Animal behavior

What is Ethology?

Behavior – the action is produced in an organism in response to stimuli from given situation.

Types of behaviour

a. Innate or stereo typed behavior- behavior which is found in organism since their birth. For
example, reflexes, taxis, migration etc.
b. Learned behavior- Which is acquired by organism during its life time after birth. Eg. Singing,
dancing, playing.

Reflex action: -

Automatic response of stimuli is exhibited by body parts. Eg; flexion of leg in response to painful stimuli,
constriction of eyes in bright light, watering of mouth by seeing delicious foods, blinking of eyes,
sneezing, coughing. Reflex action is controlled by CNS. The center of reflex action is spinal cord. The path
is followed by impulse in a reflex action is called reflex arc.

Taxis: -
Taxis- It refers to the ability of orientation or movement of organism in response to external stimuli. It
may be positive or negative. When the organism moves toward the source of external stimuli ie; positive
taxis.

Tropism- It refers to orientation of sedentary animals and plants.

Kinesis- It refers to non-directional orientation of organism. Eg; human louse

Types of Taxis

Phototaxis- Movement of organisms in relation to light stimuli. Eg; earthworm

Thermotaxis- heat
Chemotaxis- chemicals

Geotaxis- gravity

Thigmotaxis- touch

Rheotaxis- water currents

Socio taxis- family or society

Galvanotaxis- constant electric currents

Hygrotaxis- moistures

Klinotaxis- Automatic movement of organism in relation to light and left bent stimulus. Euglena

Tropotaxis- the organism shows smooth and straight movement toward or away from the source of
stimulus which act as equal. Honey Bee.

Telotaxis- the organism shows smooth and straight movement toward or away from the source of
stimulus which act as unequal. Honey Bee.

Menotaxis- movement of organism in relation to stimuli at a constant angle. Bee

Mnemotaxis- movement of organism in response to the base of memory. Ant, hunting wasp, bee.

Leadership

It refers to the tendency of members of a particular group to follow a certain member. Leader may be
single or group. In case of single leader, it may be either sex or any age group. Leadership is always
found in social animals. However, leader must have quality of controlling and dominating to the rest of
members in group.

Migration
Term migration is derived from latin word, migrare, means travelling.

FISH MIGRATION: -

What is fish migration?

For purpose of food, mate, shelter.

3 types of fish migration

1. Diadromous migration- between fresh water and salt water. It

can be divided into three sub types
a. Anadromous fish- from sea to fresh water for breeding purpose.
Eg; hilsa, salmon, lampreys.
b. Catadromous fish- from fresh water to sea for breeding. Eg; Eel fish
c. Amphidromous fish- from sea to fresh water and vice versa. For feeding. Eg; gobies.
2. Potamodromous migration- fish can live and migrate only within the fresh water. Eg; trout,
carps.
 3. Oceanodromous migration- can live and migrate within sea. Eg; Atlantic herring, mackerel.

Causes of migration

a. For breeding (gametic migration)

b. For feeding (Alimental migration)
c. For seasonal (Climatic migration)
d. For salt and water balance (Osmoregulatory migration)

Salmon Lamprey

Eel
Goby

Atlantic herring
Carp

Factor influencing fish migration: -

a. Physical factors like quality of water, depth, light, temp, turbidity, water current etc are directly
influence the fish migration.
b. Chemical factor includes pH, DO, free carbon dioxide, carbonate, hardness, chloride, phosphate
and organic matters influence the migration.
c. Biotic factor includes sexual maturity, endocrine system, predator, competition influence the
fish migration.
Bird Migration

Definition: movement of birds from one

reason to another.

