bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PALAEO-ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PALAEOCENE CALCAREOUS ALGAE FROM THE CAUVERY BASIN, INDIA
Authors: Kishore S.
Published: August 2007

Palaeocene limestone of the Ninniyur Formation of the Cauvery Basin contains abundant well-preserved calcareous algae. These various types of calcareous algal seem to be controlled by the characteristics of each type environments in which they developed and thus they provide useful palaeo-ecological information of the Ninniyur Formation. The distribution patterns of these groups of calcareous algae, extending from tidal flat to reefal environments have been observed in the Palaeocene of the Ninniyur Formation, Cauvery Basin South India.

Key words: Ninniyur formation, Calcareous algae, Palaeoecology.

Ecoprint Vol.11(1) 2004.
DETERMINATION OF AFTER-RIPENING PERIOD AND HORMONAL RESPONSE OF OROBANCHE SOLMSII C.D. CLARKE SEEDS
Authors: Bista A. , Khattri G. B. , Acharya B. D. , Srivastava S. C.
Published: August 2007

To find out the ability of Orobanche seeds to germinate immediately after seed set, seeds were germinated periodically at an interval of three months for one year in GR24. Some Orobanche seeds were capable of germination immediately after seed set but most required about nine months as after ripening or incubation period to be able to germinate. The phenomenon of after ripening in Orobanche seeds could be taken as an ecological measure to dormant over following unfavorable wet summer season. The growth hormone studies on Orobanche seed germination have shown that GA3 at a concentration of 100 ppm substantially enhanced seed germination when applied during pre-conditioning period. NAA showed some stimulatory effect at 0.5 - 1.0 ppm when applied during post-conditioning period but the hormone if applied during pre-conditioning period inhibited the germination. Kinetin failed to stimulate the germination at all the concentrations tested.

Key words: Germination, root-parasite, hormone.

Ecoprint Vol.11(1) 2004.
Chemical education and research in Nepal
Authors: Dhoubhadel Shiva P.
Published: August 2007

For the successful economic growth, Nepal needs to be transformed from a commodity based economy to manufacturing based economy and a minimum of 20% of total manufacturing output should be maintained by chemical industries.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 4-6, 2003

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
The search for Kathmandu's new landfill
Authors: Tuladhar Bhushan
Published: August 2007

The total waste of Kathmandu and Lalitpur cities can be recycled by setting up a 300 ton/day organic fertilizer plant for which an India-Nepal joint venture project is already selected. By doing this, the waste disposal problem is reduced by 80% with minimal environmental impacts, and high quality fertilizer can be generated. But despite the suggestion of different experts, the government is ignoring this simple solution to valley’s difficult problem and using Okharpauwa as landfill site following the advice of politicians who want to build a road to Okharpauwa. Experts have concluded that Okharpauwa is technically, environmentally and economically unsuitable as landfill site.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 7-8, 2003

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Scientific research in Nepal: Where we are
Authors: Shrestha Bharat B.
Published: August 2007

Lack of big funds is not the primary constraint in development of science and technology in Nepal. More important and subtle factors – lack of exchange of information between researchers; lack of co-operation and unhealthy competition between professors and among big institutions (although co-operation is essential for integrated study); data manipulation which prevails from beginners to some established researchers; and professors, the highly expert people in university, being enticed away from their research activity by private teaching institutes.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 8-9, 2003

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Arsenic controversy needs conclusion
Authors: Uprety Rajendra
Published: August 2007

Although there are several events of arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh and West Bangel, it has never existed in Nepal as a public health problem. Arguments on the basis of location of Terai belt in the same regional geo-chemical condition are non-logical and under controversy. The bad news is that the experts discussed with contradictory figures and non-convincing analysis. Serious scientific discussions are required to find out the status and threat of arsenic poisoning in Nepal.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 10, 2003

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Future of plant biotechnology in crop improvement
Authors: Agrawal Vishwanath P.
Published: August 2007

Cultivation of crops having multiple durable resistance to diseases and pests will be made easier by plant biotechnology. Transgenes and marker-assisted selection will aid in the development of high yielding crops, which will be needed to feed the world and save land for the conservation of plant biodiversity in natural habitats. The genetic base of crop production will be conserved and further widened by the integration of biotechnology tools in conventional breeding. Utilization of specific genotypes to particular cropping systems will be facilitated. Value-added high quality crops will be obtained through multidisciplinary collaboration among plant breeders, biotechnologists, natural product chemists and other plant scientists.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 17-20, 2003
Ethnobotanical notes on flora of Khaptad National Park (KNP), far-western Nepal
Authors: Kunwar R. M.
Published: August 2007

