in open space around the wetland (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.8.9 Ecosystem goods and services: About 1103 households belonging Brahmin, Chettri, Newar communities are directly dependent on this wetland for various purposes. It is used for irrigation that irrigates hundreds of ha of arable land. Once there started a boat for recreation purpose but later on due to disturbance of invasive alien species it was not

successes. It has also a cultural significance where in every 15th of Baishak, people from Indrapur and adjoining VDCs gathered to celebrate a festival. 3.8.10 Observed threats: Invasive alien species, human encroachment, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, over grazing, siltation, etc. 3.8.11 Institutional Involvement: The Eastern Irrigation Division Inaruwa supported for irrigation scheme. The District Development Committee, Morang supported WCPC to clean the invasive alien species. 3.8.12 Land Ownership and Management: The ownership belongs to the Government of Nepal; it is managed by Bag Jhora Wetland Conservation and Promotion Committee (WCPC). 3.8.13 Management Recommendations • Undertake regular removal of invasive alien weeds such as Pistia stratiotes, Eichhornia crassipes, etc. • Explore the possibility of alternate use (fertilizer, fodder, etc.) of invasion alien weeds • Follow the management guidelines of Invasive alien species prepared by CSUWN to control the spread of the alien species. • Restore the wetland by removing silts and sands. • Conserve the surrounding forests in order to improve the water recharge to regularize the supply of water. • Protect the habitat for conserving the key wildlife species. • Strengthen the capacity of WCPC to manage and develop the wetland as a recreational center.

3.9 Betani Daha

3.9.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Urlabari VDC-7, Morang (Figure 5); alt. 120m, lat. 26°40.932', long. 087°36.579'E. 3.9.2 Overview: Betani Daha is a natural wetland, located inside Sal forest. There is both inflow and outflow. 3.9.3 Access: Betani Daha is accessible after 15-20 minutes’ drive from Urlabari bazar along the East West Highway via north of Mangalbare. 3.9.4 Ecological Feature: The Daha covers about 3.3 ha but it has a quite bigger wetland basin. 3.9.5 Hydrological Feature: There is a permanent inflow, also fed by surface runoff from forests and direct precipitation. There is an outflow that connects to Soaltee Khola (Photo 10). 3.9.6 Type of wetland: Lacustrine (lake/pond) and Palustrine (marsh/swamp).

3.9.7 Wate Quality: Not examined.

3.9.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna Betani Daha and its surrounding forest support ten mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this area are Golden Jackal, Wild boar and Rhesus Macaque. ‘Asiatic Elephant’ one of the ‘Endangered’ species in IUCN Red list, also visited this area. The lake and nearby forested areas have been harbor several residential and breeding bird species. During the field visit 25 species of birds were recorded. The most common bird species were Lesser Whistling-duck, White-throated Kingfisher, White-breasted Waterhen and Black Drongo , etc. Similarly, seven species of herpeto and four species of fish were known to be found in the lake and surrounding habitat (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora Sal (Shorea robusta) is dominant forest species of this is area. The associated species include Saj (Terminalia alata), Sindure (Mallotus phillipensis), Rajbrikshya (Cassia fistula), Aule (Unknown trees), Badkamle (Caesaria glomerata), Bot Dhayero (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Mirchaiya (Unknown tree) and Kusum (Schleichera oleosa).Shrub layer is occupied by Murraya

40 koenigii, Angeri (Melastoma normale) and Clausena exavata, etc. Floating flora has very smaller coverage in this wetland. So far existing floating flora include Jal Kumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes), Pistia stratoites. Moist part around the water body has been covered by lahare Banmara (Mikania micrantha) and Besaram (Ipomea carnea ssp. fistulosa). Emergent species are Cyperus digitalis, Schenoplectus mucronata and Suire Ghans (unknown grass) (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

Photo 10: Betani, Urlabari VDC, Morang.

3.9.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services: Nearest villages are Dhumre, and Dhan Kheti predominantly inhabited by Dhimal and Rai communities. The villagers use the wetland for swimming and grazing and NTFPs collection. The regenerated forest provides fodder and NTFPs. A feasibility survey has been done to generate for electricity for Mangalbare hospital and villagers. 3.9.10 Observed Threats: Major threats are invasive alien species, overgrazing, sedimentation, etc. 3.9.11 Institutional Involvement: Local communities have been voluntarily patrolling the adjoining forest. The local government agencies of Morang such as District Development Committee (DDC), District Forest Office (DFO) and Village Development Committee

(VDC) are supporting to develop various physical infrastructures in the lake and adjoining forest. 3.9.12 Land Ownership and Management: The wetland belongs to the Government of Nepal; it has been managed by the Betani Community Forest User’s Group. 3.9.13 Management recommendations: Betani Tal has been relatively well protected by good embankment, overflow culvert and concrete outlet. Some management recommendations are as follows:

• Conservation of adjoining forest for the regular supply of water to the Betani Tal. • Strengthen the capacity of the Betani Community Forest User’s Group for effective management of the wetland. • Promote the alternatives to wetland dependent people for sustainable livelihoods. • Remove invasive alien species from lake area. • Conduct detail inventory of flora and fauna of in and around lake area. • Mainstreaming the wetland conservation practices and strategies in Forest Operation Plan.

3. 10 Hasina Simsar

3.10.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Sundarpur VDC-6, Morang (Figure 5); alt. 125, lat. 26°41.515', long. 087°18.860'E.

3.10.2 Overview: Hasina wetland is situated on the foothills of Churiya hill. It is a natural wetland inside the forest. The wetland was rich with rattan plant (Calamus spp.) before 2 decades. The Hasina Simsar Conservation Committee (a sub-committee of the Namuma Community Forest) is actively working for the restoration and sustainable conservation of this wetland.

3.10.3 Access: The Hasina Simsar is nearby the Itahari bazar of Sunsari district. Bansbari lies about 1 km east along the East West Highway, Hasina can be reached after 4-5 km drive from Bansbari.

3.10.4 Ecological Feature: Hasina wetland extends approximately 48 ha; it consists of swamp, marsh, pond and streams (Photo 11). The water body coverage area is 3.3ha. The Daha feeds by the ground 4-5 spring sources (Jaruwa).

3.10.6 Wetland Type: Lacustrine (lake/pond) , Palustrine (marsh/swamp) and riverine.

3.10.7 Water quality: Not examined.

Photo 11: Hasina Simsar, Sundarpur VDC, Morang.