Types:

a. Daily migration- from nesting site to

feeding site. Eg. house sparrow
b. Seasonal migration- according to
season. Eg. Cuckoo, Swallows
c. Cyclic migration- according to season
but recurs at regular interval after 3 Cuckoo, Starlings, Blue grouse, Pintail
to 5 years. Eg. Snowy Owl
d. Longitudinal migration- from east to west and vice versa. Eg. Starlings
e. Altitudinal migration- according to height of land mass. Eg. Blue grouse
a. Latitudinal migration- according to season from north to south and vice versa. Eg. pintails,
gadwell

Causes of bird migration:

For breeding

Gonadial changes

Scarcity of foods and day light

For shelters

For protection

For climatic changes

Advantages

a. Migration helps to avoid extreme cold and hot.

b. Get more foods
c. Get new area for breeding

Disadvantages

a. They are exposed to risks of light, wind, enemies during migration

b. They loss their way during migration
c. They might be killed by adverse climatic condition like heavy rainfall, storm etc.
d. They also killed by predators like hawk.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is defined as the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat in a
particular time.

The term biodiversity was coined by ecologist Walter Rosen in 1985. It is important in natural as well as
artificial ecosystems. It deals with nature’s variety, the biosphere. It refers to variabilities among plants,
animals and microorganism species.

Types: Types of Biodiversity

There are the following three different types of biodiversity:

 Species Biodiversity

 Genetic Biodiversity

 Ecological Biodiversity

Species diversity: - Species diversity refers to the variety of different types of species found in a
particular area. It is the biodiversity at the most basic level. It includes all the species ranging from plants
to different animals, microorganisms.

Genetic diversity: - It refers to the variations among the genetic resources of the organisms. Every
individual of a particular species differs from each other in their genetic constitution. That is why every
human looks different from each other. Similarly, there are different varieties in the same species of
rice, wheat, maize, barley, etc.

Ecological diversity: - An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living organisms and their interaction
with each other. Ecological biodiversity refers to the variations in the plant and animal species living
together in a particular environment and connected by food chains and food webs.

Importance of Biodiversity:

Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on earth. A few of the reasons
explaining the importance of biodiversity are:

Ecological Stability: Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store energy and
also produce and decompose organic matter. The ecosystem supports the services without which
humans cannot survive. A diverse ecosystem is more productive and can withstand environmental
stress.

Economic Importance of Biodiversity:

a. Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for the manufacture of food, cosmetic products and
pharmaceuticals.
b. Crops livestock, fishery, and forests are a rich source of food.
c. Wild plants such as Cinchona and Foxglove plant are used for medicinal purposes.
d. Wood, fibres, perfumes, lubricants, rubber, resins, poison and cork are all derived from different
plant species.
 e. The national parks and sanctuaries are a source of tourism. They are a source of beauty and joy
for many people.
f. For adapting to climate change

Biodiversity conservation:

“Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, upliftment, and management of biodiversity in

order to derive sustainable benefits for present and future generations.”

Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to obtain resources for
sustainable development, Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem. To maintain life-supporting
systems and essential ecological processes.

Biodiversity refers to the variability of life on earth. It can be conserved in the following ways:

 In-situ Conservation

 Ex-situ Conservation

In-situ Conservation:

In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their natural habitat. In this
method, the natural ecosystem is maintained and protected.

The in-situ conservation has several advantages. Following are the important advantages of in-situ
conservation:

1. It is a cost-effective and a convenient method of conserving biodiversity.

2. A large number of living organisms can be conserved simultaneously.

3. Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, they can evolve better and can easily adjust to
different environmental conditions.

4. Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.

((National Parks- These are small reserves maintained by the government. Its boundaries are well
demarcated and human activities such as grazing, forestry, habitat and cultivation are prohibited. For
eg., Kanha National Park, Bandipur National Park. Wildlife Sanctuaries- These are the regions where only
wild animals are found. Human activities such as timber harvesting, cultivation, collection of woods and
other forest products are allowed here as long as they do not interfere with the conservation project.
Also, tourists visit these places for recreation. Biosphere Reserves- Biosphere reserves are multi-purpose
protected areas where the wildlife, traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants and domesticated plants and
animals are protected. Tourist and research activities are permitted here.))

Ex-situ Conservation:

Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and maintenance of endangered species in
artificial ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical gardens, gene banks, etc. There is less
competition for food, water and space among the organisms.
Ex-situ conservation has the following advantages:

1. The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.

2. The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.

3. Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered species.

