Of Ara Forest Sustainable Forest Management Project

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

HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE AREAs (HCVAs) OF ARA FOREST

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART-I ...... 1

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

1.1 Introduction: ...... 2

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

1.3 Chakwal RM: ...... 5

PART- II ...... 8

1.4 Brief Description of Ara Forest:...... 9 1.4.1 Location: ...... 9 1.4.2 Climate of Ara Forest: ...... 9 1.4.3 Soil of Ara Forest: ...... 9 1.4.4 Flora and Fauna of Ara Forest: ...... 10 1.4.5 Legal Position of Ara Forest: ...... 11

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

3. METHODOLOGY ...... 13

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

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

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

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

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

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

6.2 Fauna Distribution ...... 22 6.2.1 Point Density of Fauna ...... 23 6.2.2 Corridor of Fauna ...... 24

6.3 Key indicator species for High Conservation Value Area ...... 25 6.3.1 Urial ...... 25

6.3.2 Partridge...... 28

7. RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 30

REFERENCES ...... 33

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Scrub Forests Administrative Boundary ...... 3 Figure 1.2: SFM Project Sites ...... 6 Figure 1.3: Pictorial View of Flora in Chakwal Range Management Forest Area ...... 7 Figure 1.4: Pictorial View of Flora in Ara Forest Area ...... 10 Figure 1.5:Ara Forest in Chakwal RM Division ...... 11 Figure 3.1:Flowchart of Methodology ...... 14 Figure 5.1:Pictorial View of Flora in Ara Forest ...... 18 Figure 5.2:Pictorial View of Fauna in Ara Forest ...... 19 Figure 6.1:Flora Species Distribution in Ara Forest ...... 20 Figure 6.2:Flora High Conservation Value Area in Ara Forest ...... 21 Figure 6.3: Fauna Species Distribution in Ara Forest...... 22 Figure 6.4:Point Density of Fauna in Ara Forest ...... 23 Figure 6.5:Corridor of Fauna in Ara Forest ...... 24 Figure 6.6:Distribution of Urial in Ara Forest ...... 25 Figure 6.7: Point Density of Urial in Ara Forest ...... 26 Figure 6.8:Corridor of Urial in Ara Forest...... 27 Figure 6.9:Distribution of Partridge in Ara Forest...... 28 Figure 6.10:Point Density of Partridge in Ara Forest ...... 29

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1:Scrub Forests in Punjab ...... 4 Table 1.2:Abstract of Scrub Areas in Punjab...... 4 Table 1.3:Scrub Forest Area (Ac) In Chakwal Range Management ...... 5 Table 1.4:Sustainable Forest Management Sites of Forests in Chakwal RM ...... 7 Table 1.5:Abstract of Ara Forest Area (Ac) ...... 9 Table 1.6:Tree Species ...... 10 Table 1.7:Wildlife Species ...... 10 Table 2.1:SFM Project Activity Plan ...... 12 Table 4.1:HCVA Categories ...... 15 Table 4.2: Flora Species ...... 17 Table 4.3: Fauna Species ...... 17 Table 5.1:Tree Species in Ara Forest ...... 18 Table 5.2:Shurbs Species in Ara Forest ...... 18 Table 5.3:Mammals Species in Ara Forest ...... 19 Table 5.4:Reptiles and Amphibian Species in Ara Forest ...... 19 Table 5.5:Birds Species in Ara Forest ...... 19

PART-I

1. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

1.1 Introduction:

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

1.2 Brief Description of Scrub Forest Area in Salt Range:

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

Figure 1.1: Scrub Forests Administrative Boundary

The total area of Scrub Forests in Punjab under Forest Department according to Area Statement in salt range is 679663 Ac. Scrub Forests in Punjab Attock Chakwal Jhelum Khushab Mianwali Murree North RM South Grand Chakwal Total 163249 143527 103879 88668 14783 11530 25151 101998 26878 679663

Table 1.1: Scrub Forests in Punjab

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

Abstract of Scrub Areas Punjab Gross Area Planted Total Blank Plantable Un-Plantable Others Blank Blank 679663 491859.01 187803.99 87340.689 97752.63 2709.991