3.10.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna Hasina Simsar and its surrounding forest harbors 15 mammalian species. The common mammalian species are Indian Pangolin (a protected species by the Government of Nepal), Golden Jackal, Rhesus Macaque and Black Giant Squirrel. Similarly, this wetland system also harbors numerous residential and breeding bird species. During the field visit over 38 species of birds were recorded. Among them Little Heron (Butorides striatus) was observed only in this

43 area. The common bird species were Cattle Egret, White-throated Kingfisher, Spotted Dove and Red-vented Bulbul. Similarly, nine species of herpeto and five species of fish are reported in the lake and surrounding habitat. Bhakur (Catla sp.), Hile (Channa sp.) and Pothi (Danio sp.) are common fish species (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora Main vegetation around wetland is composed of tropical elements, which include Shorea robusta, Syzygium cumini, Ficus species, Anthocephalus chinensis, Diospyros species, Bombax ceiba, Aegle marmelos, Trewia nudiflora, Callicarpa arborea, Mallotus phillipensis, etc. This wetland also provides a good habitat for a rare tree Chhatiwan (Alstonia scholaris). This wetland provides habitat to different species of floating and submerged macro flora. Common floating species include are Jal Kumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes), Pistia stratoites, Monochoria species, Lemna minor, Vallisneria natans, etc. Emergent species in marshy area are Schenoplectus mucronata, Alternenthera philoxeroides, Isachne dispar, etc. Pandanus species, Bet (Calamus spp.). Invasive alien species such as Banmara (Chromolaena odorata), Gandhe (Ageratum conyzoides), Banmara (lantana camara) are growing along the marginal areas of wetland (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.10.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services: The wetland used for irrigating about 3200 ha of land. Besides, control grass cutting and collecting dead and fallen logs are allowed.

3.10.10 Observed threats: Major threats are over exploitation of resources, overgrazing, sedimentation, eutrophication, encroachment, and invasive alien species.

3.10.11 Institutional Involvement: The Hasina Simsar Conservation Committee and the Birat Tourism Development Committee.

3.10.12 Land Ownership and Management: The ownership belongs to the Government of Nepal. However, the local community has proposed this area for Numuna Community Forest to manage the wetland and forest.

3.10.13 Management Recommendations

• Regular removal of the invasive alien species from the surface area of the Simsar. • Follow the management guidelines of Invasive alien species prepared by CSUWN to control the spread of the alien species and explore the possibility of alternate use of invasive alien weeds.

• Conserve and restore the habitat for wildlife particularly pangolin as being the key species of this area. • Develop the wetland as a recreational center. • Conduct detail inventory of flora and fauna of in and around lake area. • Develop the alternative programs to improve the sustainable livelihoods of local community. • Strengthen the capacity of the Namuna Community Forest User’s Group and Hasina Simsar Tal conservation committee for sustainable management of the wetland. • Encourage people to plant native and wetland friendly species like Arjun, Bet, Chhatiwan, etc.

3.11 Raja Rani Pokhari

3.11.1 Location and Geographical Coordination: Bhogateni VDC -8, Morang District (Figure 5); alt. 470 m, lat. 26°44.922', long. 087°28.910'E.

3.11.2 Overview Raja Rani Pokhari, also called as ‘Raja Rani Dhimal Pokhari’ (Photo 12 and 13) is one of the important wetland of Nepal. It is located north-west of Letang, at Dhimal Danda covering with mixed forest. The wetland area is surrounded by Letang and Yangshila VDCs to the east, Kerabari, Ramite and Pati VDCs to the west, Ramite and Yangshila VDCs to the north and Letang and Kerabari VDCs to the south. There are three lakes namely Raja, Rani and Chhori (Rajkumari), located inside the southern part of the Sal forest along the Chure hill (Photo 14). Among those three being stretched north-south, the west one is Raja Pokhari (king's pond), east is Rani Pokhari (queen's pond), whereas the degraded pond of the north eastern corner is called Chhori or Rajkumari. This nearby settlement is dominated by Magar community while Limbu community is dominant in the VDC total population. This wetland has been managed by Raja Rani Community Forest User’s Group. The local people formed a Raja Rani Pokhari Conservation Committee particularly for managing this wetland. It is an important habitat for wetland birds and epiphytic orchids.

Photo 12: Raja Rani Wetland (Raja), Bhogateni VDC, Morang.

3.11.3 Access: Raja Rani Pokhari is accessible from the Kanepokhari of East West Highway; the distance is 14 km north from Kanepokhari to Letang. It is 5 km north-west from the Letang bazar after crossing the Chisang Khola.

Photo13: Raja Rani Wetland (Rani), Bhogateni VDC, Morang.

3.11.4 Ecological Feature: The three lakes cover about 20 ha of land, whereas, the wetland basin extends about 133 ha. The Raja Rani Community forest covers about 1700 ha.

Photo 14: Raja Rani Wetland (Rajkumari), Bhogateni VDC, Morang.

3.11.5 Hydrological Feature: The lake system has no the permanent inflow source as this is being fed by ground source “Jaruwa”, seasonal forest fed streams and direct precipitation.

3.11.6 Wetland type: Lacustrine (lake/pond) and Palustrine (marsh/swamp).

3.11.7 Water Quality: Physico-chemical and biological characters of the water are given in (Annex 4.5).

3.11.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna Raja Rani Wetland supports 14 mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this lake are Rhesus Macaque, Golden Jackal and Barking Deer. Civets are observed only in this wetland. Similarly, this lake and its surrounding dense forest has been harbors 110 species of bird (Basnet et al., 2005). During the field visit over forty five species of birds had been sighted within a short period of time. Most of them were breeding and residential birds. Six species observed only in this area were Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons), Collared

Falconet (Collared Falconet), Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis), Grey-capped Pigmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos canicapillus), Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) and Great Hornbill. Great Hornbill is also legally protected bird by government of Nepal and Near Threatened status in IUCN Red list. Lesser Whistling-duck, White-throated Kingfisher, Hill Myna and Dollarbird were found as the most common bird species. Similarly, six species of herpeto and three species of fish (Mungri, Hile and Garahi) have been known in this area. Single species of land tortoise (Elongated Tortoise) fall under Endangered categorize in IUCN Red List also reported from this lake (Basnet, 2001) (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora This wetland has an aquatic tree species, it may be Cephalanthus tetrandra? (Rubiaceae). This could be a new addition to the flora of Nepal, but further confirmation is needed. This species grows in aquatic condition and has covered about one third of Rani Lake. This tree is very good habitat of Orchid flora. The wetland area houses 45 species of epiphytic orchids (Shakya and Bajrachrya, 2005) including 2 species of Eria reported as new addition to the flora of Nepal (Bajracharya and Shrestha, 2004). The adjoining forest is dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta), Rajbrikshya (Cassia fistula), Jamun (Syzygium cuminii), Odane (Sterculia villosa), Chatiwan (Alstonia scholaris), Bhelar (Trewia nudiflora), Siris (Albizia chinensis), Sindure (Mallotus phillipensis),etc. The north upper area mixed with a subtropical species such as Chilaune (Schima wallichii), Katush (Castanopsis indica), Chanp (Michelia deltospa) etc. Floating species in the wetlands are Jal Kumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes), Pistia stratoites, Monochoria species. Emergent species are Pire Jhar (Polygonum hydropiper), jaluko (Alocasia species), Chrysopogon aciculatus, Narkat (Phragmites kakrka), Spilanthes species, Besaram (Ipomoea carnea ssp. fistulosa). The invasive alien species like Banmara (Chromolaena odorata), Gandhe (Ageratum conyzoides), Lahare banmara (Mikania micrantha) dominantly occurred in the moist areas around the wetland (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.11.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services The wetland provides grazing lands, fodder and limited use in irrigation. It is also being popular as a recreational and picnic spot. In addition to biodiversity, it has high religious and historical values particularly for Dhimal community of eastern Nepal. Dhimal community believes that it is an origin land of their ethnic group. They identified as their ancestral land and established a

Gramthan (the worshipping place) at the Dhimal Danda and started Sirjat and Jatrimela during Nepali New Year. However, there is no any Dhimal settlement around the wetland. The Raja Rani temple is also built by the Magar Community at the middle of the Raja Rani Pond Hill. This temple is regarded as Manakamana Temple (the wish fulfilling temple) of eastern Nepal.