The complex geomorphology, climatic variations and vegetation have made Khaptad National Park (KNP) flourish with diverse flora, which, in turn, has made a treasure home for luxuriant growth of plant resources especially medicinal herbs. This paper aims at highlighting the ethnobotanical account of wild plants, their traditional utilization, chiefly as medicine, food supplements and other economic uses in KNP. Personnel interviews and group discussions with local inhabitants (local healers, traders, women and experienced and aged persons) were consulted for seeking information on local uses of plants, which was further authenticated by crosschecking. Different sites were accessed along altitudinal gradient from Silgadhi to Chhodipatan comprising 1400-3250 masl. Altogether 211 plants species comprising 188 genera belonging to 88 families were recorded. Among them, 81 species were used by local people for various domestic purposes. It has been found that 51 species of them were used for medicinal purposes, 11 species as vegetables, 6 species for ornamental purposes, 18 species for construction, furniture and making agricultural implements and 10 species for miscellaneous purposes. This wide ethnobotanical uses, diverse ecology and its great natural beauty deserve the attraction for researchers, tourists and other people. However, at present, the rich wild flora of KNP is under threat due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, and gradually declining traditional ethnobotanical knowledge, indicating an urgent need for conservation.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 25-30, 2003
Food habits of gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus Smith, 1827) and livestock (cows and buffaloes) in Parsa Wild
Authors: Chetri M
Published: August 2007

Food habits of gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) and livestock (cows and buffaloes) have been studied from January to June 1998 in Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. The study aimed to understand the diet composition and common plant used by gaur and livestock. Gaurs are both grazers and browsers. The diet of gaur comprised of 38 plant species (20 species of grass, 11 species of browse and 7 species of herb and others) and that of livestock comprised of 35 plant species (19 species of grass, 13 species of browse and 3 species of herb and others). A comparative analysis of plants consumption revealed that gaurs are less selective feeder than livestock. A total of 24 plant species (16 species of grass, 6 species of browse and 2 species of herb and others) were common in the diet of gaur and livestock. 7 species of plants (5 species of grass – Cymbopogon sp., Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites karka, Themeda sp., Vetiveria zizanoides; 1 species of browse – Phaulopsis imbricata and 1 species of herb – Piper longum) are comparatively more utilized by both gaur and livestock.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 31-36, 2003
On the distribution and status of Tibetan argali, Ovis ammon hodgsoni Blyth, 1841 in Nepal
Authors: Shah K. B.
Published: August 2007

A team of biologists observed 24 argalis in 4 herds in a biodiversity survey of the upper Mustang region in Chhojung and Damodarkund areas. The Tibetan argalis utilize smooth slopes with low bushes and herbage at lower elevation and the alpine meadows at higher elevation in the Chhojung region. In the upper Damodarkund area at >5200m, the argali occupy the Tibetan desert steppe characterized by desolate plains and low undulating sand hills. In this desert terrain, very little food is available mostly in the form of xerophytic herbs. Anthropogenic activities have negative impacts on the argalis and their habitats. Therefore, in-situ conservation of this Trans-Himalayan species is urgent.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 37-41, 2003
Vegetation and prominent flora from Begnash Tal to Tara Hill, Annapurna Conversation Area Project, Kaski district
Authors: Poudel S.
Published: August 2007

An investigation of vegetation and prominent flora from Begnash to Tara Hill (a very popular trekking route of Annapurna Conservation Area) was carried out. The vegetation is exposed to different levels of human-induced disturbances. The route followed ascends gradually from Begnas passing through different vegetated areas. The altitude of the study area ranges from 1000 to 3000 masl. The vegetation of the study area comprises different types of forests such as hill sal (Shoresa robusta), Schima-Castanopsis, alder, lower temperate mixed broad leaved forest, oak, upper temperate – mixed broad-leaved, Rhododendron, Betula utilis, pine and juniper and arid bushes. Schima wallichii, Castanopsis indica, Quercus semecarpifolia, Rhododendron arboreum, Ilex dipyrena, Pandanus nepalensis, Daphne bholua, Lithocarpus pachyphylla, Pterocarpus santalinus, etc. are the prominent flora of the study area.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 43-46, 2003
Concept of environmental justice in Nepal: Environmentalism of poor for sustainable livelihood
Authors: Ghimire S.
Published: August 2007

Environmental justice has emerged as a new concept to address environmental problems of grassroots level from the perspectives of affected and less privileged communities or individuals of a society. This paper relates environmental justice as environmentalism of poor to their livelihood security through the access to resources, decision making power and clean and healthy environment. There are several discriminatory and unjust practices in both urban and rural areas of Nepal. Those vary from disproportionate sharing of ecological benefits and hazards in society to the unequal access to resources, healthy environment, decision-making, information and other civil rights. These injustices are mainly rooted in existing social structure with differential distribution of economic and political power. Some approaches are also discussed to correct environmental injustices, which include essential legal, political and social provisions for improved participation, access to information and access to justice.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 47-50, 2003
Brick Kilns in Kathmandu Valley: Current status, environmental impacts and future options
Authors: Raut A. K.
Published: August 2007