Protected areas of Nepal

Sanctuary: It is an area where the trapping and killing of animal is prohibited except under order of the
authorities.

Wildlife Reserve: it constitutes the areas for the conservation and management of wildlife resources
and their habitats.

Conservation Area: Conservation area is an area managed in accordance with an integrated plan for the
conservation of the natural environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Buffer Zone: It is an area designated surrounding national parks and reserves in order to provide
facilities for the use of forests products to the local people.

National parks
 Chitwan National Park – 932 km2 (367.81 sq mi)
 Sagarmatha National Park – 1,148 km2 (443 sq mi)
 Langtang National Park – 1,710 km2 (660 sq mi)
 Rara National Park – 106 km2 (41 sq mi)
 Khaptad National Park – 225 km2 (87 sq mi)
 Shey Phoksundo National Park – 3,555 km2 (1,373 sq mi)
 Bardiya National Park – 968 km2 (374 sq mi)
 Makalu Barun National Park – 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi)
 Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park – 159 km2 (61 sq mi)
 Banke National Park – 550 km2 (210 sq mi)
 Shuklaphanta National Park – 305 km2 (118 sq mi)
 Parsa National Park – 637 km2 (246 sq mi)

Wildlife reserves
 Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve – 175 km2 (68 sq mi)

Conservation areas
 Annapurna Conservation Area – 7,629 km2 (2,946 sq mi)
 Kanchenjunga Conservation Area – 2,035 km2 (786 sq mi)
 Manaslu Conservation Area – 1,663 km2 (642 sq mi)
 Blackbuck Conservation Area – 15.95 km2 (6.16 sq mi)
 Api Nampa Conservation Area – 1,903 km2 (735 sq mi)
 Gaurishankar Conservation Area – 2,179 km2 (841 sq mi)

Hunting Reserve
 Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve – 1,325 km2 (512 sq mi)

Ramsar Sites
The following Ramsar sites were declared between 1988 and 2008:[6]

 Bishazari Tal – 3,200 ha (12 sq mi)

 Ghodaghodi Tal – 2,563 ha (9.90 sq mi)
 Gokyo Lake Complex – 7,770 ha (30.0 sq mi)
 Gosaikunda – 13.8 ha (34 acres)
 Jagdishpur Reservoir – 225 ha (0.87 sq mi)
 Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve – 17,500 ha (68 sq mi)
 Mai Pokhari – 90 ha (220 acres)
 Phoksundo Lake – 494 ha (1.91 sq mi)
 Rara Lake – 1,583 ha (6.11 sq mi)
 Lake Cluster of Pokhara Valley – 261.1 km2 (100.8 sq mi)

