Conservation Biology (Zoology): biodiversity, protected areas, Ramsar sites, IUCN categories, endangered species of Nepal

(c) Endangered

The description — declining population, habitat loss, poaching and low breeding rate — places the one-horned rhino of Nepal in the endangered risk group of IUCN.

(c) Endangered

Among the options, Endangered is the category for species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. (In the full IUCN Red List scheme the "extremely high risk" level is called Critically Endangered, which comes just above Endangered; Vulnerable is lower and Extinct means no individuals remain.) Rare is not a current IUCN category.

(c) Langtang National Park

Langtang National Park in the Himalayan region of Nepal has temperate bamboo forests, the habitat of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Chitwan and Bardia in the lowlands are known for rhinoceros and tiger instead.

Biodiversity is the variety of all living organisms on Earth, including the diversity of genes, species and ecosystems, and the ecological processes of which they are a part.

Major threats to biodiversity loss in Nepal

1. Habitat loss and fragmentation. Conversion of forest to farmland, settlements, roads, hydropower and other infrastructure destroys or splits habitats, especially in the Terai and Churia.
2. Deforestation and forest degradation. Illegal logging, overgrazing, fuelwood collection and forest fires reduce forest cover and wildlife shelter.
3. Poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Rhinoceros, tiger, musk deer, pangolin and red panda are hunted for horn, skin, musk and body parts.
4. Over-exploitation of resources. Excessive collection of medicinal and aromatic plants (e.g. Yarsagumba, Nardostachys) and overfishing reduce wild populations.
5. Invasive alien species. Plants such as Mikania micrantha, Lantana camara and water hyacinth replace native species and alter habitats.
6. Pollution. Pesticides, fertilizers, industrial and urban waste harm aquatic and terrestrial life.
7. Climate change. Changing temperature and rainfall, glacier melt and shifting vegetation zones affect high-altitude species and ecosystems.
8. Human-wildlife conflict. Crop damage and livestock loss lead to retaliatory killing of animals.
9. Other factors. Population pressure, poverty, unplanned development and lack of awareness add to the loss, as do natural hazards like floods and landslides.

Important measures adopted for wildlife conservation in Nepal

1. Protected areas. Nepal has declared national parks, wildlife reserves, hunting reserves, conservation areas and Ramsar sites (e.g. Chitwan, Bardia, Shuklaphanta, Koshi Tappu, Annapurna Conservation Area) to protect habitats in their natural state.
2. Buffer zones. Areas around national parks and reserves are managed with local communities, who receive a share of park revenue for community development.
3. Legislation. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973, along with the Forest Act and CITES-related rules, prohibits hunting, trade and harm to protected species.
4. Anti-poaching measures. Army and park patrols, rapid response teams, intelligence networks and use of technology (cameras, SMART patrolling) check illegal hunting and trade.
5. Community-based conservation. Community forests, conservation area management and anti-poaching units involve local people in protection and benefit sharing.
6. Species conservation programmes. Special programmes exist for the one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, elephant, gharial and vulture, including captive breeding, translocation and vulture restaurants.
7. Habitat management and corridors. Grassland and wetland management and wildlife corridors (e.g. Terai Arc Landscape) connect protected areas.
8. Research, monitoring and census. Regular counts of tigers, rhinos and other animals guide conservation planning.
9. Awareness and education. Conservation education, ecotourism and media campaigns build public support.
10. International cooperation. Nepal takes part in CITES, the Ramsar Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity, and works with NGOs such as WWF and NTNC.