'Kathmandu Valley' is vulnerable to air pollution problem due to its topography, which restricts the wind movement and allows pollutants to remain within the valley. Brick kilns, operating in the Valley, are known to be a prime cause of air pollution. There are currently more than 125 brick kilns operating in Kathmandu valley deteriorating its air quality and degrading the health of the people living near the kilns. Recent studies have found that the concentration of particulate matter in the air in an area with brick kilns is three times higher when the kilns are operating than during the off-season. Similarly, the health of students studying at a school situated near a brick kiln was found to be significantly worse than that of students studying in a similar school but located in an area without brick kilns. Other environmental costs of the brick kilns are the reduction in the soil fertility, reduced visibility, drying ground water sources. The use of an old and inefficient technology called Bull's Trench kilns and low quality fuel are the main causes of the problem. Recently the government has decided to ban Bulls Trench brick kilns in Kathmandu in a year and a half. As a result, entrepreneurs are searching for environment friendly and cost effective alternative technologies. There are some technologies currently in practice in India like Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln, Fixed Chimney Kilns which are environment friendly and economically sound. Introduction to these technologies in Nepal can save both ecology and economy.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 59-61, 2003
Community forestry in Nepal
Authors: Paudel S.
Published: August 2007

Establishment of community forestry in Nepal is a successful step in conservation of forest. Community forestry programme through the local forest users group has shown its positive impacts in the society. This paper discusses an overview of the present scenario of the community forestry in Nepal. It describes the brief historical background, some important forest legislations, and organization of forest. The paper also describes the internal conflicts between forest users and district forest offices, and possible resolution. It also suggests some of the aspects of community forestry in which the research needs to be focused for the better management of the forests in Nepal.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 62-65, 2003
Renovation and reconstruction of universities
Authors: Khanal Sanjay N
Published: August 2007

Society’s progress depends largely on the exploration and application of ideas. Worldwide, universities are the chief sources of these ideas. Lagging development is inevitably linked to poorly developed academic institutions. The problem is not just lack of adequate resources. Universities must be committed to the free exchange of ideas, tolerance of dissenting thought, incorporation of the widest possible range of disciplines, and a dedication to both personal growth and national service.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 69, 2003

The full text is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Flood of discoveries in Nepal!
Authors: Bhandary Krishna M
Published: August 2007

Access to full text of world’s 7000 leading journals will revalue the role of TUCL.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 71, 2003

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Marketing science journals
Authors: Shrestha Bharat B
Published: August 2007

The wide circulation of a journal is as important as its publication.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 71-72, 2003

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Menacing food commodities
Authors: Uprety Rajendra
Published: August 2007

Escalating trends of fraudulent practice in food business has penetrated the ‘whole food chain’

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 75-76, 2003

The full text is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Basket case science, basket case society
Authors: Khanal Udayaraj
Published: August 2007

It is quite obvious that there is not any significant development in science in Nepal. Many people maintain that the government and politicians are fully or mainly responsible for this quandary, as for every other. But the author digs deeper to discover the underlying causes. He argues that the scientific failure happened ‘through’ the politicians, not ‘by’ them.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 77-79, 2003

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Direct payments to conserve biodiversity
Authors: Ferraro Paul J , Kiss Agnes
Published: August 2007

International donors and private citizens have invested billions of dollars to protect biodiversity in developing nations. The most popular investments aim to encourage economic activities that indirectly protect ecosystems and species. An alternative form of investment is to pay directly for conservation outcomes, as is commonly done in high-income nations. While not a “silver bullet,” direct approaches may, in many cases, be more effective and efficient than indirect ones, and thus merit greater attention in developing nations.

This article is reprinted with permission from Science, Volume 298, Issue 5599, Issue of 29 November 2002, page 1718-1719. Copyright © 2002 by The American Association for the Advancement of Science. All rights reserved.

Full text available in print version of the journal.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 81-83, 2003
Biodiversity update — Progress in taxonomy
Authors: Blackmore Stephen
Published: August 2007

Taxonomy and systematics underpin our ability to conserve and benefit from biodiversity in sustainable ways as envisaged under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Despite progress in phylogenetics towards reconstructing the “Tree of Life” and in biodiversity informatics, the fundamental documentation of species necessary to complete the inventory of life has lagged behind. It is argued that this reflects a lack of appreciation of the role played by species-level taxonomic information in underpinning conservation and sustainable use and under-investment in the relevant institutions at the expense of supporting the centralised financial mechanism of the CBD.

This article is reprinted with permission from Science, Volume 298, Issue 5592, page 365. Copyright © 2002 by The American Association for the Advancement of Science. All rights reserved.

