ABSTRACT

Despite several problems and constraints, Nepal has achieved some significant successes in the
protection and management of its biodiversity. One fundamental element of this strategy is the
consolidation and continuation of efforts that have been successful in the past.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants and animals found on earth. It measures the variations at
ecosystem, species and genetic levels. Biodiversity conservation means protection, conservation and
management of biodiversity in order to obtain sustainable benefits for future generations. . This
diversity of biological organisms is known more popularly by the term biodiversity. Nepal is a
mountainous country. It is rich in biodiversity. The unique geographic positions as well as Variation
in topography, Variation in climate, Variation in temperature, Variation in rainfall, Variation in soil
types, Mountain aspects etc have contributed to Nepal's biodiversity.

The country's 118 ecosystems harbor over 2% of the flowering plants, 3% of the pteridophytes and
6% of the bryophytes in the world's flora. Similarly, the country harbors 3.9% of the mammals, 8.9%
of the birds and 3.7% of the world's fauna of butterflies. According to the Nepal National
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020, it is found in Nepal there is about 11,861 numbers
of species of fauna and 11,971 numbers of species of flora.

I
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am indebted to all past and present biologist of Nepal; without whose extensive work and literature
this study would have never been possible

I wish to express my deepest sense of gratitude and profoundal regards to our principle, Mr. Gyanu
Khadha, Principle, Shikashadeep Secondary School, Biratnagar for learned guidance, abiding
interestand for all the pain he took to make our study effective with the practical project of zoology.

I express my gratitude and indebtedness to Mr Basant Basnet, Coordinator, Shikashadeep Secondary

School for his continuous help and encouragement throughout the study period.

I would like to express my profound gratitude toward our Mr. Som Niroula, Department Head of
Zoology, Shikashadeep Secondary School, as without his kind support, it would not be possible for
me to complete this project report.

Unfortunately, I addressed several difficulties in coordinating activities of the project but I am highly
indebted to Mr. Milan Kharel and Mrs. Kalpana Chemjong for their guidance and the constant
supervision, as well as for providing necessary information regarding the project and also for their
support in completing the project report.

I would also like to express my gratitude towards my friends for their co-operation and
encouragement as they helped me in completion of this project.

At last, I end up by thanking all who helped me in finalizing the project within the limited frame.

February, 2023

II
 TABLE OF CONNTEXTS

Contents Page
ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................................................I
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................................................II
TABLE OF CONNTEXTS...............................................................................................................................III
LIST OF FIGURES...........................................................................................................................................IV
1.1 General background...............................................................................................................................V
1.2 Types or Level of Biodiversity..............................................................................................................VI
1.3 Strategies and Polices...........................................................................................................................VII
1.4 Challenges of Biodiversity Conservation............................................................................................VIII
1.3 Objective of the Study............................................................................................................................X
1.4 Study Area............................................................................................................................................XI
CHAPATER 2: MATERIALS AND MEATHODS.........................................................................................XII
CHAPATER 3: RESULTS.............................................................................................................................XIV
CHAPATER 5: RECOMMENDATION..........................................................................................................XX
CHAPATER 6: REFERENCES......................................................................................................................XXI

III
 LIST OF TABLE
Table

Table 1: Fauna of Nepal

XVII

Table 2: Flora of Nepal..................................................................................................................XVIII

LIST OF FIGURES

Figures
Figure 1: Map of Nepal’s Geographical Regions...............................................................................XV
Figure 2: Pie-Chat of Fauna of Nepal..............................................................................................XVII
Figure 3: Bar-diagram of Flora of Nepal........................................................................................XVIII