Table 1.2: Abstract of Scrub Areas in Punjab

Scrub Forests have varied and abundant wildlife species. It provides habitat for various mammals, small mammals, birds’ amphibians and reptiles. Punjab Urial and Chinkara are important herbivores in these forests. Chukar, See-see, Grey and black partridges are plenty due to nature of vegetation and topography, which has been over hunted in the past and it led to make reduction in the numbers and restrictions of the range of most species. This Range has one National Park (Chinji), five game reserves (Namal Lake, Ucchali Lake, KallarKahar, Diljabba-Domeli, Rasool Barrage)

4 additional one private Game Reserve named Kalabagh and five wildlife sanctuaries (ChumbiSurla, Jahlar Lake, Sodhi, Khabekki Lake and KundalRakh) in order to conserve the globally significant biodiversity. Some of these protected areas such as Ucchali, Jahlar and Khabbeki lakes are also internationally recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971, because these provide important habitat to a wide variety of waterfowl species. The areas have rich ecological and historical heritage. Within the Salt Range lies Takh –e- Babari (the Seat of Emperor Babar), passage of Alexender the Great and Shrine of the grandson of Muslim Saint Abdul Qadir Gilani, Katas and fort such as Rohtas, Malot, Kafirkot. Administratively, most of the forests in the landscape fall in the districts of Jhelum and Chakwal RM. These ranges are very rich in limestone, clay, coal, rock salt, gypsum and dolomite.

1.3 Chakwal RM: Chakwal RM is located in the Dhanni Region of the Potohar in Central Punjab, Pakistan. Chakwal RM's landscape features the canyons in Thirchak-Mahal and comprises of sub- tropical broadleaved evergreen thorn (scrub) forests. Border of Chakwal RM district denigrations the border of district Rawalpindi and Attock in the north, Jhelum in the east, Khushab in the South and Mianwali in the west as shown in figure 1.2. Detail of Scrub forest area in Chakwal RM has given in table 1.3.

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

101998 71098 30900 11076 19451.63 372.37

Table 1.3: Scrub Forest Area (Ac) In Chakwal Range Management Soil of Chakwal RM is not so pure, being mixed with shale, clay or sand, weathering produces some insoluble matters, which produces small amount of soil. The soil in the limestone portions although thin and shallow, is fertile due to nutritive property of calcium carbonate. Generally, the vegetation comprises of thorny and branchy trees with different densities ranging from complete crown with considerable coverage with shrubs and grasses. The main scrub forest in salt range of Chakwal RM is an Ara Forest.

Figure 1.2: SFM Project Sites

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

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

Table 1.4: Sustainable Forest Management Sites of Forests in Chakwal RM

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

Figure 1.3: Pictorial View of Flora in Chakwal Range Management Forest Area

PART-II

1.4 Brief Description of Ara Forest:

Total area under the forest is 4,270 ha. This forest comes under category 1 due to its good vegetation cover. The area of Ara RF of Choa Saidan Shah (RM) Range is scattered over Chakwal District, in Pothwar plateau. Ara forest is located in the south of Chakwal, about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the town centre on the Chakwal-Khewra road, in the east of Kallar Kahar, about 27 kilometres (17 mi) from the M2 motorway, about 10 kilometres (6 mi) north of Khewra and about 6 kilometres (4 mi) from Katas. The Forest area has divided into 02 Blocks and 03 beats. Habitat is blooming at northern site as compared to southern site, because of numerous water points at northern site and centre. Currently, the forest cover is confined to state owned forests in the Salt Range.

1.4.1 Location: Ara Forest is situated in Chakwal Range Management Division. It is located between 32.731143 North Latitude and 73.20732 East Longitude.

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

10685 7480 3205 1000 2205 0

Table 1.5: Abstract of Ara Forest Area (Ac)

1.4.2 Climate of Ara Forest: The climate of the tract is of extremes. In winter, it is very cold and in summer, it is very hot. Hot wind (loo) blows in summer all over except in the valleys of Salt Range. The rain falls in the months of July, August and again in January and February but it is erratic. Maximum temperature goes up to 46°C in June. In the 20 years, average the maximum temperature is 43.1°C. The minimum temperature frequently drops below 0°C in the month of January and occasionally in December and February. Last 20 years data indicates that more than 50 per cent of the total rain falls in three months of July (120 mm), August (177mm) and September (75mm). The months of October (21 mm), November (8 mm), December (20 mm) and April ¬ (41 mm), May (27 mm) and June (84 mm) are mostly dry. Water from these springs has used for irrigation purpose.