Full text in the print version of the journal.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 83-84, 2003
Evaluation of cultivars and land races of Oryza sativa for restoring and maintaining wild abortive cytoplasm
Authors: Joshi Bal K , Subedi Laxmi P , Gurung Santa B , Sharma Ram C
Published: August 2007

Identification of restorers and maintainers from cultivars and landraces through test crossing and their use in further breeding programme are the initial steps in three-line heterosis breeding. Two experiments, one in the greenhouse for F1 hybrid seeds production and another in the field for parental screening, were conducted during the 1999 rice growing season at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS, TU), Rampur, Nepal. Three cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines, eight improved cultivars and six landraces of rice were studied for their fertility restoring and sterility maintaining abilities. Pollen sterility was studied based on their stainability with potassium iodide iodine (I-KI) solution. On the basis of their interaction with I-KI, pollens were categorized as unstained withered sterile (UWS), unstained spherical sterile (USS), stained round sterile (SRS) and stained round fertile (SRF). For each hybrid, the percentage of spikelet fertility was estimated. The test lines were categorized as restorers, partial restorers, maintainers, and partial maintainers on the basis of pollen sterility and spikelet fertility. The male sterile lines had mostly UWS and USS types of pollen, whereas the restorer lines had more SRS and SRF types. There was no strong evidence for a relationship between pollen fertility and spikelet fertility. Five restorers, three partial restorers, two partial maintainers and four maintainers were identified. These restorers can be used to develop the hybrid seed while maintainers to maintain and/or to develop new CMS lines, because these are locally adapted cultivars. Pedigree analysis revealed that, for some of these test lines, TN-1 and CR94-13 might be the donors of maintainer and restorer gene(s), respectively.

Key words: CMS line, maintainer, restorer, rice

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 87-91, 2003
Assessing the land cover situation in Surkhang, Upper Mustang, Nepal, using an ASTER image
Authors: Sharma Benktesh D , Clevers Jan , De Graaf Reitze , Chapagain Nawa P
Published: August 2007

This paper describes the remote sensing technique used to prepare a land cover map of Surkhang, Upper Mustang Nepal. The latest ASTER image (October 2002) and an ASTER DEM were used for the land cover classification. The study was carried out in Surkhang Village Development Committee (area 799 km2) of Upper Mustang region. The study area falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Field surveys for training data, ground truthing and spectral signature collection were carried out during May-June 2002. Various image classification algorithms were tested, and the one that yielded the best result was used for image classification. The land cover situations with their aerial extents were identified and topographic analysis was carried out to study the variations of different land covers types in the region. Various species of grasses covered about 36 %; shrubs covered about 32%; bare land, which includes area from completely bare to less than 10% vegetation, constituted about 20% of the land resources of the study area. Grassland was found abundant in east- to south-facing slopes, while shrub species were abundant in flat regions and west- to north-facing slopes.

Key words: ASTER image, DEM, land cover mapping, Mustang, Nepal, GIS, remote sensing

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 93-98, 2003
Effect of gibberellic acid on reserve food mobilization of maize (Zea mays L. var Arun-2) endosperm during germination
Authors: Subedi Chandra K , Bhattarai Tribikram
Published: August 2007

In the first 24 hrs of germination, the dry matter of the growth axis decreased in the control while in 1 mg/l GA3 solution it increased and in 10 mg/l and 100 mg/l the amount remained the same. Exogenous GA3 overcomes the dry matter loss in the growth axis during the initial stage and results in an increase in the amount of dry matter. GA3 application probably mobilized more soluble sugar to the growth axis, which results in an increase in the amount of soluble sugar in the growth axis as compared to caryopsis grown under control. 1 mg/l GA3 enhanced the amount of soluble sugar and decreased the ether extract. In protein mobilization, 1mg/l and 10mg/l GA3 solution appeared as effective as other treatments during the period from 48 to 96 hrs after sowing. The germination of seeds correlated directly with the mobilization of endosperm reserve. The seeds treated with 1 mg/l GA3 solution showed higher mobilization of endosperm reserve, which ultimately showed the higher germination percentage.

Key words: GA3 mobilization, Zea mays, reserve food, protein, soluble sugar, ether extract

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 99-102, 2003
Physiochemical characteristics of soil in tropical sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) forests in eastern Nepal
Authors: Paudel Shishir , Sah Jay P
Published: August 2007

The physiochemical properties of soils of two different types of forests (pure Shorea robusta and mixed Shorea robusta) were analyzed. Soil samples were collected from both types of forest and analyzed for texture, pH, organic matter, humus content, water holding capacity, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. In both the pure and mixed forest, soil was sandy loam (60.12% and 50.58% sand, 28.59% and 35.24% silt and 11.12 and 22.41% clay, respectively). The pH value was lower in pure forest (4.33) than in the mixed forest (5.26), and so were phosphorus and water holding capacity. The higher values of humus, organic matter, nitrogen and potassium (7.34%, 2.42%, 0.117%, 267.73 kg/ha, respectively) were found in pure forest. The higher levels of soil nutrients in the pure forest were due partly to reduction in the loss of top soil and partly to the increased supply of nutrients in the form of leaf litter and biomass from the larger number of sal trees and their saplings.