IV
 LIST OF ABBEREVIATIONS AND ARCONYMS
US: United Stated

IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

NP: National Park

WWF: World Wildlife Fund

IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature

LRMP: Land Resource Mapping Project

NBSAP: Nepal National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

NBCC: National Biodiversity Coordination Committee

V
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 General background
We live in an environment created by nature. There are a number of species of plants, animals, and
microorganisms. These varieties of livings on the earth are commonly referred as biodiversity These
varieties of plants and animals including microscopic organisms to higher vertebrates and trees per
unit area are called the biodiversity According to US Office of Technology Assessment 1987,
biological diversity is "The variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological
complexes in which they occur". The latest estimate shows that 8.7 million eukaryotes are living on
the planet. About 1.4 million species of flora, fauna and microbes have been examined, named and
classified. However, 86% of land species and 91% marine species remain undiscovered. Each
species is adapted to live a specific environment, from mountain peaks to the depth of seas, from
polar ice caps to tropical rain forests and deserts. This diversity of biological organisms is known
more popularly by the term biodiversity. Nepal is a mountainous country. It is rich in biodiversity.
The unique geographic positions as well as Variation in topography, Variation in climate, Variation
in temperature, Variation in rainfall, Variation in soil types, Mountain aspects etc have contributed to
Nepal's biodiversity.

1.2 Types or Level of Biodiversity

Biologists most often define biodiversity as the totality of genes, species and ecosystems of a region.
There are three levels at which biological variety can be identified:

I. Ecosystem diversity

Ecosystem is the relation between livings organism and non livings. The particular types of
ecosystem are formed by involving livings and non-livings in an environment. There are various
types of ecosystem found in the world According to variation in macro and micro- climate, soil type,
water condition, geographical variation, various types of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are
formed on the earth The marine ecosystem, fresh water aquatic ecosystems such as running water
ecosystem in the mountain, hill and terai, lake and pond ecosystem, grassland ecosystem, fore
ecosystem, wet land ecosystems are the some examples of ecosystem diversity Ecosystem diversity
comprises the variety of habitats, the dynamic complexes of plants, animals and microorganism
communities and their non living environment, which interact a functional unit, and their change
over time. Therefore, these various types of ecosystem in a given place or given environment are
called Ecosystem Diversity.

The largest scale of biodiversity is the ecosystem or ecological diversity. Ecosystem diversity refers
to the number and variety of interactions in ecosystems in a certain area. Ecosystems include all of
the animals, plants and micro-organisms as well as physical aspects of the area. The earth itself has
the ecosystem diversity: for example, it has forests, oceans, deserts, wetlands and grasslands. There
are 118 types of ecosystem found. Among them high Himalaya contains 43 types, high mountains
contains and middle mountain contains 52 types, Siwalik contains 13 types and terai contains 10
types of ecosystem in Nepal (Ministry Forests and Soil Conservation 2002-Nepal Biodiversity
Strategy).
VI
II. Genetic Biodiversity

It is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup if the species. All forms of life
from microbes to plants to humans contain genes. Genes carry traits and characteristics. When
species reproduce, the genes of each mate contribute to the characteristics of the progeny.
Accordingly, no two members of the same species are exactly alike. When there is a large population
from which to reproduce, there can be more combinations of genes in the offspring.

Each and every individual species possesses genes which are the source of its own unique features;
in human beings for example, the huge variety of people's faces reflects each person's genetic
individuality. At finer levels of organization, biodiversity includes the genetic variation within
species, both among geographically separated populations and among individuals within singe
population. The genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes and/or genome within living
organisms, that is, the genetic differences between populations of a single species and between
individuals within a population. The varieties of genetic among the same population of a species or
different species are called genetic diversity. The variation of gene in individual to individual within
species shows the adaption capacity of organisms. These varieties of gene maintain the livings with
the environment. The hundreds of varieties of rice indicate the genetic diversity.

III. Species Diversity

The plants and animals found on the earth are not of the same type. They are of different types.
Biodiversity at its most basic level includes the full range of species on earth, from micro-organisms
such as viruses, bacteria and protista to the multi-cellular kingdom of plants, animals and fungi.
Species diversity refers to the frequency and variety of species (wild domesticated) within a
geographical area. Hence, species diversity is defined as varieties and variability among the species
per unit area. The total number of species in the world is estimated to range from 5 to 30 millions.