3.11.10 Observed Threats: Invasive alien species, rapid succession by tree and plant species, siltation, overgrazing.

3.11.11 Institutional Involvement National Wetland Conservation committee has supported with NRs 10,000/- which was spent on constructing irrigation dam and, toilet, shelter and tap construction for picnic spots. Lutheran (LWP) also supported 29 poor households for constructing toilet (NRs. 5000 per HH) as a support for materials. Around the Rani wetland, there is a ring footpath where 5 wooden bridges have been supported by District Development Committee, Morang. In addition, with the support of DDC Morang, local communities are planning to initiate Home stay tourism. So far, five households show interest to run a local home stay. Similarly, Eastern Irrigation Division Office, Inruwa is committed to support in drip irrigation in danda. With the support of DDC Morang, Raja Rani Conservation Master Plan has been prepared and put in place for operation. Birat Tourism promotion committee, Biratnagar has provided NRs. 100,000 for developing demonstration block of orchids species existing in this locality. The proposed site is at the Chhori tal, adjoin with Ranital.

3.11.12 Land Ownership and Management: Land belongs to the Government of Nepal, it has been managed by Raja Rani Community Forest User’s Group forming a Raja Rani Pokhari Conservation Committee. 3.13 Management Recommendation: The Raja Rani Pokhari is a very important wetland in the Chure region of the eastern Nepal due to its biodiversity, environmental and cultural values. Following suggestions are recommended to conserve its uniqueness.

• Promote the conservation of forest and orchid flora to enhance the aesthetic and biodiversity values.

• Renovate the three ponds by removing the unwanted weeds, water hyacinth and by improving water level. • Follow the management guidelines of Invasive alien species prepared by Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetland of Nepal (CSUWN) to control the spread of the alien species and explore the possibility of alternate use of invasive alien weeds. • Manage the overgrazing to reduce the eutrophication and succession rate. • Promote as a community based nature tourism center. • Conserve the critical habitat of endangered Giant Horn Bill. • Strengthen the capacity of the Raja Rani Community Forest Group and Raja Rani Pokhari Conservation Committee Committee for restoration and sustainable conservation of wetland and its catchment. • Conduct detail inventory of flora and fauna of in and around lake area. • Assess the biological and conservation values of the aquatic tree species which greatly supports orchids and serve as a nesting for bird species. • Explore possibility to designate the wetland as a Ramsar Site.

Note (The qualifying criteria are) Ramsar Criterion 1: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found within the appropriate biogeographic region.

Ramsar Criterion 2: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.

3. 12 Jamunkhadi Daha

3.12.1 Location and Geographical information: Surunga VDC, Jhapa (Figure 6); alt. 110 m, lat. 26°39.116', long. 087°54.849'E.

Figure 6: Location Map of Jamunkhadi Simsar, Jhapa.

3.12.2 Overview Jamunakhadi Daha is the substantially modified wetland and widely used for recreation (Photo 15). The Jaman Daha has a fingures like structure. This lake has been managed by Jamunabari Community Forest User’s Group (JCFUG). They have been offered boating facilities to visitor and also operated mini-zoo. Several wildlife including the ‘Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)’ a ‘Vulnerable’ species in IUCN Red list and the Asiatic Rock Python a CITES listed in Appendix I and legally protected by government of Nepal are kept in a congested cages for public exhibition.

3.12.3 Access: Jamunkhadi Daha is approximately 3 km away from Surunga bazar that lies at the East West Highway.

3.12.4 Ecological Feature: The open water area covers about 3 ha, while including its marshy catchment extends in 40 ha. 3.12.5 Hydrological Feature: It is fed by ground spring, surrounding surface runoff and direct precipitation. 3.12.6 Wetland Type: Lacustrine (lake/pond)

Photo 15: Jamunkhandi, Surunga VDC, Jhapa.

3.12.7 Water Quality: Not examined.

3.12.8 Noteworthy Biodiversity

Fauna Jamun Daha support over ten mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this area are Golden Jackal, Wild boar and Rhesus Macaque. The lake and nearby areas have been harbor good number of residential and breeding bird species. During the field visit 23 species of birds were recorded. The most common bird species were Greater Coucal, Spotted Dove and Black Drongo, etc. Similarly, six species of herpeto were known to be found in the lake and surrounding habitat. Asiatic Rock Python which is listed in CITES Appendix I and legally protected by government of Nepal (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4).

Flora Jamuna Daha area has Sal forest. The associates are Saj (Terminalia alata), Karam (Adina cordifolia), Sindure (Mallotus phillipensis), Rajbriskhya (Cassia fistula). During the transect observation we did not find any floating and invasive flora in the lake. Emergent species in this lake include Persicaria species, Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa spp., Fimbristylis miliacea, Siru (Imperata cylindrica), Alternanthera philoxeroides, etc., (Annex 3.1 and 3.2).

3.12.9 Ecosystem Goods and Services: The wetland provides water for wildlife and nearby agricultural field, NTFPs, and recreation, water recharge in downstream. The local community has been operating boat and mini-zoo in this wetland. 3.12.10 Observed Threats: Siltation, human disturbances, etc. 3.12.11 Institutional Involvement: Not documented. 3.12.12 Land Ownership and Management: The land belongs to the Government of Nepal; it has been managed by the Jamunabari Community Forest User’s Group. 3.12.13 Management Recommendation: This wetland has been substantially greatly manipulated and currently used primarily for recreation (boating, picnic, zoo etc.). Some suggestions are made: • Aware the Jamunabari Community Forest User’s Group about the national and international legal provisions for operating the zoo/ mini-zoo. • Follow the Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare guidelines prepared by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) for operating the zoo. • Build the capacity of the Forest User’s Group for managing the wetland as a recreational center.

3.13 Taltlaiya wetland

3.13.1 Location and Geographical information: Itahari Municipality- 2 & 3; alt. 120m, lat. 26° 41.985’long.087° 18.048’E.

3.13.2 Overview: The Taltalaiya wetand consists of 12 ponds and some of them are manmade for recreational and irrigation purposes. It is managed by Tal Talaiya Conservation and

Development committee. The pond system extends about 77 ha of land; out of it about 22 ha is covered by water body (Photo 16).

3.13.3 Noteworthy Biodiversity: The wetland and its surrounding area have been harbors 15 mammalian species. The most common mammalian species of this area are Golden Jackal, Porcupine and Rhesus Macaque. Similarly, this wetland system also harbors numerous residential and breeding bird species.

Photo 16: Taltalaiya wetland, Sunsari.