1.4.3 Soil of Ara Forest: Weathering of sandstone produces very poor and infertile soil, which can support only a very poor type of vegetation. Where rock is not so pure and being mixed with shale, clay or sand. Weathering produces insoluble matters, which produces small amount of soil. The soil in the lime portions although thin and shallow, is fertile due to properties of calcium carbonate. 9

1.4.4 Flora and Fauna of Ara Forest: The list of flora and fauna found in Ara Forest are as follow: Flora: S.No Name 1 Phulai (Acacia modesta) 2 Kau (Olea cuspidata) 3 Behkair (adhatoda viscosa) 4 Farash (Tamarix Aphylla) 5 Boor (Sambucus nigra) 6 Gajar Boti (Parthenium hysterophorus) 7 Kikar (Acacia karoo)

Table 1.6:Tree Species Fauna: S.No Name 1 Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) 2 Wolf (Canis lupus) 3 Jackal (Canis aureus) 4 Porcupine(Erethizon dorsatum) 5 Rabbit(Oryctolagus cuniculus) 6 Black& Yellow Cat 7 Snake(Serpentes) 8 Lizard(Lacertilia) 9 Chakor (Alectoris chukar) 10 Partridge(Perdix perdix)

Table 1.7:Wildlife Species

Figure 1.4: Pictorial View of Flora in Ara Forest Area

Figure 1.5:Ara Forest in Chakwal RM Division 1.4.5 Legal Position of Ara Forest:

Area of Ara forest 10685.00Ac was declared as reserved forest under Punjab government notification No.349 dated 15 august 1883.

2. ACTIVITY PLAN UNDER SFM PROJECT

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

Table 2.1SFM Project Activity Plan

3. METHODOLOGY:

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

3.1. Identification of High Conservative Value Area (HCVA)

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

3.2. Analysis

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

3.3. Mapping of High Conservation Value Area(HCVA)

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

Identification of High Conservative Value Area (HCVA)

Fauna(Points) Flora(Points)

Analysis

Directional Point Density Distribution

Mapping of HCVA

Fauna Flora

Figure 3.1Flowchart of Methodology

4. HIGH CONSERVATIVE VALUE AREA (HCVA)

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

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

Table 4.1HCVA Categories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sr.No Name 1. Phulai(Acacia Modesta) 2. Kau(Olea Cuspidate)

Table 4.2: Flora Species

Sr.No Name

1. Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis)

2. Partridge(Perdix perdix)

Table 4.3: Fauna Species

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

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

5. Kikar( Acacia karoo)

Table 5.1: Tree Species in Ara Forest

Sr.No Name 1 Behkair(Adhatoda Viscosa) 2 Gajar Boti (Parthenium hysterophorus)

Table 5.2: Shurbs Species in Ara Forest

Kau Behkair Mix crop

Figure 5.1Pictorial View of Flora in Ara Forest

Fauna:

Sr.No Name 1 Punjab Urial (Ovisvigneipunjabiensis) 2 Jackal (Canisaureus) 3 Porcupine(Erethizon dorsatum) 4 Wolf (Canis lupus) 5 Rabbit(Oryctolagus cuniculus) 6 Wild boar (Sus scrofa) 7 Yellow &Black Cat

Table 5.3: Mammals Species in Ara Forest

Sr.No Name 1 Snake (Serpentes) 2 Lizard(Lacertilia)

Table 5.4: Reptiles and Amphibian Species in Ara Forest

Sr.No Name 1 Chakor () 2 Partridge(Perdix perdix)

