Vegetation traffic barriers along roads can be an effective structure to improve roadside air quality and to reduce human exposure to traffic air pollutants. However, the selection of the plant species should be considered as an important design parameter for vegetation traffic barriers because different plant species demonstrate different levels of tolerance to air pollutants. This study compares the air pollution tolerance of different plant species found in the vegetation traffic barriers in the Kathmandu valley. Four biochemical parameters (relative water content, leaf extract pH, total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid) and the dust-capturing potential of plants were analyzed. Out of the nine selected species, Cinnamomum camphora showed the highest tolerance to air pollution based on the air pollution tolerance index. Similarly, Schefflera pueckleri, Psidium guajava and Ficus benjamina were found to be the sensitive species, while Ficus sp., Nerium oleander, Thuja sp., Dypsis lutescens and Albizia julibrissin were found to have a moderate level of tolerance to air pollution. N. oleander had the highest dust-capturing potential. Considering both air pollution tolerance index and dust-capturing potential, C. camphora, N. oleander and A. julibrissin were found to be the most suitable species for the roadside plantation. The findings of this study might have important implications for plant species selection for vegetation traffic barriers.
In May and June, 2018, a series of field surveys was undertaken to determine the presence of the Red Panda Ailurus fulgens in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality in Lamjung District, western Nepal. A single, adult, Red Panda was photographed and recorded on video at Nafada Khola while scratch marks and distinctive scats provided evidence of Red Panda activity at eleven further localities at elevations between 3,150 and 3,650 m. Threats to the habitat of A. fulgens within the study area are discussed.
One live and another dead Yellow-bellied Weasel were spotted at an altitude of 2,190m and 3,078m, respectively, in Lamsung, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, Myagdi and Barekot Rural Municipality, Jajarkot on 1 May 2016 and 16 June 2016 in the afternoon. This is probably the first record of the species with photographs in Myagdi District of Gandaki Province, and in Jajarkot District of Karnali Province, western Nepal.
Information on the distribution of the Vulnerable Lesser Adjutant from Sindhuli District is scarce. Here we report the investigation and observation a total of 12 individuals and two active nests of Lesser Adjutant in five different locations of Dudhauli and Kamalamai Municipality in Sindhuli, Nepal to reduce the information gap between Triyuga watershed, Siraha District and Chitwan. Further systematic studies are recommended to find out the total population of the species.
This case documents envenomation by a Green pit viper (Cryptelytrops sp.), a species found in South and Southeast Asia that causes the majority of venomous snakebites among Southeast Asian pit vipers. The proven life-threatening cases described in published literature, however, are sparse. We report a case of noticeable envenomation due to confirmed Green pit viper, Cryptelytrops sp. bite in Jajarkot. This is the first known reported case of such a bite from Jajarkot in Nepal. This case highlights the urgent need to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and supportive care for snakebite victims in Nepal.
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