During the field visit over 29 species of birds were recorded. Large-billed Crow, Black-hooded Oriole, Spotted Dove and Red-vented Bulbul were found as the most common bird species. Similarly, over five species of herpeto and 5 species of fish have been known to be found in this area. Rohu (Labeo sp.), Hile (Channa sp.) and Pothi (Danio sp.) are reported as the most common fish species (Annex 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4). Asiatic Rock Python which is listed in CITES Appendix I and legally protected by government of Nepal is keep in a cage for public exhibition. Some of the ponds are invaded by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

3.13.4 Management Recommendations:

• Aware local Institution about the national and international legal provisions for operating the mini-zoo.

• Follow the Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare guidelines prepared by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) for operating the zoo.

• Build the capacity of the Taltalaiya Conservation and Development committee for managing wetland as a recreational center.

References

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Annex 1: Name list of Individual and Local Representative consulted

Annex 1.1: Name list of local representatives consulted at Ratanpur, Bara

S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Siya Ram Kunwar, ward no 1, Ratanpur Teacher 2 Mr. Janak Lal Guro, ward no 1, Ratanpur Advisor, Janamukhi Community Forest User’s Group 3 Mr. Dinesh Guro, ward no 1, Ratanpur Teacher, Nera Higher Secondary School 4 Mr. Jiya Lal Guro, ward no 1, Ratanpur Member, Janamukhi Community Forest User’s Group 5 Mr. Hari Kishor Kunwar, ward no 1, Ratanpur Teacher 6 Mr. Baidanath Guro Tharu, ward no 1 Chair, Higher Secondary School management committee cum member, Nepal Democratic Party, district committee 7 Mr. Bel Bahadur Thim, ward no Ratanpur Ex-Chair, Bamjan religious groups committee

Annex 1.2: Name list of local representative consulted at Baba Tal, Badaharmal, Siraha S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Bhola Raj Dahal Chair, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group. 2 Mr. Shive Chandra Mandal Forest Office staff 3 Mr. Peahal Kumar Adikari User, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group. 4 Mr. Murai Prasad Dahal Ex-Chair, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group 5 Mr. Hem Prasad Dahal, ward no 2 User, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group 6 Mr. Kumar Kafle, ward no 2 Secretary, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group. 7 Mr. Bhawani Prasad Dahal User, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group 8 Mr. Sitaram Kafle User/Advisor, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group 9 Mr. Indra Bdr. Thapa Magar User, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group 10 Mr. Tulsi Dulal Member, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group 11 Mr. Tej Bdr. Adikari User, Jordaha Chure Community Forest User’s Group

59 Annex-1.3: Name list of local representatives consulted at Kamal Daha, Fulbaria, Siraha S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Hem Kumar, fulbaria-2, Treasurer Siraha 2 Mr. Shiva Jee Mahato, fulbaria-2, Vice Chairperson Siraha

Annex 1.4: Name list of local representative consulted at Devidaha, Taregana Govindapur, Siraha S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr………… Member, Devidaha Community Forest 2 Mr. Ranger, DFO, Siraha

Annex 1.5: Name list of local representative consulted at Pathru Daha & Jaudol, Saptari S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Govinda Prasad Chaudari Chairperson, Community Forestry User’s Group 2

Annex 1.6: Name list of local representatives consulted at Kamal Daha, Saptari S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Rajendra Kumar Khadka, Member, Kamal Daha Marmat Sambhar User Committee Saptari 2 Mr. Gehendra Thakur, Saptari Assistant District Soil Conservation Officer, 3 Mr. Balaram Mandal, Saptari Treasurer, Kamal Daha Marmat Sambhar User Committee 4 Mr. Anirudra Paikara, Saptari Chairperson, Kamal Daha Marmat Sambhar User Committee 5 Mr. Gopal Prasad Rauwat, Saptari Member, Kamal Daha Marmat Sambhar User Committee 6 Mr. Kameshwor Khadka, Saptari Member, Kamal Daha Marmat Sambhar User Committee

Annex 1.7: Name list of local representatives consulted at Bag Jhora, Morang S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Tulsi Rimal Member, Bag Jhora Simasar Conservation and Promotion Committee 2 Mr. Chandra Gurung Chairperson, Bag Jhora Simasar Conservation and Promotion Committee

Annex 1.8: Name list of local representatives consulted at Betani, Urlabari, Morang S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Ratna Bhandari, Urlabari-7 User, Betani Community Forest

Annex 1.9: Name list of local representatives consulted at Hasina Simsar, Sundarpur, Morang S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Pursottam Ghimire Secretary, Hasina Simsar Conservation Committee 2 Mr. Bal Bahadur Rai Ex-Chairperson, Hasina Simsar Conservation Committee 3 Mr. Raj Kumar Rai Chairperson, Hasina Simsar Conservation Committee 4 Mr. Ghan Shyam Neupane, Chairperson, Hasina Simsar Community Forest User’s Group

Annex 1.10: Name list of local representatives consulted at Raja Rani, Morang S.N Name and address Occupation 1 Mr. Bishnu Magar Member, Raja Rani Community Forest User’s Group 2 Mr. Dal Bahadur Magar Ex-chairperson, Raja Rani Pokhari Conservation Committee 3 Mr. Hangsa Bahadur Magar Secretary, Raja Rani Pokhari Conservation Committee

Annex 1.11: Name list of officials from district line agencies (DSCO, DFO etc.) S.N Name and address Designation/post 1 Mr. Lal Bahadur Kurmi, Kalaiya, Bara Officer, District Soil Conservation Office 2 Mr. Puspa Ram Thapa, Hetauda, Officer, District Soil Conservation Office Makawanpur 3 Mr. Bipin Kumar Jha, Chandra Nigawapur, Officer, District Soil Conservation Office Rautahat 4 Mr. Hridaya Kumar Jha, Rajbiraj, Saptari Officer, District Soil Conservation Office 5 Mr. Nabo Narayan Mishra, Sarlahi Officer, District Soil Conservation Office 6 Mr. Immamudin, Hetauda, Makawanpur Officer, District Forest Office

61 Annex 2.1 Fauna: Mammals

District BARA SIRAHA SAPTARI MORANG JHP SUN SN Order/Family/Common Name Scientific Name CITES IUCN NRDB Reg. HKD BT KD DD PD JT KDs BJS BD HS RRD JK TT ORDER - PHOLIDOTA Family - Manidae 1 Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata* NT S TS CP √√ √ ORDER : PRIMATES Family - Cercopithecidae 2 Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta II NT S √√√√√√√√√√ √√√ 3 Hanuman Langur Semnopithecus entellus INTS √√√√√√√√ √ √ ORDER : CARNIVORA Family - Canidae 4 Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis III LC S √ 5 Golden Jackal Canis aureus III LC √√√√√√√√√√ √√√ Family - Ursidae 6 Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus IVUV √√√ √√√ √ Family - Viverridae 7 Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata III LC √√ 8 Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus III LC √ 9 Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica III LC √√√√ Family - Herpestidae 10 Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii III LC √√√√ √ √ √ 11 Small Asian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus III LC √√ √ √ Family - Hyaenidae 12 Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena III NT V TS √√ Family - Felidae 13 Jungle Cat Felis chaus II LC S √√√ √ √√ 14 Common Leopard Panthera pardus ILCS √√√ √√√√√ √ √ √ 15 Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris* IENSTS√ 16 Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis* ILCV √√√√ 17 Spotted Lingsang Prionodon pardicolor* ILCV √√ ORDER - PROBOSCIDAE Family - Elephantidae 18 Asiatic Elephant Elephas maximus* IENETS√√√√√√ ORDER : ARTIODACTYLA Family - Suidae 19 Wild Boar Sus scrofa LC √√√ √√√√√ √ √ √ Family - Cervidae 20 Spotted Deer Axis axis LC TS √ √√√√√ √ √ √ 21 Sambar Deer Cervus unicolor LC S √