Key words: Shorea robusta, soil texture, nitrogen, soil pH, Udayapur

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 107-110, 2003
Silica gel chromatographic study of phenolic compounds in some cultivated cucurbits
Authors: Baitha Suresh N , Pandey Vijoy S
Published: August 2007

Phenolic compounds in the leaves of cultivated cucurbits viz. Trichosanthes dioica Roxb., Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., and Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. were carried out through silica gel chromatographic separation to ascertain their relative phylogenetic position. On phytochemical analysis, paired affinity, group affinity and isolation value supported the inclusion of these species in the same tribe Cucurbiteae on the basis of earlier cytotaxonomic studies. The two species of Luffa showed the closest phytochemical affinity and occupied as intermediate position between Lagenaria and Trichosanthes. Luffa was distantly related to other two genera having paired affinity values of less than 50%.

Key words: Silica gel chromatography, separation of phenolic compounds, cultivated cucurbits

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 123-125, 2003
Quercus semecarpifolia Sm. in the Himalayan region: Ecology, exploitation and threats
Authors: Shrestha Bharat B
Published: August 2007

Oaks (Quercus spp.) are among the dominant vascular plants of the Himalayas, ranging from the subtropical to the sub-alpine zones. They play an important role in maintaining ecosystem stability. Oaks in the Himalayan region are intimately linked with subsistence hill agriculture as they protect soil fertility, watershed and local biodiversity. They also supply fodder, leaf litter, firewood and timber. Q. semecarpifolia is a high altitude oak, ranging up to the timberline in the Himalayan region and forming the climax community on the southern aspect; it is considered to be one of the oldest plants of the region. It is also one of the most over-exploited species and fails to regenerate adequately either in disturbed or undisturbed natural habitat. Since plantation has not been successful, it is important to manage natural forest more effectively. This can be done by implementing sustainable methods of lopping the trees for fodder, removing an adequate number of old and dying trees to make the canopy more open, and controlling the population of cattle and wild animals that damage seedlings through browsing and trampling.

Key words: Himalayan region, oak, Q. semecarpifolia, khasru, regeneration of Quercus

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 126-128, 2003
Chemical research should be a national priority
Authors: Uprety Rajendra
Published: August 2007

Though Nepal has been active in natural product screening, the total national research effort is negligible. Little of the research that is carried out is appropriate for the natural and social constraints. Natural resources are being overlooked, and data that is collected is not thoroughly analyzed and reported.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 10, 2004

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Theories for sustainable futures
Authors: Holling C S
Published: August 2007

According to Holling, sustainable development and management of natural resources is failing because it spans the domains of economy, ecology, and social science. Policies and programs have typically been driven by interests representative of one of these fields, each of which has its own established theoretical structure. What is required is a theoretical edifice that integrates all three. For five years, the Resilience Project has been assembling just such a theory, one that not only embraces all relevant fields, but also is simple enough to be generally understood and complex enough to handle the guide the formulation of sustainable development policy.*

Reprinted with permission from Conservation Ecology (now renamed as Ecology and Society), Vol 4, Issue 2. Copyright © 2000 by The Resilience Alliance.

* Subtitle and Summary not from Conservation Ecology; added with the permission by the Himalayan Journal of Sciences

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 12-14, 2004

The full text is of this article is available at the Conservation Ecology website
How to control illegal wildlife trade in the Himalayas
Authors: Chaudhary Ramesh P
Published: August 2007

Review of

Cites Implementation in Nepal and India – Law, Policy and Practice

by Ravi Sharma Aryal

Bhrikuti Academic Publications, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2004

200 pp, ISBN 99933-673-4-6

NRs 995, US$ 25 (paperback)

The international illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products is one the major engines driving species to extinction. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which defines standards for use of wildlife and their products, represents a major global commitment to reverse this trend. It remains to be seen whether the terms of this treaty will be enforced. Focusing on Nepal and its neighbors, Aryal discusses the obstacles to its successful implementation: imprecise legislation, inconsistent policies, lack of coordination among relevant institutions (particularly, those responsible for regulating international trade), and the deadly threat posed by poachers determined to protect their endangered livelihoods. Aryal’s recommendations are detailed, far-reaching, and compelling.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 15-16, 2004

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Himalayan perceptions: Environmental change and the well-being of mountain peoples
Authors: Ives Jack D
Published: August 2007