A. National park: It is an area set aside for conservation, management and utilization of wild flora
and fauna. Entry into the park is restricted which is guarded by army. National park is under
controlled of DNPWC, 1973. There are 12 national parks in Nepal.
1. Chitwan National Park: It is the first national park in Nepal. It was established in 1973 and granted
the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 Sq km and is located in the
subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the districts of Chitwan. The park consists
of a diversity of ecosystems-including the Churia hills, Ox-bow lakes, and the flood plains of the Rapti,
Reu and Narayani Rivers. Flora and fauna: There are more than 50 different types of grasses, including
the elephant grass (Saccharum sp), more than 50 mammal species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians
and reptiles. The endangered fauna found in the park are: One-horned rhinoceros, Gaur. Royal Bengal
tiger. Wild elephant, Fourhorned antelope, Pangolin, Dolphin, Golden monitor lizard, Python, etc.
Bengal florican. Lesser florican, Giant hornbill, Black stork, White stork, etc.
2. Sagarmāthā National Park: It was established in 1976 and In 1979, it became the country's first
national park that was inscribed as a Natural World Heritage Site. It covers an area of 1,148 Sq km and
is located in the Solukhumbu District in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal that is dominated by Mount
Everest. Flora and Fauna: The vegetation found at the lower altitude of the park include pine and
hemlock forests, white fir, juniper, birch and rhododendron, scrub and alpine plant communities are
common at the higher altitude. The park is home to the red panda, snow leopard, musk deer,
Himalayan tahr, marten, lynx, wolf, Ghoral, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), occasionally jackal and over
118 species of bird including the Impeyan pheasant, snow cock, blood pheasant, red billed and alpine
cough, bearded Vulture etc.
3. Langtang National Park: It was established in 1976 to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the
region. It is the nearest national park of the capital Kathmandu in the Central Himalayan Region. The
1710 sq. km. of the park extends over parts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchok districts in the
southern mountain of the Nepal-China (Tibet) border. Flora and Fauna: Sub-tropical vegetation
characterized by Sal (Shorea robusta) forest in the southern section of the park is gradually taken over
by hill forest (2000-2600m) and temperate zone (2600-3000). The park includes common plant species
such as fir, chirpine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock and oak. Langtang's expansive high meadows
provide summer habitat for species such as musk deer and Himalayan tahr. The park is also well
known for red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, wild dog, ghoral and more than 250
species of birds.
4. Rara National Park: It is located in the North-Westem high mountains of Nepal. The park was gazetted
in 1976 to conserve the unique beauty of Lake Rara, and to protect the representative flora and fauna
of the Humla-Jumla region. The park is Nepal's smallest protected area, comprising an area of 106 sq.
km. Flora and Fauna: The park is characterized by sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation.
Common plant species include fir, pine, and birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce.
The park is home to around 20 different species of mammals. They include Musk deer, Himalayan
black bear, Leopard, Jackal, Himalayan tahr, Yellow throated marten, Otter, Wild dog, Common
langur, Rhesus macaque and Red panda. The park has recorded 214 species of birds. Some of the
important species include coots, snow cock, and different species of pheasants, grebes, mallard,
common teal, red-crested pochard and gulls. During winter, many migratory birds join the residential
Gallinaceous birds.
5. Khaptad National Park: It is located in the Far-western region of Nepal. The park was gazetted in 1984
covering an area of 225 sq. km. The area of buffer zone is 216 sq.km. it is located in the central part
of four different districts Doti, Bajura, Bajhang and Achham. Flora & Fauna: The flora of the park can
be divided into vegetation zone's, subtropical, and temperate. The Forest mainly consists of Sal, Pines,
Spruce, fir, hemlock, oak, birch, and rhododendron. A wide variety of medicinal herbs (about 224
 species) are occur inside the park The park is reported to have 266 bird species with migratory birds
joining the residential ones. Some of the common ones are the Impeyan pheasant (Dhanphe), Nepal's
national bird, and many types of partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos, and eagles. A wide variety
of butterflies, moths, and insects are also forming a part of the Khaptad ecosystem. The park provides
habitat for some 20 different, species of mammals. Common ones include barking deer, wild boar,
goral, Himalayan black bear, Yellow-throated Marten, and Rhesus and Langur monkey. Other includes