62 Annex 2.1 Fauna: Mammals

District BARA SIRAHA SAPTARI MORANG JHP SUN SN Order/Family/Common Name Scientific Name CITES IUCN NRDB Reg. HKD BT KD DD PD JT KDs BJS BD HS RRD JK TT 22 Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak LC √√√ √√√√ √ √√√ Family - Bovidae 23 Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus LC V TS √ ORDER : RODENTIA Family - Scuiridae 24 Irrawaddy Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus VU TS √ √ √ √√√ 25 Black Giant Squirrel (kale) Ratufa bicolor II LC S MH √ Family - Hystricidae 26 Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica LC √√√√√√√√√√ √√√ ORDER : LAGOMORPHA Family - Leporidae 27 Indian Hare (Rufous-tailed) Lepus nigricollis LC √√√√√ √√√ √√√

Legends and Summary * = Protected by GoN/NPWC Act 1973 Study sites Districts KHD = Halkhoria Daha Bara CITES BT = Baba Tal Siraha Appendix I KD = Kamal Daha Saptari Appendix II DD = Devi Daha Morang Appendix III PD = Pathru Daha Jhapa JT = Jandul Tal Sunsari IUCN Red List Category KDs = Kamal Daha, Saptari CR = Critically Endangered BJS = Bagjhora Simsar EN = Endangered BD = Betani Daha VU = Vulnerable HS = Hasian Simsar NT = Near Threatened RRD = Raja-Rani Daha LC = Least Concern JK = Jamun Daha TT = Taltalaiya NRDB (Nepal Red Data Book) Status EXN = Extinct Nepal C = Critically endangered Region (Spatial distribution) E = Endangered TS = Confined to Terai and Siwalik V = Vulnerable TS CP = Confined to Central Terai and Siwalik S = Susceptible TS EP = Confined to Eastern Terai and siwalik

63 Annex 2.2 Fauna: Birds

DistrictsBAR SIRAHA SAPTARI MORANG SUN JHP SN Order/Family/Common Name Scientific name SS CITES IUCN NRDB Reg. HKD BT KD DD PD BSP KDs RRD BD HS BJS TT JK ORDER : GALLIFORMES Family - Phasianidae 1 Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus rLC √√ 2 Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus rLCS √√√ √√ √ √ √ 3 Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos LC √ 4 Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus rLCS √√ √ √ √ √ ORDER : ANSERIFORMES Family - Dendrocygnidae 5 Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica rw LC √√√√ √√√ √ √√ ORDER : PICIFORMES Family - Picidae 6 Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense rLCTS√ 7 Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha rLC √√ 8 Grey-capped Pigmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus rLC √ 9 Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei rLC √√ 10 Himalayan Flameback Dinopium shorii rLCTS√√√√ Family - Megalaimidae 11 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala rLC √√ 12 Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica rLC √√√ 13 Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata rLC √√√ √√√√ √ ORDER : BUCEROTIFORMES Family - Bucerotidae 14 Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris rIILCVTS√√ 15 Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis* r I NT E TS √ ORDER : UPUPIFORMES Family - Upupidae 16 Common Hoopoe Upupa epops rLC √√ √ ORDER : CORACIIFORMES Family - Coraciidae 17 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis rLC √√ 18 Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis rLC √ Family - Halcyonidae 19 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis rLC √√√√√√√√√ √ √√√ Family - Cerylidae 20 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis rLC √ Family - Meropidae

64 Annex 2.2 Fauna: Birds

DistrictsBAR SIRAHASAPTARI MORANG SUN JHP SN Order/Family/Common Name Scientific name SS CITES IUCN NRDB Reg. HKD BT KD DD PD BSP KDs RRD BD HS BJS TT JK 21 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti sLC √ 22 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis sLCS √ √√√√ √√√ 23 Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus sLC √√ ORDER : CUCULIFORMES Family - Cuculidae 24 Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus sLC √√ 25 Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus sLC √√√√√√√ 26 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea rLC √ √ √√ √ √√√ 27 Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides sLC √√ √√√√√ √ √√ 28 Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis rLC √√ √√ √ √ Family - Centropodidae 29 Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis rLC √√√√√√√√√ √ √√√ ORDER : PSITTACIFORMES Family - Psittacidae 30 Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala rIILCS √√ √ √ ORDER : APODIFORMES Family - Apodidae 31 House Swift Apus affinis rLC √ ORDER : STRIGIFORMES Family - Strigidae 32 Spotted Owlet Athene brama rIILCS √√√√ 33 Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo rIILCV √√ 34 Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum rIILC √ √ 35 Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis rIILCS √ ORDER : COLUMBIFORMES Family - Columbidae 36 Blue Rock Pigeon Columba livia r III LC √√√√√√√√ 37 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis rLC √√√√√√√√√ √ √√√ ORDER : GRUIFORMES Family - Gruidae 38 Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo w III LC S √ Family - Rallidae 39 White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus rLC √√√√√√√√ √ √√ ORDER : CICONIIFORMES Family - Charadriidae 40 River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii rLC √√

65 Annex 2.2 Fauna: Birds

DistrictsBAR SIRAHASAPTARI MORANG SUN JHP SN Order/Family/Common Name Scientific name SS CITES IUCN NRDB Reg. HKD BT KD DD PD BSP KDs RRD BD HS BJS TT JK 41 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus rLC √√√√√√√ √ √√ ORDER : FALCONIFORMES Family - Accipitridae 42 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus rIILC √√ √ 43 Besra Accipiter virgatus rIILCS √ 44 Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes sIILCVTS √√ 45 Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis rIILCS √ 46 Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis rIINTE √ 47 Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela sIILCS √√ Family - Falconidae 48 Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens rIILC √ 49 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus rw II LC √ ORDER : PELECANIFORMES Family - Phalacrocoracidae 50 Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger rw LC √√ ORDER : CICONIFORMES Family - Ardeidae 51 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii rLC √√√√√√√ √ √√√ 52 Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia rLC √ 53 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis r III LC √√√√√√√√ √ √√√ 54 Little Heron Butorides striatus rs LC √ 55 Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis rLCVTS√ 56 Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis sw LC V TS √√ 57 Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus sLC √√ Family - Ciconiidae 58 Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus rVUV √√√ ORDER : PASSERIFORMES Family - Pittidae 59 Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura sLCVTS √√ Family - Irenidae 60 Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons rLC √ Family - Corvidae 61 Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei rLC √ 62 Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos rLC √√√√√√ √ √√√ 63 House Crow Corvus splendens rLC √√ √√ √√√ 64 Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae rLC √√