Preview of

Himalayan perceptions: Environmental change and the well-being of mountain peoples

by JD Ives

Routledge, London and New York

To be published in August 2004

Himalayan Perspectives returns to the enormously popular development paradigm that Ives dubbed the ‘Theory of Himalayan Degradation’. According to this seductive construct, poverty and overpopulation in the Himalayas was leading to degradation of highland forests, erosion, and downstream flooding. In the ‘Himalayan Dilemma’, Ives and Messerli exposed this “Theory” as a dangerous collection of assumptions and misrepresentations. While most scholars in the field promptly conceded Ives and Messerli’s points, the Theory has somehow survived as the guiding myth of development planners and many government agencies. In his new book, Ives returns to drive a stake through the heart of this revenant. His book not only reviews the research that, over the past 15 years, has confirmed the arguments of the ‘Himalayan Dilemma’; it also takes a close look at all those destructive factors that were overlooked by the conveniently simplistic ‘Theory of Himalayan Environmental Degradation’: government mismanagement, oppression of mountain minorities, armed conflict, and inappropriate tourism development.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 17-19, 2004

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Mountain Legacy Announces Plans
Authors: Editor The
Published: August 2007

A new NGO born out of the Namche Conference (“People, Park, and Mountain Ecotourism”; May 2003), Mountain Legacy has announced a conference focusing on Rolwaling Valley to be held in October 2005. The theme will be “Mountain hazards and mountain tourism.” As of July 1 2004, Mountain Legacy will be accepting nominations for the second “Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal,” to be awarded for remarkable service in the conservation of culture and nature in remote mountainous regions.” Mountain Legacy is also planning to establish a research and development institute in Rolwaling Valley.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 20-22, 2004

The full text is of this article is available at the Himalayan Journal of Sciences website
Quantitative analysis of tree species in two community forests of Dolpa district, mid-west Nepal
Authors: Kunwar Ripu M , Sharma Shiv P
Published: August 2007

Two community forests, Amaldapani and Juphal from Dolpa district, were selected for a study of quantitative analysis of tree flora. A total of 419 individual trees representing 16 species, 16 genera and 11 families were recorded. Total stand density and basal area were, respectively, 2100 trees ha-1 and 90 m2ha-1 in Amaldapani and 2090 tree ha-1 and 152 m2ha-1 in Juphal. Of the families, the Pinaceae was the most diverse, with 28 individuals representing five species and five genera, followed by the Rosaceae with three individuals representing two species and two genera. Pinus wallichiana, Abies spectabilis, Quercus semecarpifolia and Cedrus deodara had the highest importance value index and could therefore be considered the dominant species. Since the study area was diverse in tree population of conifers and deciduous forest tree species, it is essential to carry out further studies in order to establish conservation measures that will enhance local biodiversity.

Key words: Vegetation, tree species, Pinus wallichiana, community forest, Dolpa

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 23-28, 2004
Indigenous knowledge of terrace management in Paundi Khola watershed, Lamjung district, Nepal
Authors: Pandit Karun , Balla Mohan K
Published: August 2007

The study was carried out in the Paundi Khola watershed, Lamjung district, with the objective of evaluating the indigenous knowledge of terrace management. Various biophysical practices and land husbandry practices were recorded through field observation. A questionnaire survey and group discussions were also undertaken to acquire relevant information. It was found that terrace width and riser height correlated with slope angle negatively and positively, respectively. Outward-sloped terraces were common in the higher slope classes. Bund plantation was rarely observed in the irrigated fields. Paddy was the preferred crop wherever sufficient water was available. Paddy cultivation on unstable slopes without proper irrigation and drainage systems was the usual cause of slumping. Despite the failure of terraces or slopes in areas with deep-seated slides, farmers continued paddy cultivation by temporarily supporting and stabilizing the terraces until this was no longer feasible and major slope failure occurred. Gradual replacement of paddy by other more appropriate upland crops may sort out this problem to some extent.

Key words: Terraces, watershed management, slope failure, bund plantation, slumping

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 33-36, 2004
Quantitative analysis of macrophytes of Beeshazar Tal, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Burlakoti Chudamani , Karmacharya Siddhi B
Published: August 2007

The authors undertook a quantitative investigation of aquatic macrophytes in Beeshazar Tal (Beeshazar Lake) in summer and winter of 2002 and spring of 2003. We found a distinct seasonal variation in the distribution of macrophytes: based on importance value index, Leersia hexandra Sw., Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Ceratophyllum demursum L. and Trapa quadrispinosa Roxb. were dominant in the summer; E. crassipes and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle were dominant in the winter; and Ceratophyllum submersum L., H. verticillata, E. crassipes and L. hexandra were dominant in the spring. The highest species diversity was observed in the summer, followed by winter and then spring. The luxuriant growth of aquatic macrophytes evinced the highly productive nature of the lake, while the dominance of emergents among the growth forms indicates the encroachment of littoral vegetation, indicating a successional trend toward marsh meadow.