leopard, wild dogs, jackal and musk deer.
6. Shey-phoksundo National Park: It is situated in the Trans-Himalayan region of northwest Nepal. It is
Nepal’s largest National Park covering an area of 3,555 Sq.km. It was established in 1984 to preserve
a unique Trans-Himalayan ecosystem with a diversity of flora and fauna. Flora & Fauna: The flora
found within the park is extremely diverse. The northern regions contain barren areas of the upper
Himalayas and the Trans-Himalayan slope lands consisting of some rhododendron, shrubs, Juniper,
white Himalayan birch and southern region contain blue pine, spruce, hemlock, rhododendron, and
bamboo. The park provides important habitat for endangered species including the snow leopard,
grey wolf, musk deer, and blue sheep, goral, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan tahr, leopard, jackal, and
Himalayan black bear are also found in the park. The park provides habitat for over 200 species of
birds, among which include yellow-throated marten, Tibetan partridge, wood snip, white-throated tit,
wood accentor, and crimson-eared rosefinch.
7. Bardiya National park: It is the largest national park in the lowland Terai covering an area of 968
sq.km. The park situated in Nepal's Western Terai was established for protecting the representative
ecosystems and conserving the habitat of tiger and its prey species. Greater One-horned Rhinoceros
were translocated from Chitwan National Park to Bardia National Park in 1986, 1991, 1999, 2000,
2001 and 2002. Karnali river is the suitable home for Gangetic dolphin. Babai valley is a majestic place
to visit where flagship Rhino, tiger, and elephant can be cited in the wilderness site. Flora and
Fauna: About 70% of the forest consists of sal tree with a mixture of grassland and riverine forests.
The park is home to endangered animals such as the Royal Bengal tiger, wild elephant, greater one-
horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, and black buck, other endangered species include gharial, marsh
mugger crocodiles and gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds found in the park are Bengal florican, lesser
florican and sarus crane. More than 30 different mammals, over 230 species of birds and several
species of snakes, lizard and fishes have been recorded in the park area.
8. Makalu Barun National Park: Makalu Barun National Park and Buffer zone area (previously
conservation area) was established in 1992. This park administered and managed by Department of
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. It covers an area of 1,500 Sq km and is located in the
Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu Districts in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal. Flora and Fauna: It is
recognized for its tremendous diversity of plants, animals and people, the area contains 25 species of
rhododendron, 47 types of orchids, and 56 rare plants. The park is home to endangered animals such
as red panda, musk deer, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear and other species include snow
leopard, wild boar, ghoral, tahr, barking deer, Himalayan marmot, langur etc.
9. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park: It covers an area of 159 sq. km. It is situated on the northern fringe
of Kathmandu valley and lies about 12 km away from the center of capital city. The area was gazetted
in 2002. Prior its declaration as national park, it was managed under the Shivapuri Watershed
Development Board, and was later declared as Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. Flora and
Fauna: Shivapuri lies in a transition zone between subtropical and temperate climates. The vegetation
consists of a variety of pine, oak, rhododendron etc, depending on altitude and aspect. Recorded
 wildlife in the park includes mammalian species such as Himalayan Black bear, leopard, jungle cat,
and rhesus monkey. The park is also home to 177 species of birds, including at least 9 threatened
species, 102 species of butterflies with a number of rare and endangered species, and 129 species of
mushroom.
10. Banke National Park: It was established on 12th of July 2010 covering in an area 550 sq. km. which
reflect Government’s commitment in Biodiversity conservation at the landscape level. The national
park is located in the mid-western region in Banke, Salyan and Dang districts of Nepal. It was also
recognized as gift to the earth in 1998. It joins with Bardia National Park (BNP) towards west which
further links with Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. Flora and Fauna: It is a home to 124 plants,
34 mammals, more than 300 birds, 24 reptiles, 7 amphibians and 58 fish species. 90% natural forest
coverage composed of mainly Sal, Karma, Khair and Sissoo. Three species of mammals (tiger, striped
hyaena, four-horned antelope), four species of birds (giant hornbill, black stork, Bengal florican, and
lesser florican) and two species of reptiles (gharial crocodile and python) residing in the Park are
protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.
11. Shukla Phanta National Park: It was managed as a hunting reserve at the beginning in1969. It has
