Vegetation study is crucial for the biophysical environment and ecosystem balance. Both qualitative and quantitative assessments of the vegetation can give complete picture of the forest ecosystem. In this study, quantitative characteristics of Panchase Protected Forest in Kaski district were analyzed. The study was focused on the structural characteristics of forest stand, its regeneration pattern along altitudinal gradients, and human impacts on vegetation structure. Density, basal area, frequency, and Importance Value Index (IVI) were used to assess the structural characteristics of forest; Density-Diameter (DD) curve and seedling/sapling/tree density relation were used to assess the regeneration status. Counting the number of lopping and cut stumps and quantifying fuelwood consumption pattern of the village were used to assess human disturbance. The vegetation survey showed 21, 17 and 14 species of trees, saplings, and seedlings, respectively. Daphniphyllum himalense was the most dominant species followed by Quercus lamellosa. DD curve showed reverse J-shaped structure indicating sustainable regeneration. Daphniphyllum himalense and Alnus nepalensis were major species of trees consumed as fuelwood and average annual fuelwood consumption was 2083.79 tons. Density of lopped trees and cut stump was in decreasing trend along with elevation. Species richness was higher in moderately disturbed sites. This study has significant implications for protected forest management and biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
Chiuri (Diploknema butyracea) is a medium-sized tree that inhabits in sub-Himalayan tracks of steep slopes and cliffs at an elevation of 400 to 1400 meters from west to east of Nepal. It belongs to Sapotaceae family of plant kingdom. This study was conducted to assess status of Chiuri tree in Raksirang Rural Municipality (RRM) with particular interest to location, khoria aspect, age and types. Primary data were collected through questionnaire survey, interviews, informal discussion, etc. whereas secondary data were collected through desk review. Biometric data such as seed size and seed count per kg of seeds were measured using measuring scale and weighing balance. Four types of Chiuri namely Wayo, Lanyo, Titiya and Tomyo were found in RRM depending on ripening time of fruit. Most of them have Chiuri older than 30 years of age and their khoria facing south direction. Chiuri takes 6-10 years to start fruiting from seedling. Based on survey, Wayo and Lanyo were found in lower elevation whereas Titiya and Tomyo were found in higher elevation. The timing of fruit ripening was different but followed a pattern of types located in lower elevation fruiting earlier. However, defoliation timing was different and was not influenced by elevation.
Background: Chepang, a semi-nomadic minority group, is dependent on common and private forest resources, Chiuri (Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H.J. Lam) to be precise, for livelihood. This study was carried out to understand the household economy of Chepang and evaluate the benefit of Chiuri and its by-products such as Chiuri butter, honey or seeds in Raksirang Rural Municipality (RRM), Makwanpur, Nepal. Methods: Primary data were collected through questionnaire surveys, interviews, informal discussions, etc. whereas the secondary data were collected through desk review. Results: Many Chepangs (41 percent) who collect Chiuri earn an average of US$ 41.43 annually by selling Chiuri seeds, which is very low in the present market value context. People of RRM are still living under poverty with annual income of less than US$ 414.35 per household (78 percent) and food availability for < nine months (56 percent) in a year. Many of them (55 percent) extract more than 30 kg of butter and surplus butter are sold for US$ 1.65-2.49 per kg. Normally they produce butter for domestic uses. Butter is applied for muscle spasm. Conclusions: Our result shows that Chiuri is a natural complement to the livelihood of Chepangs. Bee farming in Chiuri growing areas helps generate additional income. Beside local economy, bee and Chiuri products are folkloric for primary healthcare. Hence, Chiuri is a plant with various economic benefits. Proper management of Chepang, Chiuri and bee is an integrated approach of biodiversity conservation.
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