A species is a group of similar individuals capable of interbreeding and producing offspring. Species
diversity is the number of different species co-existing within a community, for example bear,
humans, birds and dogs. The greater the variety of species, the healthier the ecosystem is. It makes a
link in the food chain and the food web.

1.3 Strategies and Polices

Despite several problems and constraints, Nepal has achieved some significant successes in the
protection and management of its biodiversity. One fundamental element of this strategy is the
consolidation and continuation of efforts that have been successful in the past. This will broadly
highlights major strategies that Nepal will adopt to conserve, in the years to come, its exceptionally
rich life spread over the different ecological realms.

1. Integrating local participation

It has been realised that conservation programmes will work only if the basic needs of local people
are met, which include being able to grow enough food, effective health care, and basic education.
Once these basic needs are met, local people may be responsive to conservation. However,

VII
communities in Nepal have a long history of protecting certain forested areas for their own benefit,
and after the political change in 1990 and the introduction of democracy, decentralisation, and
peoples' participation in development activities increased. To enhance responsiveness and promote
ownership of conservation programmes by communities, the active involvement of local people will
be sought in conservation management systems,

2. In-situ Conservation

The most important means of conserving biodiversity is to conserve natural habitats that maintain
and allow the recovery of viable populations of species naturally. As the primary approach for
biodiversity conservation, in-situ conservation addresses the conservation of ecosystems, wild
species, genetic diversity, human-created plant varieties and animal breeds. It also addresses the
rehabilitation and restoration of degraded ecosystems, both within and outside protected areas, and
the prevention, control and eradication of alien species that threaten ecosystems. In-situ conservation
is more effectively maintained from a landscape planning approach. Priorities will be given to
species richness, taxonomic diversity, and endemism.

3. Strengthening the National Biodiversity Unit

Systematic databases on conservation, utilization, management, and monitoring have been prepared
by various organizations. A high priority will be given to strengthening the existing National
Biodiversity Unit and for full participation by all key stakeholders to bridge the information gap for
comprehensive biological inventories and monitoring schemes.

4. Ex-situ Conservation and Biotechnology

Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of components of biodiversity outside of their natural
habitats, particularly animal and plant species whose existence in their natural habitat is below the
minimum viable population and whose survival is imperilled. Emphasis will be given to establishing
new botanical gardens, zoos, gene banks, etc., in different eco-regions with legal provisions for
exchanging materials (components of biodiversity) with relevant international institutions.

5. Developing Eco-tourism

Tourism in Nepal is concentrated mainly in a few protected areas (Royal Chitwan NP, Annapurna
CA. Sagarmatha NP, and Langtang NP), which intensifies negative environmental impacts in these
PAs. The potential for developing sustainable tourism in other PAs as well as other areas of natural
and cultural heritage will therefore be explored and promoted. Efforts will also be made to seek
maximum involvement of local people in promoting sustainable tourism.

6. Increasing Conservation Awareness

Biodiversity conservation demands public support and participation. An understanding and

appreciation of the importance of conservation and sustainable use of biological resources is
therefore crucial. For this, conservation awareness campaigns will be promoted through different
media, such as radio, newspapers, posters, workshops, seminars, and school curricula so that both

VIII
managers and users of natural resources understand the linkages between conservation and
sustainable use.

1.4 Challenges of Biodiversity Conservation

1. Overexploitation of Forests

Consequences of forest over-exploitation are habitat loss and fragmentation, which are major threats
to the wildlife of Nepal. Most people depend on subsistence agriculture and resources from the
forests, which with overpopulation results in environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity
(Bajracharya 1983). The people exploit natural resources because most of them are poor (44% in
rural and 23% in urban areas) and have no access to non-natural resources (World Bank 1999).
Forest loss does not result from collecting firewood but from encroachment of cultivation into forest
areas (HMGN-NPC 1999). The phenomenon of forest loss in countrywide, Overpopulation puts a
great pressure on the forest as a source of materials needed for subsistence, such 223 as firewood and
fodder, as well as land for agriculture and settlement. This has resulted in an annual decrease in the
area of forest of 1.7% (HMGN-DFRS 1999; CBS 2006). In 1979 only 43% of Nepal was forested, ie,
partially covered with trees and shrubs. 228 According to the land resource-mapping project only
15% of the forest is closed canopy forest and 26% open canopy forest (LRMP 1986).