66 Annex 2.2 Fauna: Birds

DistrictsBAR SIRAHASAPTARI MORANG SUN JHP SN Order/Family/Common Name Scientific name SS CITES IUCN NRDB Reg. HKD BT KD DD PD BSP KDs RRD BD HS BJS TT JK 65 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda rLC √√ √√√ 66 Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus rLC √√ 67 Bar-wing Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus rLC √ 68 Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus rLC √√√ √√√√√ √ √√ 69 Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus rLC √√√ 70 Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus sLC √√√√ 71 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus rLC √√√ √ √√√ √ √√√ 72 Greater Racket-tail Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus rLC √ 73 Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi rLC √√ √√ √ Family - Muscicapidae 74 White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus rLC √ 75 Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis rLC √ √√√ √ √√ 76 Blue Whistiling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus rLC √ Family - Sturnidae 77 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis rLC √√√ √√√ √ √√√ 78 Hill Myna Gracula religiosa rIILCV √ 79 Asian Pied Sterling Sturnus contra rLC √√ √√ 80 Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnus malabaricus rLC √ √√√ √√√ Family - Sittidae 81 Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis rLC √ Family - Paridae 82 Great Tit Parus major rLC √√ Family - Hirundinidae 83 Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus rLC √√ 84 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica mLC √√ Family - Pycnonotidae 85 Ashy Bulbul Hemixos flavala rLC √ 86 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus rLCTS√ √√√ √√ √ √√ 87 Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus rLC √ 88 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer rLC √√√√√√√√√√ 89 Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys rLC √√ √ √ √ Family - Cisticolidae 90 Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii rLC √√√√ √ Family - Zosteropidae 91 Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus rLC √ Family - Sylviidae 92 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius rLC √√√ √√ √√ √ √√√

67 Annex 2.2 Fauna: Birds

DistrictsBAR SIRAHASAPTARI MORANG SUN JHP SN Order/Family/Common Name Scientific name SS CITES IUCN NRDB Reg. HKD BT KD DD PD BSP KDs RRD BD HS BJS TT JK 93 Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps rLC √ 94 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus rLC √ √√√√ √√ √ √√√ Family - Nectariniidae 95 Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus rLC √√ √ 96 Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica rLC √√ √ Family - Passeridae 97 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris wLC √ 98 House Sparrow Passer domesticus rLC √√√ √ √ 99 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus rLC √√√ 100 Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata rLC √√ √ √

Legends and Summary * = Protected by GoN/NPWC Act 1973 Study sites SS = Seasonal Status CITES KHD = Halkhoria Daha r = Resident Appendix I BT = Baba Tal m = Passage migrant Appendix II KD = Kamal Daha rm = Resident and passage migrant Appendix III DD = Devi Daha rs = Resident and summer visitor PD = Pathru Daha s = Summer visitor IUCN Red List Category JT = Jandul Tal CR = Critically Endangered KDs = Kamal Daha, Saptari EN = Endangered BJS = Bagjhora Simsar VU = Vulnerable BD = Betani Daha NT = Near Threatened HS = Hasian Simsar LC = Least Concern RRD = Raja-Rani Daha JK = Jamun Daha TT = Taltalaiya NRDB (Nepal Red Data Book) Status C = Critically endangered Region (Spatial distribution) E = Endangered TS = Confined to Terai and Siwalik V = Vulnerable TS CP = Confined to Central Terai and Siwalik S = Susceptible TS EP = Confined to Eastern Terai and siwalik

68 Appendix 2.3 Fauna: Herpetos DistrictBARSIRAHA SAPTARI MORANG JHP SUN SN Order/Family/Local NamesScientific names CITES IUCN NRDB Region HKD BT KD DD PD JT KDs BJS BD HS RRD JK TT ORDER : ANURA Family - Bufonidae 1 Himalayan Toad Bufo himalayanus LC MH √√ 2 Black-spined Toad Bufo melanostictus LC √√√ 3 Assam toad Bufo stomaticus LC √√√ √√ Family - Ranidae 4 Jerdon's bull frog Hoplobatrachus crassus LC TS √ √√√√√ 5 Indian Bull Frog Hoplobatrachus tigerinus II LC √√√√√ 6 ORDER - TESTUDINES Family - Bataguridae 7 Black Turtle Melanochelys trijuga NT S TS √√√√√ 8 Family - Testuninidae 9 Elongated Tortoise Indotestudo elongata** II EN S √ Family - Trionychidae 10 Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata II LC S TS √√ ORDER : SAURIA Family - Agamidae 11 Common Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor √√√√ √√ √ √√ Family - Varanidae 12 Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis IS √√√√√ √√√ √ √√√ 13 Yellow Monitor Varanus flavescens* ILCS √√ ORDER : SERPENTES Family - Typhlopidae 14 Brahminy Blind Snake Rhamphotyphlops braminus √√ Family - Boidae 15 Asiatic Rock Python Python molurus* ISTS√√√√√√√√√ √√√ Family - Colubridae 16 Common Cat Snake Amphiesma stolata √√√√√√√ √ √ 17 Asiatic Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus II S √√√√√√√√ √ √ 18 Chequered Keelback Sibynophis sagittarius TS √ Family - Elapidae 18 Banded Krait Bungarus caeruleus √ 20 Common Cobra Naja naja II √√√√√ √ √√

Legends and Summary * = Protected by GoN/NPWC Act 1973 ** = Basnet YR 2001 (Reference) 69 Appendix 2.3 Fauna: Herpetos Study sites CITES KHD = Halkhoria Daha Appendix I BT = Baba Tal Appendix II KD = Kamal Daha Appendix III DD = Devi Daha PD = Pathru Daha IUCN Red List Category JT = Jandul Tal EN = Endangered KDs = Kamal Daha, Saptari VU = Vulnerable BJS = Bagjhora Simsar NT = Near Threatened BD = Betani Daha LC = Least Concern HS = Hasian Simsar RRD = Raja-Rani Daha JK = Jamun Daha TT = Taltalaiya NRDB (Nepal Red Data Book) Status E = Endangered Region (Spatial distribution) V = Vulnerable TS = Confined to Terai and Siwalik S = Susceptible TS CP = Confined to Central Terai and Siwalik TS EP = Confined to Eastern Terai and siwalik