Table 5.5: Birds Species in Ara Forest

Porcupine habitat Wild Boar habitat Snake

Figure 5.2 Pictorial View of Fauna in Ara Forest

6. ANALYSIS AND MAPPING OF HCVA OF FLORA AND FAUNA

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

Distribution of flora species were collected as points by using GPS, during the survey carried out by GIS lab team. These points were display on satellite imagery by using Arcmap software. The distribution map of flora as shown in figure 6.1 describes the spatial spread of forest tree species. According to the map Kau (Olea Cuspidate) is discretely present in the north-west and south-west of the forest and discrete cluster of Phulai(Acacia Modesta) has been found in the south of the forest. Rest of the vegetation cover is comprise of different mix clusters of Kau (Olea Cuspidate), Behkair(Adhatoda Viscosa) and Phulai(Acacia Modesta).

Figure 6.1 Flora Species Distribution in Ara Forest

6.1.1 Flora Spread and HCVA

Polygons were drawn to calculate the spread of flora species. According to the map as shown in the figure 6.2, the total area of the forest is 10718.03acres out of which 1270.64acres has come under the high conservative value area. Major tree species exist in the delineated HCVA are Kau (Olea Cuspidata), Phulai (Acacia Modesta) and Behkair(Adhatoda Viscosa). These species were found in a form of discrete and mix cluster throughout the forest. The area of different clusters of tree species has given in table 6.1: Sr.No Tree species (cluster) Area 1 Kau (Olea Cuspidata), 472.81Ac 2 Kau(Olea Cuspidata) + Phulai(Acacia Modesta) 189.84Ac 3 Phulai(Acacia Modesta) 490.32Ac 4 Phulai (Acacia Modesta) + Behkair(Adhatoda Viscosa). 79.52Ac 5 Phulai(Acacia Modesta)+kau(Olea Cuspidata)+Behkair(Adhatoda Viscosa) 38.16Ac

Total Area vs [VALUHCVA E] w.r.t Flora[PERCE NTAGE ]

[VALU E] [PERCE NTAGE ]

Total Area HCVA Vegetation

Figure 6.2: Flora High Conservation Value Area in Ara Forest

6.2 Fauna Distribution

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

Figure 6.3: Fauna Species Distribution in Ara Forest

6.2.1 Point Density of Fauna

Point Density analysis was carried out to measure the density of biodiversity of the forest by using the GPS points collected during survey (see figure 6.3). The density map of biodiversity as shown in the figure 6.4 describes the compactness of wildlife habitat, it also indicates the area of high and low density of the fauna species as well as its spatial pattern. According to the map, north of the forest has higher density of fauna. The perimeter of an area is approximately 12.48 km. This area is the natural habitat of Urial. Other noticeable species has been found in this area is black and yellow cat, wolf, chakor and porcupine. The reason of their density is the dense vegetation exists in the north-west of the forest (See figure 6.2). Another high-density area of biodiversity exists in the south-west of the forest; perimeter of an area is approximately 6.81km. This area is the natural habitat of partridge. The reason of their existence in a rich form is the presence of water points in the south and south-west of the forest.

Figure 6.4: Point Density of Fauna in Ara Forest

6.2.2 Corridor of Fauna

Directional Distribution analysis was carried out for mapping the corridor of fauna species by using the GPS points collected during survey (see figure 6.3). The overall fauna’s corridor map has shown in figure 6.5, it depicts that the common movement trend of fauna is north to south or vice versa and east to west or vice versa, because of the presence of water points in the south of the forest.

Figure 6.5 Corridor of Fauna in Ara Forest

6.3 Key Indicator Species for High Conservation Value Area

The key indicator species for the High Conservation Value Area(HCVA) in Ara Forest are Urial and Partridge. 6.3.1 Urial Urial is endemic to salt range and comes under threatened species category. Hunting is ban in the area because of the rapid decrease in number. Distribution of Urial around the forest was collected as points by using GPS, during the survey carried out by GIS lab team. Collected points portray the scattering of species around the forest. The distribution map of Urial as shown in figure 6.6depicts the spread of Urial round the forest. According to the below map Urial resides in all around of the Ara Forest.