2. Loss and Alteration of Wetlands

Nepal's wetland biodiversity is under serious threat from encroachment, unsustain- able harvesting,
industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, silting, and the introduction of exotic and invasive species.
Encroachment results in the reduction in the area of wetlands, deposition of silt, and eutrophication
caused by agricultural runoff and/or industrial effluents (IUCN 1996). Similarly, empirical evidence
from a survey of 163 wetland sites revealed that those in the Terai are vulnerable, in particular, to the
proliferation of exotic species. Most of the lakes in Nepal have been colonized by non-native species
(IUCN 1996).

3. Unsustainable Livestock Farming Practices

The consequences of livestock grazing range from soil erosion to degradation of this habitat for
wildlife. Livestock grazing is common in Nepal. Keeping large herds of livestock, even without
substantial economic benefits, is common Rearing livestock for dung and benefits other than meat is
traditional and has had a negative effect on biodiversity. The adverse effect of grazing by livestock is
severe both in and outside protected areas, as in mountain pastures and the Terai grasslands.

4. Environmental Pollution

Pollution is a major problem for humans and biodiversity. Untreated industrial and domestic waste
released directly into the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of wildlife is a serious threat to biodiversity.
Some rivers passing through major cities in Nepal are badly polluted by untreated industrial and

IX
domestic waste. The decline in the numbers of river dolphin in the Narayani River is believed to be
due to the effect of waste discharged by the paper industry (WWF 2006).

The increased use of pesticides and introduction of high yielding varieties of crop plants is the main
cause of agro-ecosystem pollution. Insecticides can have an adverse effect on mammals and other
vertebrates and their persistent use has seriously affected livestock and wildlife. The use of pesticides
over a large area may diminish the overall population of invertebrates, which are the source of food
for many birds, especially migratory species. The effect of pesticides may be direct (increase in
mortality) or indirect (reduction in reproduction). Populations of threatened wildlife species are more
vulnerable when adult mortality is increased (Whitfield et al. 2004). In particular, aquatic
communities are very vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticides. Some insecticides like DDT,
which are banned in developed countries, are still used indiscriminately in Nepal (WWF 2009).
According to the report of the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC),
poachers use these pesticides to kill fish, birds, and even tigers, rhino, bear and other large mammals
Poachers kill tigers and rhinoceros by spraying carcasses and grasslands with pesticides.

5. Climate Change

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates of climate change,
the earth's average surface temperature rose by about 0.74°C in the last 100 years and the prediction
is a further increase of 5°C by 2080 if the emissions of greenhouse gases are not greatly reduced
(IPCC 2007) The Himalayan region is more vulnerable to climate change as it will have a
pronounced effect on the recession of glaciers An inventory carried out by International Center for
Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and UNEP has shown that there are 26 glacial lakes in
Nepal that are potentially threatened (ICIMOD 2008). Furthermore, alterations in the agriculture
system, rainfall patterns including worse draughts and water supply (water shortage and flash floods)
are the likely results of climate change, and their effect on the Himalayan region is difficult to predict
because of the fragile and marginal nature of the mountain environment.

Biodiversity conservation, the practice of protecting and preserving the wealth and variety of species,
habitats, ecosystems, and genetic diversity on the planet, is important for our health, wealth, food,
fuel, and services we depend on. It plays an integral role in supporting many sectors of development.
Food security depends upon natural resources that form the basis of food production. Biodiversity
conservation protects plant, animal, microbial and genetic resources for food production, agriculture,
and ecosystem functions such as fertilizing the soil, recycling nutrients, regulating pests and disease,
controlling erosion, and pollinating crops and trees. At the same time, unsustainable agricultural
production and use of wild species for food or fuel can reduce biodiversity.