70 Annex 2.4 Fauna: Fish

BARSIRAHA SAPTARI MORANG JHP SUN SN Order/Family/Local Names Scientific Names NRDB Region HKD BT KD DD PD JT KDs BJS BD HS RRD JK TT ORDER : CYPRINIFORMES Family - Cyprinidae 1 Katle Acrossocheilus sp. V √√ 2 Fageta, Poti, Faktar Barilius sp. √ 3 Bhakur, Katla Catla catla TS √ √√√ √ 4 Deduwa, Malaguddi Chela laubuca TS √√ 5 Naini, Mrigal, Jhilke Cirrhinus mrigala TS √√ 6 Rewa Cirrhinus reba TS √ 7 Nepti Danio dangila TS CP √ 8 Chitahari, Pothi Danio devario √√√ √ √ 9 Buduna Garra sp. MH √ 10 Roi, Rohu Labeo coeruleus S TS √√√ 11 Gurdi, Rahu, Kathlegi Labeo dero √√√ 12 Rohu Labeo rohita TS √ 13 Darai Oxygaster sp. S TS √ 14 Sidre, Pothi Puntius sp. S TS √√ Family - Cobitidae 15 Gettu, Singhi Botia dayi TS √ 16 Getu Botia lohachata TS √ 17 Gadela Noemacheilus sp. √ 18 Tengra Mystus bleekeri TS √√ 19 Tengra, Palawa, Junge Mystus cavasius √ Family - Siluridae 20 Buhari, Padni, Wallago sp. TS √√√ Family - Schibeidae 21 Gonch Bagarius sp. TS √ 22 Family - Claridae 23 Mungri Clarias sp. √√ √ √ ORDER - BELONIFORMES Family - Belonidae 24 Chuchhe Bam Xenentodon sp. √ ORDER - CHANNIFORMES Family - Channidae 25 Bhoti, Hile Channa barca TS √ √√√√√√ √ √√√ 26 Garahi, Gauri Channa punctatus √√√

71 Annex 2.4 Fauna: Fish

27 Hile Channa stewartii MH √√√ ORDER - SYNBRANCHIFORMES Family - Synbranchidae 28 Bam Amphipnous sp. √

Legends and Summary

NRDB (Nepal Red Data Book) Study sites EXN = Extinct Nepal KHD = Halkhoria Daha C = Critically endangered BT = Baba Tal E = Endangered KD = Kamal Daha V = Vulnerable DD = Devi Daha S = Susceptible PD = Pathru Daha JT = Jandul Tal Region (Spatial distribution) KDs = Kamal Daha, Saptari TS = Confined to Terai and Si BJS = Bagjhora Simsar TS CP = Confined to Central T BD = Betani Daha TS EP = Confined to Eastern HS = Hasian Simsar RRD = Raja-Rani Daha JK = Jamun Daha TT = Taltalaiya

72 Annex 3

Annex 3.1: List of tree and shrub species occurring in the localities of Wetlands

Name of Wetlands S. No Name of Species Local name Habit HKD BT KD DD PD JT KDS BJS BS HS RRD JD 1 Acacia actechu Khayar Tree 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 Adina cordifolia Karam Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 3 Aegle marmelos Bel Tree 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 Albizia chinensis Siris Tree 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 5 Alstonia scholaris Chattiwan Tree 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 6 Anogeissus latifolia Banjhi Tree 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Anthocephalus chinensis Kadam Tree 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 Antidesma species Archal Tree 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 9 Asare (unknown tree) Asare Tree 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 10 Aule (unknown) Aule Tree 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 11 Bauhinia malbarica Small tree 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 Bombax ceiba Simal Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 13 Bridela retusa gayo Tree/Climber 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 14 Caesaria glomerata Badkamle Tree 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 15 Carissa carandans Shrub 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 Cassia fistula Rajbrikshya Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 17 Castanopsis indica Katus Tree 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 18 Ceropegia species Climber 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 Clausena exavata Shrub 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 20 Cleistocalyx operculata Kyamuna Tree 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 21 Dalbergia latifolia Satisal Tree 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 Dillenia pentagyna Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 23 Dioscorea bulbifera Githa Climber 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 24 Dioscorea deltoidea Bhuakur Climber 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 25 Diospyros species Tree 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 26 Ficus racemosa Dumri Tree 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 Ficus rumphii Tote Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 28 Grewia species Chamarbayar Small tree 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 29 Kydia calycina Bohori Tree 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 Largestromia parviflora Bot Dhayero Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 31 lauraceae (unknown tree) Tree 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 32 Magnolia deltospa Chanp Tree 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 33 Mallotus phillipensis Sindure Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 34 Miliusa velutina Tree 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 35 Mirchiya Mirchiya Tree 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 36 Mitragyna parvifolia Tikuli Tree 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 Murraya koeininghii Asare Small tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 38 Mussaenda roxburghii Dhobini Shrub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 39 Pavetta indica Kainyo Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 40 Phyllanthus emblica Amala Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 41 Pithari Pithari Tree 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 42 Rauwolfia serpentina Sarpagandha Shrub 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 43 Salix tetrasperma Tree 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 44 Schima wallichii Chilaune Tree 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 45 Schleichera oleosa Kusum Tree 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 46 Semecarpus anacardium Bhalayo Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 47 Shorea robusta Sal Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 48 Sterculia villosa Odane Tree 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

73 49 Syzygium cumini Jamun Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 50 Terminalia alata Saj Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 51 Terminalia bellerica Barro Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 52 Tinospora sinensis Gurjo Climber 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 53 Trewia nudiflora Bhelar Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 54 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhangero Shrub 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 55 Zyzyphus jujuba Bayar Shrub 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0-Absent, 1-Present

Annex 3.2: List of wetland dependent plant species

Name of Wetlands S. No Name of Species Nepali name HKD BT KD DD PD JT KDS BJS BS HS RRD JD Remarks* 1 Ageratum conyzoides Gandhe 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 IS 2 Alocasia species Jaluko 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 Alternenthera philoxeroides 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 IAS 4 Calamus species Bet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 Carex species 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 6 Cephalanthus tetraandra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Unknown 7 Chromolaena odorata Banmara 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 IAS 8 Chrysopogon aciculatus 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 9 Croton bonplandianus 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 IS 10 Cyperus digitalis 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 IS 11 Cyperus species 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 12 Eichhornia crassipes Jal Kumbhi 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 IAS 13 Eichnocloa pyramidilis 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 IS 14 Fimbrystylis miliacea 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 IS 15 Imperata cylindrica Siru 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 16 Ipomea carnea Besaram 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 IAS 17 Isachme miliacea 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 18 Lantana camara Banamara 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 IAS 19 Lemna minor 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 20 Microsorus marginata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 21 Mikania micrantha Lahare Banmara 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 IAS 22 Mimosa pudica Lajjawati jhar 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 IS 23 Monochoria species 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 24 Nelumbo nucifera Kamal 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 25 Pandanus species 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 26 Persicaria species 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 27 Phragmites karka 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 28 Pistia stratiotes 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 IAS 29 Polygonum hydropier Pire Jhar 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 30 Saccharum species 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 Salix tetrasperms 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 32 Schenoplectus mucronatus 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 33 Solanum torvum 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 Spilanthes species 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 35 Trichosanthes cucumerina 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 Typha anguistifolia 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 36 Unknown grass 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 37 Unknown grass 2 Suire Ghans 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 38 Vallisneria natans 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

* IS-Introduced species, IAS-Invasive alien species; Native unless stated; 0-Absent, 1-Presnt