been gazetted as a Wildlife Reserve in 1976 and as National Park currently (2017), covering an area of
305 sq. km. It lies in the extreme south-western section of Nepal's Terai in Kanchanpur District. Floara
and Fauna: Some 700 species of flora are estimated in the park. The extensive open grasslands and
wetlands around the lakes of the park are habitat for a wide range of fauna.[6] In the rivers, lakes and
ponds 28 fish species and 12 reptile and amphibian species were recorded.[1] These
include mahseer and rohu, mugger crocodile, Indian rock python, monitor lizard, Indian
cobra, common krait and Oriental ratsnake. The park includes 46 mammal species, of which 18 are
protected under CITES such as the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, swamp
deer, elephant and hispid hare. Great one-horned rhinoceros were translocated from Chitwan
National Park to establish a third viable population in the country. A total of 423 bird species has been
recorded. The park supports the highest population of Bengal floricans, babbler, bushchat in Nepal.
Forest birds include spot-bellied eagle owl, dusky eagle owl, rufous-bellied eagle and Oriental pied
hornbill. The forests are also important for great slaty woodpecker and white-naped woodpecker.
The white-rumped vulture, slender-billed vulture, lesser adjutant, grey-headed fish eagle, darter and
rufous-rumped grassbird are breeding residents. Sarus crane, painted stork and bristled grassbird are
summer visitors. Greater racquet-tailed drongo, white-capped water redstart, rusty-tailed
flycatcher and rufous-gorgeted flycatcher are uncommon winter visitors.
12. Parsa National Park: It is located in the south-central lowland Terai of Nepal. With the area of 637
sq.km. In 1984, It has been gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1984. It is contiguous with Chitwan
National Park in the west. In 2017 it was gazetted as National Park. Flora & Fauna: The forests are
mainly composed of tropical and subtropical species. The forests include species like Sal, Khair and
Silk cotton, pine trees. The reserve supports good populations of various endangered species include
wild Asian elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, Sloth bear, and Leopard. Blue bull, Sambar, Chital, Hog deer,
Barking deer, Langur, Rhesus macaques, striped hyena, Jungle cat, and Palm civet are also found in
the reserve. The reserve also provides habitat for more than 500 species of birds viz; White breasted
kingfisher, Paradise flycatcher, Large racquet-tailed drongo, Golden blacked woodpecker etc. The
reserve is also famous for reptiles and different kinds of snakes include common Cobra, Common and
banded Karit, Python and King cobra.
A. Wildlife Reserve: It is an area set aside for conservation and management of wild animals and their
habitat. Entry into the reserve is restricted which is guarded by army. Wild life reserve is under
controlled of DNPWC, 1973.
1. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the south-eastern
Terai. The reserve was gazetted in 1976 to preserve habitat for the only remaining population of Wild
buffalo, Arna (Bubalus arnee). The 175 sq. km. reserve is Nepal's smallest wildlife reserve. In 1987,
Koshi Tappu was declared a Ramsar site, a wetland of international significance.
Flora and Fauna: The vegetation is mainly composed of tall grasslands. There are also small patches
of Khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest. The reserve has important habitat
for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving population of Wild buffalo is found here. The reserve is also
home to around 20 other animal species such as Hog deer, Wild boar, Spotted deer, Bluebull and Rock
Python. Around 280 species of birds have been recorded in this reserves.
B. Hunting Reserve: It is an area set aside for management of animal resources for the purpose of
spot hunting. Entry into the reserve is restricted which is guarded by army. It is under controlled
of DNPWC, 1973.
1. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1983 and was gazetted in 1987. Management
objectives of the reserve allow sports hunting and preserve a representative high altitude ecosystem
in West Nepal. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Adjoins, Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung District in the
Dhaulagiri Himal range in West Nepal. Putha, Churen and Gurja Himal extend over the northern
boundary of the reserve. Wild flora and fauna: The reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and
high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock,
oak, juniper and spruce. The reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue sheep. Other animals found
in the reserves are: leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild
boar, rhesus macazue, langur and mouse hare. The reserve is home to 137 sps of birds. Pheasants and
partridge are common and their viable population in the reserve permits controlled hunting.
Endangered animals in the reserve include Musk deer, Wolf, Red panda, Cheer pheasant and Danphe.
The hunting license is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