Figure 6.6: Distribution of Urial in Ara Forest

Point density analysis was carried out for computing the density of Urial in the Ara Forest as shown in figure 6.7. The corresponding map indicates the area of higher density of Urial and its spatial extent is approximately 4970.63 acres. According to the map Urial usually resides in all round the forest but north of the forest has higher density of urial . It usually lives rounded stony hills with scattered vegetation of Acacia modesta and Olea ferruginea.

Figure 6.7: Point Density of Urial in Ara Forest

The corridor map has shown in figure 6.8 demonstrates the natural movement trend of Urial, it consistently moves from north to south or vice versa and the perimeter of their trail is approximately 32.13 km. One of the reasons of their location and movement is the presence of water points in the south of the forest. The area comes under their corridor consider their main feeding and grazing area as north and south has adequate vegetation cover (see figure 6.2) as compared to middle of the forest. Erosion has been found in the middle of the forest. They graze in early morning and evening on grasses and preferred species are Elousine flagellifera and Cenchrus species, retreating to the shelter of bush-studded ravines by the middle of the day.

Figure 6.8 Corridor of Urial in Ara Forest 27

6.3.2 Partridge Due to illegal bird shooting in the area; partridge has become endangered species,it is rapidly decreasing as compared to last decades. That is why, it is consider under conservation species category to prevent its distinction.

Distribution of partridge was collected as points by using GPS, during the survey carried out by GIS lab team. Collected points portray the scattering of species around the forest.The distribution map of partridge as shown in figure 6.9depicts the spread of Partridge round the forest. According to the below map Partridge has found in all around the Ara Forest.

Figure 6.9 Distribution of Partridge in Ara Forest

Point density analysis was carried out to compute the density of partridge in the Ara Forest as shown in figure 6.10. The corresponding map indicates the area of higher density of Partridge and its spatial extent is approximately 2489.39 acres. According to the map, Partridge equally resides in all round the Ara Forest. Their diet consists of grain, tender shoots of grass; food cropsgreen shoots and leaves, grass seeds and variety of insects and larvae.

Figure 6.10 Point Density of Partridge in Ara Forest

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

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

2. High Conservation Value Areas should be notified.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annex-I

Tree Species

Annex-II

Wildlife Footprints and Habitat

(Porcupine, Wild Boar and snake)

REFERENCES

1. T.J. Synnott. 2005. Some notes on the early years of FSC. Saltillo, Mexico, 19 November. 54 pp. 2. C.Michael Hogan and Michael P. Frankis. 2009. Monterey Cypress: Cupressus macrocarpa, GlobalTwitcher.com ed. N. Stromberg 3. S. Jennings, R. Nussbaum, N. Judd and T. Evans. 2003. The High Conservation Value Forest Tool Kit. ProForest, Oxford, UK. 4. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2017, from hcvnetwork: www.hcvnetwrok.org 5. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2017, from biodiversitya-z: www.biodiversitya- z.org/content/high-conservation-value-areas-hcva 6. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2017, from Wilmar-International : 1. http://www.wilmar- international.com/sustainability/integrated-policies/no-deforestation/high-conservation- value-area/ 7. Circle, D. a. (n.d.). Working Plan Chakwal. 8. UNDP. (2017). Sustainable Forest Manangement Project. 9. Forest Stewardship Council. FSC ® International Standard: FSC Principles and Criteria for Forest Stewardship (version 5). 001, 1–37 (2012). 10. Brown, E. et al. Common Guidance for the Identification of High Conservation Values. HCV Resource Network (High Conservation Value Resource Network, 2013). 11. High Conservation Value Resource Network. National Interpretations of HCVs. 1–4 (2013) 12. High Conservation Value Resource Network. National Interpretations. 13. Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials. RSB Conservation Impact Assessment Guidelines, version 2.0. version 2., 1–23 (2011). 14. Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance. Climate , Community & Biodiversity Standards. Third Edition. (2013). 15. Roundtable on Responsible Soy. RTRS Standard for Responsible Soy Production (version 2.0). (2013). 16. Roundtable on Sustainable Palm oil Production. RSPO Principles & Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production. (2013) 17. Bowyer, C., G. Tucker, H. By & D. Baldock. 2010. Operationalising criteria to protect highly biodiverse grasslands under the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC), Institute for European Environmental Policy: London. 33

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

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

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