74 Annex 4.1 Laboratory Analysis Report of Water

Name of Sender: Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Source: Lake Water Sample No: 3397/068/69 Analyzed date : 26/06/2012 - Date of Receipt: 26/06/2012 10/07/2012 Sampled by : Client No. of Samples: 01 Location : Baba Parameters Units WHO NDWQS Result Instruments / Methods used PHYSICAL Turbidity NTU 5 5 (10) 51.0 Turbidity Meter Total Suspended mg/l - - 33.0 Gravimetric Method Conductivity µS/cm - 1500 76.0 Conductivity Meter Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 1000 1000 46.0 Gravimetric Method CHEMICAL pH - 6.5 - 8.5 6.5-8.5* 7.1 pH Meter Chloride mg/l 250 250 4.9 Argentometric Titration Ammonia mg/l 1.5 1.5 0.35 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Nitrate mg/l 50 50 0.22 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Iron mg/l 0.3 0.3 (3) 1.35 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Lead mg/l 0.01 0.01 0.01 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer BIOLOGICAL BOD mg/l - - 16.6 Azide Modification / 5 days incubation COD mg/l - - 25.0 Open reflux WHO GV: World Health Organization Guideline Value, 2006 Update, NDWQS: National Drinking Water Quality Standard, 2062 (Nepal), * These values show lower and upper limits, () Values in the parenthesis refers the acceptable values only when alternative is not available.

Comment: Turbidity of the sample is high as per NDWQS.

Annex 4.2 Laboratory Analysis Report of Water

Name of Sender: Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Source: Lake Water Sample No: 3400/068/69 Analyzed date : 26/06/2012 - Date of Receipt: 26/06/2012 10/07/2012 Sampled by : Client No. of Samples: 01 Location : Pathru Daha Parameters Units WHO NDWQS Result Instruments / Methods used PHYSICAL Turbidity NTU 5 5 (10) 6.0 Turbidity Meter Total Suspended mg/l - - 2.0 Gravimetric Method Conductivity µS/cm - 1500 24.0 Conductivity Meter Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 1000 1000 15.0 Gravimetric Method CHEMICAL pH - 6.5 - 8.5 6.5-8.5* 7.2 pH Meter Chloride mg/l 250 250 4.9 Argentometric Titration Ammonia mg/l 1.5 1.5 0.57 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Nitrate mg/l 50 50 0.85 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Iron mg/l 0.3 0.3 (3) 0.9 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Lead mg/l 0.01 0.01 0.02 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer BIOLOGICAL BOD mg/l - - 18.6 Azide Modification / 5 days incubation COD mg/l - - 29.0 Open reflux WHO GV: World Health Organization Guideline Value, 2006 Update, NDWQS: National Drinking Water Quality Standard, 2062 (Nepal), * These values show lower and upper limits, () Values in the parenthesis refers the acceptable values only when alternative is not available.

Comment: Lead in the sample is high as per NDWQS.

76 Annex 4.3 Laboratory Analysis Report of Water

Name of Sender: Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Source: Lake Water Sample No: 3399/068/69 Analyzed date : 26/06/2012 - Date of Receipt: 26/06/2012 10/07/2012 Sampled by : Client No. of Samples: 01 Location : Kamal Daha( Siraha) Parameters Units WHO NDWQS Result Instruments / Methods used PHYSICAL Turbidity NTU 5 5 (10) 170.0 Turbidity Meter Total Suspended mg/l - - 101.0 Gravimetric Method Conductivity µS/cm - 1500 45.0 Conductivity Meter Total Dissolved mg/l 1000 1000 27.0 Gravimetric Method CHEMICAL pH - 6.5 -8.5 6.5-8.5* 7.3 pH Meter Chloride mg/l 250 250 10.8 Argentometric Titration Ammonia mg/l 1.5 1.5 0.19 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Nitrate mg/l 50 50 0.85 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Iron mg/l 0.3 0.3 (3) 3.17 Atomic Absorption Lead mg/l 0.01 0.01 <0.01 Atomic Absorption BIOLOGICAL BOD mg/l --9.8 Azide Modification / 5 days COD mg/l --18.0 Open reflux WHO GV: World Health Organization Guideline Value, 2006 Update, NDWQS: National Drinking Water Quality Standard, 2062 (Nepal), * These values show lower and upper limits, () Values in the parenthesis refers the acceptable values only when alternative is not available.

Comment: Turbidity and iron of the sample are high as per NDWQS.

Annex 4.4 Laboratory Analysis Report of Water

Name of Sender: Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Source: Lake Water Sample No: 3398/068/69 Analyzed date : 26/06/2012 - Date of Receipt: 26/06/2012 10/07/2012 Sampled by : Client No. of Samples: 01 Location : Bag Jhora Parameters Units WHO NDWQS Result Instruments / Methods used PHYSICAL Turbidity NTU 5 5 (10) 3.0 Turbidity Meter Total Suspended mg/l - - 1.0 Gravimetric Method Conductivity µS/cm - 1500 63.0 Conductivity Meter Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 1000 1000 38.0 Gravimetric Method CHEMICAL pH - 6.5 - 8.5 6.5-8.5* 7.2 pH Meter Chloride mg/l 250 250 3.9 Argentometric Titration Ammonia mg/l 1.5 1.5 0.68 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Nitrate mg/l 50 50 0.04 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Iron mg/l 0.3 0.3 (3) 2.37 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Lead mg/l 0.01 0.01 <0.01 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer BIOLOGICAL BOD mg/l - - 8.5 Azide Modification / 5 days incubation COD mg/l - - 16.0 Open reflux WHO GV: World Health Organization Guideline Value, 2006 Update, NDWQS: National Drinking Water Quality Standard, 2062 (Nepal), * These values show lower and upper limits, () Values in the parenthesis refers the acceptable values only when alternative is not available.

Comment: The tested parameters of the sample are within the NDWQS.

Annex 4.5 Laboratory Analysis Report of Water

Name of Sender: Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program Source: Lake Water Sample No: 3396/068/69 Analyzed date : 26/06/2012 - Date of Receipt: 26/06/2012 10/07/2012 Sampled by : Client No. of Samples: 01 Location : Raja Rani Parameters Units WHO NDWQS Result Instruments / Methods used PHYSICAL Turbidity NTU 5 5 (10) 11.0 Turbidity Meter Total Suspended mg/l - - 6.0 Gravimetric Method Conductivity µS/cm - 1500 80.0 Conductivity Meter Total Dissolved mg/l 1000 1000 50.0 Gravimetric Method CHEMICAL pH - 6.5 -8.5 6.5-8.5* 6.8 pH Meter Chloride mg/l 250 250 3.9 Argentometric Titration Ammonia mg/l 1.5 1.5 0.31 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Nitrate mg/l 50 50 <0.01 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Iron mg/l 0.3 0.3 (3) 3.36 Atomic Absorption Lead mg/l 0.01 0.01 <0.01 Atomic Absorption BIOLOGICAL BOD mg/l --10.3 Azide Modification / 5 days COD mg/l --18.0 Open reflux WHO GV: World Health Organization Guideline Value, 2006 Update, NDWQS: National Drinking Water Quality Standard, 2062 (Nepal), * These values show lower and upper limits, () Values in the parenthesis refers the acceptable values only when alternative is not available.

Comment: Turbidity and iron of the sample are high as per NDWQS.