Wildlife of Nepal
Wildlife: it refers to living animals in its natural habitat.

Wildlife Conservation: It is mainly concerned with the preservation and protection of wild plant and
animals in their natural habitats for future generation by using it sustainably. Or, Conservation area is an
area managed in accordance with an integrated plan for the conservation of the natural environment and
the sustainable use of natural resources.

Sanctuary: It is an area where the trapping and killing of animal is prohibited except under order of the
authorities.

Wildlife Reserve: it constitutes the areas for the conservation and management of wildlife resources and
their habitats.

Buffer Zone: It is an area designated surrounding national parks and reserves in order to provide facilities
for the use of forests products on a regular to the local people.
Importance of wildlife Conservation:

a. Ecological value: It balances population and maintains food-chains and natural-cycles which include
regulation of population of different species by self-regulation and feedback, food-chains or passage
of food and energy through series of populations comprising producers, consumers and micro-
organisms, and natural cycles of inorganic nutrients between biotic and abiotic environments.
b. Medicinal value: It is estimated that 80% of people in the developing world depend directly on
traditional medicines derived from plants and animals. More than 1500 plants of Nepal have medicinal
value.
c. Scientific value: Wildlife provides valuable information to the naturalist and biologists in
understanding the environment and ecology. The most important contribution of wildlife for human
progress is the availability of large genepool for the scientist to carry breeding program in agriculture,
animal husbandry fisheries etc. Researcher are using wild animals Monkeys, Rabbits, Guinea-pigs, and
Rats etc for experiments with in code of conduct. For research purposes and studies of anatomy,
physiology, ecology, evolutionary aspects, wild animals are used, which help in saving human life.
Such techniques are used to increase the quality of existing flora and fauna.
d. Economic value: Wildlife resources are the main resource on which human beings depend. It provides
various raw materials for textile, leather, dyes, timber, and furniture for the industries and people can
earn money by selling them. From animal fur, wool, horn, bone, silk, meat, leather, milk, honey etc
can be produced and by selling them money can be earned. Its beauty attracts the foreigners who are
linked with the tourism industry. The plants supply lots of food products such as fruits, cereals, nuts,
mushroom used by animals.
e. Genetic value: The direct relationship of preservation of wildlife to human progress is its significance
as gene banks for breeding programs. Man is the only species who has widely used the hidden values
of a wide range of species around him. A species once lost cannot be retrieved. Therefore, it would
be ethical to be responsible for the conservation of a species. We have an evolutionary responsibility
to conserve biological diversity for our descendants.

Causes of extinction of wildlife: Like most developing country, threat to biodiversity in Nepal is initiated
by the activities of the human beings. Habitat destruction and over-exploitation are the main cause of
extinction of wild life.

a. Habitat destruction: In Nepal the greatest threat to the conservation of wildlife comes from the
activities of man which include habitat loss and forest destruction. The destroying habitat of wild life by
overpopulation for commercial timbering, cropland, industries, road ways, canal developmental activities,
for fuel wood, power plants cause wildlife extinction.

b. Over-exploitation of forest resources: People to large extent depend on forest resources for their
sustenance. People use forest products for fuelwood, timber, shelter, medicine and food plants which
increase the extinction of wild life.

c. Hunting and Poaching: Illegal hunting is common practice throughout Nepal. Mammals and birds are
killed, river fish stocks are overexploited, dolphins are trapped for meat, pheasants are hunted for their
meat and carnivores are hunted for their pelts and bones.
d. International Trade: There has been commercial trade of wild flora and fauna both legally and illegally.
For example, one-horned rhinoceros which is in decreasing amount due to trading.

e. The population growth and poverty is also the main cause of wild life extinction.

f. Environmental Pollution: Due to continues deforestation, degradation of land and environmental

pollution important wild animals have been extinct.

Conservation and management of wildlife

Conservation strategy

- The habitat study, protection, improvement and habitat management should be done.

- The habitat of wildlife should be increased.

- Population growth rate should be decreased.

- The data about the wildlife should be refreshed and should collect in regular interval.

- The legislation or laws in the field of trade and hunting of wild life should make tight and fine amount
should be high.

- Education, and public awareness should be done.

- Establishment of national parks and wild life reserves.

- Scientific researches should be done and the threatened species should get priority in order to
conserve them.