Biodiversity conservation is vital for economic growth and poverty reduction. A majority of the
world’s poor live in rural areas and depends upon forests, water, wetlands, fields and pastures for
their livelihoods. Biodiversity conservation can help address the effects of climate change.
Conserving habitats can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
Conserving mangroves and other coastal ecosystems can lessen disastrous impacts of climate change
such as flooding and storm surges. Projects that reduce the vulnerability of species and ecosystems

X
to climate change impacts can safeguard essential ecosystem services such as air and water
purification, pollination and food production, and carbon sequestration.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The main aims of Strategies of Biodiversity Conservation include preserving species diversity,
maintaining life-supporting systems, and keeping essential ecological processes. Since we rely
directly on plant species for our diverse needs, protecting every variety of food, woody plants,
livestock, microorganisms, and farm animals is essential.

 To find the status of biodiversity in Nepal.

 To list out the strategies for conserving biodiversity.
 To describe the contribution of biodiversity in Nepal.
 To identify important policy and planning gaps, constraints on resources and facilities,
implementation problems and current conservation practices and assessing further needs.
 To identify current pressures and threats on biodiversity.
 Assess the present and future significance and value of biodiversity to the Nepali people.
 To assess the costs of conserving biodiversity in Nepal and developing long-term plans,
implementation mechanisms, and monitoring and evaluation systems for biodiversity
conservation.

XI
1.4 Study Area
Nepal is a mountainous country in the central Himalayas, which occupies about one third of (800
km) of the entire length of the Himalayan mountain range. Nepal alone claims eight out of the top
ten tallest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest (8,848 m). Apart from the mountains,
deep gorges, river valleys and the flat lands it provides a unique assemblage of very different habitats
and a great biodiversity within a small geographical area. The 147,181 km2 that make up Nepal is
slightly less than 0.1% of the global land mass, but contains a disproportionately large diversity of
plants and animals. The country's 118 ecosystems harbor over 2% of the flowering plants, 3% of the
pteridophytes and 6% of the bryophytes in the world's flora. Similarly, the country harbors 3.9% of
the mammals, 8.9% of the birds and 3.7% of the world's fauna of butterflies.

XII
 Figure 1: Map of Nepal’s Geographical Regions

CHAPATER 2: MATERIALS AND MEATHODS

Primary source of data were absent in here but secondary source of data based on different
researcher’s scientific fact and they research were used to support this report. Secondary source of
data were collected through various published and unpublished sources such as Books, articles,
journals, Acts, internet, literature, souvenirs, bulletin etc. Microsoft Excel 2010 and Microsoft Word
were used for the data interpretation and analysis. The bar graph and the pie chats were made with
the help of MS Excel and the whole project was completed in MS Word. Internet was used for the
main source of secondary information in which different website also had equally support for this
project.

XIII
 CHAPATER 3: RESULTS
According to the Nepal National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020, it is found in
Nepal there is about 11,861 numbers of species of fauna. Out of 11,861 species, there are about 208
numbers of species of mammals, 867 numbers of species of birds, 123 numbers of species reptiles,
117 numbers of species of amphibians, 230 numbers of species of fishes, 192 numbers of species of
mollusks, 3958 numbers of species of moths, 651 numbers of species of butterflies, 175 numbers of
species of spiders, 59 numbers of species of crustaceans, 5,052 numbers of other insects, 61 numbers
of species rotifers, 168 numbers of species platyhelminthes. Pie-Chat of the fauna of Nepal is below.

Table 1: Fauna of Nepal

Group Number of species

Fauna
Mammals 208
Birds 867
Reptiles 123
Amphibians 117
Fishes 230
Mollusks 192
Moths 3958
Butterflies 651
Spiders 175
Crustaceans 59
Other Insects 5052
Rotifers 61
Platyhelminthes 168
Total 11,861
(Source: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020)

XIV
 Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fishes
Mollusks
Moths
Butterflies
Spider
Crustaceans
Other Insect
Rotifers

Figure 2: Pie-Chat of Fauna of Nepal

According to the Nepal National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020, it is found in
Nepal there is about 11,971 numbers of species of flora. Out of 11,971 species of flora there is about
6973 numbers of species of angiosperms, 26 numbers of species of gymnosperms, 534 numbers of
species of pteridophytes, 1,150 numbers of species of bryophytes, 465 numbers of species of lichens,
1822 numbers of species of fungi, 1001 numbers of species of algae. Table 2 and figure 3, present
the Flora of Nepal.