Key words: Oxbow lake, macrophytes, importance value index, species diversity

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 37-41, 2004
Two new records of Eria Lindl. (Orchidaceae) for Nepal
Authors: Bajracharya Devendra M , Shrestha Krishna K
Published: August 2007

Eria concolor Par. & Rchb.f. and Eria obesa Lindl. are newly recorded from Nepal Himalaya. Detailed description and illustration are provided.

Key words: Eria, new records, orchidaceae, Nepal

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 46-47, 2004
Ethnosilvicultural knowledge: A promising foundation for integrating non-timber forest products into forest management
Authors: Gautam Krishna H , Watanabe Teiji
Published: August 2007

Reconciling the multiple roles of forest resources is one of the unresolved challenges for sustainable forestry, but forest management practices are still focussed on timber production. The urgent need for the integration of non-timber forest products into mainstream forestry has, however, been widely acknowledged. Ethnosilvicultural knowledge from Canadian Aboriginal communities and community forest users of Nepal is assessed in the context of multiple-product forest management. Both cases reveal a wealth of such knowledge, indicating the opportunities for integrating non-timber forest product management in mainstream forestry. It is argued that ethnosilviculture is valuable in sustaining ecological processes as well as cultural heritages and traditional rural livelihoods. Broad guidelines for acquiring ethnosilviculture knowledge are also suggested.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 2(3): 55-58, 2004
Nepalese malacology trails behind
Authors: Budha Prem B
Published: August 2007

Mollusks of the world are, in general, more thoroughly documented than other invertebrates. This is the case for the Himalayas as well – except in Nepal. A scant 139 species have been reported from Nepal, but the new sightings reported every year and the high percentage of endemism (94.6 for terrestrial and 47.8 for aquatic mollusks) both suggest that a focused and accelerated study of these creatures is warranted. However, inauspicious externalities indicate that, for the foreseeable future, progress is unlikely to exceed the proverbial snail’s pace.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p.9-10
The moment of truth for science
Authors: Weingart Peter
Published: August 2007

EDITOR’S NOTE: Peter Weingart ruminates on the repercussions of the explosive growth of science. One result is differentiation — the creation of new niches in response to economic pressures, as well as meta-sciences dedicated to “sorting, categorising and reconstructing” scientific knowledge. The upshot, of course, is that scientists are more and more specialized and less and less aware of the Big Picture. Another ramification is that science has expanded into new fields, and particularly into fields with political and economic implications: exotic specializations such as social risk assessment and environmental psychology. Dependent on the media to disseminate findings (and stimulate funding), science prostitutes itself to lowbrow sensationalism. As science is commercialized, it is also politicized. A prime example of the unholy alliance of science, media, and politics is the brouhaha over global warming. Dire warnings lead to increased funding and to more (and more specialized) research – but not to solutions. Meanwhile, the public becomes inured to scientific cassandras, and there is increasing danger that an actual looming catastrophe (or simply a serious problem) will be overlooked. What is needed, concludes Weingart, is a means of validating truth. “If science fails to produce reliable knowledge, the media will demand it and politics will create the necessary trust through legal frameworks.” But should we buy into Weingart’s faith in the ultimate ability of science to “produce trust and confidence”?

Reprinted with permission from EMBO reports, Vol 3, No 8, page 703–706, issue of Aug 2002 (doi:10.1093/embo-reports/kvf165). Copyright © 2002 by European Molecular Biology Organization.
Himalayan misconceptions and distortions: What are the facts?
Authors: Ives Jack D
Published: August 2007

Himalayan Delusions: Who’s kidding who and why — Science at the service of media, politics and the development agencies.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jack Ives’ article, drawn from his new book Himalayan Perceptions, is a cautionary tale that might almost be read as a gloss on Peter Weingart’s “Moment of truth for science” (see page 11-14). Ives begins by recounting the life and times of the “Theory of Himalayan Environmental Degradation,” a grossly exaggerated but convenient “theory of everything” that suited almost everybody’s agenda — from the media (always hungry for neatly packaged disaster scenarios), to the politicians (happy to point fingers conveniently away from their own failings), to the developers (ready and willing to focus their energies in the pleasant hills of Nepal rather than the steamy lowlands of Bangladesh and India), to the scientists (eager for fame and funding). True to Weingart’s prediction, there was a scientific reaction to the alarmist theories: the Mohonk Conference successfully rallied a generation of “montologists” to investigate critically the bases for predictions of Himalayan deforestation and subcontinental flooding. As a result, the theory was effectively debunked. Unfortunately, it seems to rear its head now and then — most notably in China. And, even more unfortunately, there seems to be a ready supply of successor theories. One media favorite is the impending catastrophic collapse of glacial lakes swollen by glaciers retreating in the face of global warming. Let’s hope that Weingart’s optimism is justified: melting glaciers and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) obviously deserve scientific attention. The question is, will the media and politicians pay any attention at all if researchers predict something less than a super-catastrophe?