Organization of Wildlife:

WWF: World Wildlife Fund.

DNPWC: Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation.

IUCN: International Union for conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

CITES: Conservation on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Flora and Fauna.

ICIMOD: International centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

Categories of wildlife status:

Following species are placed in a threat species by IUCN (International union of conservation of nature
and natural resources).

Extinct (Ex): The species was not definitely located or reported in wild last 50 years. For example, Pink
headed duck (Rhodonessa caryophill).

Endangered (E): The species that are in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the casual
factors continue to operate (habitat destruction, poaching, shortage of foods). e.g. Panthera tigris.

Vulnerable (V): The species that are in likely to be endangered category in the near future if the casual
factors continue operating. e.g. Plantanista gangetica.
Rare (R): The species that are very few in number or small populations in the world. These species are
usually localized within restricted geographical regions or habitats. Eg. Antilope cervicapa.

Indeterminate (I): Taxa known to be endangered, vulnerable or rare but where there is not enough
information to say which of the three categories is appropriate.

Threatened (T): The general term threatened is used to refer to a species considered to belong to any one
of the E, V, R categories.

List of endangered wildlife of Nepal:

There are total 27 mammals endangered in Nepal. Here are name list of endangered mammals in Nepal.

S.N. Common name Nepali Name Scientific Name

1 Red Panda Habre Ailurus fulgens

2 Snow Leopard Hiu Chituwa Panthera uncia

3 Bengal Tiger Bhagh Panthera tigris

4 One horned Rhinoceros Gaida Rhinoceros unicornis

5 Himalayan Musk Deer Kasturi Mriga Moschus chrysogaster

6 Dolphin Sons Plantanista gangetica

7 Swamp Deer Barahsigae Cervus duvauceli

8 Asiatic Elephant Jangali Hatti Elephus maximus

9 Four homed Antelope Chauka Tetracerus quadricornis

10 Black Buck Krishna Shar Antilope cervicapa

11 Indian Pangolin Salak Manis crassicaudata

12 Chinese Pangolin Salak Manis pentadactyla

13 Assamese Monkey Asami Rato Bandar Macaca assamensis

14 Grey Wolf Bwaso Canis lupus

15 Brown Bear Himali Rato Bhallu Ursus arctos

16 Spotted Linsang Lingsang Prionodon pardicolor

17 Striped Hyaena Hudar Hyaena hyaena

18 Leopard Cat Chari Bagh Prionailurus bengalensis

19 Clouded Leopard Bwaso Chituwa Pardofelis nebalosa

20 Lynx Lings Felis lynx

21 Gaur Bison Gauri Gai Bos gaurus

22 Wild Yalk Jangali Chauri Bos grunniens (B. mutus)

23 Wild Water Buffalo Arna Bubalus arnee (B. bubalis)

24 Tibetan Antelope Chiru Pantholops hodgsoni

25 Great Tibetan Sheep Nayan Ovis ammon

26 Hispid Hare Sespod Kharayo Caprolagus hispidus

27 Pigmy Hog Pudke Bandel Sus salvanins

There are 9 bird species in endanger.

S.N. Common name Nepali Name Scientific Name

1 Great Hornbill Thulo Dhanesh Buceros bicornis

2 Impeyan Pheasant Danphe Lophophorus impejanus

3 Bengal Florican Khar Mugur Eupodotis bengalensis

4 Black Stork Kalo Stork Ciconia nigra

5 White Stork Seto Stork Ciconia ciconia

6 Crimson-horned Pheasant Munal Tragopan satyr a

7 Cheer Pheasant Chir Catreus wallichii

8 Lesser Florican Mujur Sypheotides indica

9 Saurus Crane Sars Grus antigone

There are total 3 reptiles endangered in Nepal.

S.N. Common name Nepali Name Scientific Name

1 Gharial Ghadial Gohi Gavialis gangeticus

2 Golden Monitor Lizard Sungohar Varanus flavescens

3 Asiatic Rock Python Ajingar Pythons moiurus