Table 2: Flora of Nepal

Group Number of Species

Flora
Angiosperms 6973
Gymnosperms 26
Pteridophytes 534
Bryophytes 1150
Lichens 465
Fungi 1822
Algae 1001
Total 11971
(Source: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020)

XV
 Flora of Nepal
8000

7000

6000

5000
Number of Species

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
s s es es s i e
rm rm yt yt en ng ga
sp
e
sp
e h h
Lich Fu Al
io op yo
p
ng no r id Br
m te
A Gy P
Flora

Figure 3: Bar-diagram of Flora of Nepal

New Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation in the context of Nepalese Development

A biodiversity conservation strategy' is a plan to enhance and protect the variety of native species
and ecosystems in a given geographical area. It emphasizes on conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity in the context of sustainable development and poverty reduction. The Nepal National
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020 (NBSAP) was designed for the period 2014-2020
and it aims to provide a strategic framework for the conservation and sustainable use of Nepal's
biodiversity for enhancing local livelihoods and eco-friendly national development, and equitable
sharing of the benefits accrued from the utilization of biological resources among all sections of the
society. The NBSAP highlights the following strategy for biodiversity conservation.

7. Improvement in management of protected areas, forest biodiversity outside protected areas,

rangeland biodiversity, wetland biodiversity, agro biodiversity, and mountain biodiversity
8. To link the Gene Bank with national and international institutions to enhance national food
security
9. To address the policy and legislative gaps, as well as institutional strengthening for
biodiversity conservation
10. Enhancement of capacity for management of biodiversity, landscapes, invasive-alien species
11. Harmonization of biodiversity-related international conventions that supports national
biodiversity conservation and integrate these into the national economic policy

XVI
 12. Use of traditional knowledge, innovation and practices of indigenous and local communities
in biodiversity conservation
13. Knowledge generation, technology development, communication, and fund generation for
biodiversity conservation
14. Enhanced human well-being and poverty reduction through biodiversity conservation
15. Implementation of payment of ecosystem services and REDD+ where feasible
16. Establishment of the National Biodiversity Coordination Committee (NBCC) for
coordination and monitoring of biodiversity-related programmes at the national level

CHAPATER 4: DISSCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Biodiversity provides us with many of the things that sustain our lives. Protecting our species and
their habitats improves our quality of life and our standard of living.

 Source of food

The animals and plant products are the main source of food for us. The varieties of plant products
such as seed grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, tubers are the sources of different nutrients for human.
Similarly, the various species of animals (Cow, buffalo, goat, chicken, sheep, fishes, pig etc) provide
meat and milk products. 80% of human food supply comes from 20 kinds of plants. But human use
40000 species for food.

About 21% (3.2 million hectares) of the total land area of Nepal is cultivated, the principal crops
being rice, maize, wheat, millet and potatoes. Crops such as rice, bean, buckwheat, soybean, foxtail
millet, citrus fruits and mango have high genetic diversity relative to other food crops. Many crop
species in Nepal derived from their variability to the presence of about 120 wild relatives of the
commonly cultivated food plants.

 Medicinal values

XVII
Biodiversity is the main source of medicine. The varieties of organic and aromatic plants provide
medicine for various types of diseases. The varieties of animals from micro-organisms to even higher
vertebrates are used for medicinal purposes. Penicillin from fungus, poisons from snake is some
example of use as medicine where as horns of rhino and bones of tiger are used as traditional
aurvedic medicine. The modern drugs derived from wild species include inter alia pain killers (eg.
Zinconitide from Digitalis plants), cardiac drugs (eg. Lanoxin from Digitalis plants), anti-cancer
drugs (taxol from Taxus trees) etc.