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p.15-25
Adaptation strategies against growing environmental and social vulnerabilities in mountain areas
Authors: Jodha Narpat S
Published: August 2007

This paper deals with the strategies adopted by the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HK-H) mountain communities in response to adverse natural and human induced circumstances. The quality of life and growth options in mountains (including hills) are deeply rooted in mountain specificities (e.g., fragility, marginality, diversity). Hence, the disregard of these mountain specificities while using mountain resources reduces communities’ options and makes them more vulnerable to environmental and economic distresses. The paper first introduces the concept of vulnerability and the traditional low-intensity system of resource use. It then deals with the decline of such traditional systems due to the intensification of resource use caused by the integration of the relatively isolated mountain areas into mainstream economies. The paper concludes with a call for introduction of macro level policies to: (i) Minimize the vulnerability potential of globalization and global environmental change and (ii) Enhance local capacities to withstand and adapt to the changes promoted by these global processes. This discussion covers larger part of the present paper.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p.33-42
The Convention on Biological Diversity's 2010 target
Authors: Balmford Andrew , Bennun Leon , Brink Ben Ten
Published: August 2007

Governments are often accused of responding only to short-term and parochial considerations. It is therefore remarkable

that representatives of 190 countries recently committed themselves at the Convention on Biological Diversity to

reducing biodiversity loss. This presents conservation biologists with perhaps their greatest challenge of the decade.

The authors of this Policy Forum describe approaches to identifying more of the earth’s biological diversity;

understanding how biological, geophysical, and geochemical processes interact; and presenting scientific knowledge

in time to contribute to and achieve the 2010 target.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p.43-45
The role of universities in knowledge production
Authors: Sutz Judith
Published: August 2007

To increase their contribution to development through the production and distribution of knowledge, universities in developing countries need to transform themselves into ‘developmental universities’. But to achieve this, other participants, such as industry and government, must be also be prepared to take on new responsibilities. No ready-made model exists to guide these changes; they will require both creativity and the willingness to engage in thoughtful dialogue, both within and outside universities.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p. 53-56
Composition, distribution and diversity of tree species under different management systems in the hill forests of Bharse Village, Gulmi District, Western Nepal
Authors: Gautam Chinta Mani , Watanabe Teiji
Published: August 2007

Species composition, distribution and diversity of tree species were compared in three forest stands in the Bharse area, Gulmi District, Nepal. These forests have distinct management systems and are used for different purposes: Raiker (RK) for controlled-cutting, Raniban (RB) for cattle grazing, and Thaple (TL) for both cutting and cattle grazing. The total density of trees in RK was higher (2640 ha-1) than that in RB (2533 ha-1) and TL (1875 ha-1). However, the largest basal area (105 m2ha-1) was found in RB while RK and TL were calculated at 72 m2ha-1 and 58 m2ha-1, respectively. The distribution of species showed clump behavior in the grazing forests whereas mixed (clump and regular) distribution occurred in the controlled-cutting forest. Trees with small diameter size were more in the controlled-cutting forest (RK) than the forests used for grazing and/or cutting (RB and TL). Species richness was highest in forest opened for cattle grazing. However, values of tree species diversity and evenness were higher in the controlled-cutting forest than in the forests with grazing and/ or cutting. One might conclude that controlled cutting is more effective than grazing and/or cutting in conserving the diversity of tree species.

Key words: Trees, distribution, composition, diversity, management system, hill forest, Nepal

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p.67-74
Fuelwood harvest, management and regeneration of two community forests in Central Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Bharat Babu
Published: August 2007

From July to December 2003 we studied the impact of forest resource use and management practices on community structure and regeneration of locally managed Shorea robusta (sal) forest in the mid-hills of central Nepal. We carried out a household survey in two villages (Namjung village of Gorkha and Khari village of Dhading district), and studied the community structure and regeneration of important multipurpose tree species (Shorea robusta Gaertn. and Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth.) in community forests. Dependency on forests has been decreasing due to limited access to resources, decrease in cattle number and the cultivation of more fuelwood and fodder trees in non-forested land. Nonetheless, forests remain the major source of fuelwood, supplying 63% of the total. Alternative energy sources (biogas and solar cell) were not significant at the time of our study. S. robusta was the dominant tree in both forests, with high relative density (74%) in Namjung forest (NF) and 50% in Khari forest (KF); its importance value index (IVI) was 171 in NF and 152 in KF. Tree density of sal in NF was the highest (909 tree ha–1) among the reported values in references for the same species. Both forests had comparatively low species diversity (1.09 in NF and 1.30 in KF); local management appears to contribute to reduced diversity. Regeneration of sal was sustainable and fairly high, with a typical reverse-J-shaped size class diagram (in NF), a good predictor of mono-dominant sal forest. Regeneration of S. wallichii was unsustainable in both forests.

Key words: Schima wallichii, Shorea robusta, size class diagram, species diversity

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p. 75-80