 Economical importance

Biological sources provide many industrial raw materials based on plant and animal products. Food
processing industries, medicinal industries, product industries, leather industries, cloth industries
needs various types of animals and plants products. Raw materials such as seed grains, fiber, oil,
dyes, rubber, timber, leather, silk thread, cotton, etc. are obtained from the plant and animals. The
development of industries and production of such industries provide employment opportunity to
people. In addition, exporting the products into international markets helps to increase economical
status of the country. At least 40% of the world's economy and 80% of the needs of poor are derived
from biological resources.

 Aesthetic beauty/ Recreational value

Plants and animals add beauty to physical environment. People enjoy and feel relaxed visiting those
places. Biodiversity enhances recreational activities like bird watching, fishing, trekking etc. It
inspires musicians and artists.

 Provides natural services

Biodiversity provides natural services such as conservation of water resources, soil formation and
protection, nutrient storage and recycling, pollination, cleaning of wastes, maintenance of
ecosystems, and contribution to climate stability. A gram of fertile agriculture soil contains 2.5
billion bacteria, 400000 fungi, 50,000 algae and 30,000 protozoa. All these organisms have particular
functions and interact with each other and with their physical environment to create the fertile soil
that humans depend on for agricultural production.

Vegetation helps recycle moisture into the atmosphere. A single corn plant (1 lb dry weight) can
transfer 60 gallons of water from soil to atmosphere in a few months. A single rainforest tree, in its
100 year lifespan, can transfer approximately 2.5 million gallons from soil to air. Their role in the
hydrologic cycle is crucial

 Watershed conservation

Watershed is defined as delineate inclined land area which collects rain water and form river at its
base. It is also called catchment area. All the high lands, hills and mountains are watersheds. These
watersheds are conserved by development of forest. The stability of hills can be possible due to
dense vegetation having Efferent plant species that includes mosses big trees. Vegetation helps to
control and reserve top soil being lost away from soil erosion and landslide. Animal species from

XVIII
microorganisms to vertebrates in the watershed help to continue ecosystem and maintain fertility of
soil.

 Forest products

Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance as well as economic development in
Nepal. Wild and natural forests are a major attraction for tourists. The forest environment is a major
source of energy, animal fodder and timber, and forest catchment areas are the main sources of water
used in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation and domestic consumption. Rural people depend
on ma on-timber forest products (NTFPS) for their subsistence living.

 Maintain ecosystem/balance ecosystem

Biodiversity maintains the ecosystem. Producers (plant species), consumers (animal species) and
decomposers (micro-organisms) are major components of food chain of an ecosystem. This
biodiversity helps to maintain population of different tropic level and recycle nutrients and energy in
an environment.

CHAPATER 5: RECOMMENDATION

Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants and animals found on earth. It measures the variations at
ecosystem, species and genetic levels. Biodiversity conservation means protection, conservation and
management of biodiversity in order to obtain sustainable benefits for future generations . Some of the
recommendations are given below in points:

1. Give priority to surveys of neglected animal groups in certain areas.

2. Conduct more extensive research on the population status and numerical trends of threatened
primates in the region.
3. Improve law enforcement within existing protected areas.
4. Increase investments in existing protected areas.
5. Put high priority on conservation in several lowland forest reserves.
6. Improve the conservation of endangered primates.

XIX
CHAPATER 6: REFERENCES

 Bajracharya D (1983) Fuel, food or forest? Dilemmas in a Nepali village. World Dev 11
1057-1074
 CBS (2006) Environmental statistics of Nepal Govt. of Nepal. National Planning
Commission Secretariat Central Bureau of Statistics, Kathmandu
 World Bank (1999) Entering the 21st century, world development report 1999-2000 Oxford
University Press, New York
 WWF (2006a) Status, distribution and conservation threats of Ganges river Dolphin in
Karnali river, Nepal WWF Nepal program, Kathmandu
 WWF (2009) Threats in Nepal - River pollution. WWF Nepal program. Kathmandu

XX