Status of, and threats to, the Ganges River Dolphin ... Small Grants_Chaudhary.pdf · Globally the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica ) is listed by IUCN-the World Conservation

Status of, and threats to, the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in the Koshi River, Nepal

Author

Sunita Chaudhary M. Sc Management of Protected Areas

University of Klagenfurt, Austria Email: [email protected]

Supervisor

Dr. Kalemani Jo Mulongoy Principal Officer

Director of the Scientific, Technical and Technological Matters Division Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Montreal, Canada Email: [email protected]

Carried out at

Department of Economics University of Klagenfurt Universitätsstraße 65-67 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria

Phone No: +43 (0) 463/27 00 4192 Email: [email protected]

Klagenfurt, June 2007

Supported by

Austrian Exchange Service (ÖAD) Academic Cooperation and Mobility Unit

Wien, Austria

&

The Rufford Small Grants Foundation Babmaes House London

United Kingdom

Technical support from

WWF Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977 1 44 34820 Fax: +977 1 4438458

Email: [email protected]

Citation: Chaudhary, S. 2007. Status of, and Threats to, the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in the Koshi River, Nepal. A Thesis submitted for partial fulfilment of a Master of Science in Management of Protected Areas, University of Klagenfurt, Austria.

DECLARATION OF HONOR

I herewith declare that I am the sole author of the current master thesis according to art. 51 par. 2 no. 8

and art. 51 par. 2 no. 13 Universitätsgesetz 2002 (Austrian University Law) and that I have conducted all

works connected with the master thesis on my own. Furthermore, I declare that I only used those

resources that are referenced in the work. All formulations and concepts taken from printed, verbal or

online sources- be they word-for-word quotations or corresponding in their meaning – are quoted

according to the rules of good scientific conduct and are indicated by footnotes and in the text of detailed

references.

Support during the work including significant supervision is indicated accordingly.

The master thesis has not been presented to any other examination authority. The work has been

submitted in printed and electronic form. I herewith confirm that the electronic form is completely

congruent with the printed version.

I am aware of legal consequences of a false declaration of honor.

Klagenfurt, 1 June 2007 Signature:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who gave me possibility to complete this

thesis. I would first of all like to thank the Austrian Exchange Service (ÖAD) for granting me a

scholarship that allowed me to pursue this programme for a degree of Master of Science in

Management of Protected Areas (MPA) at the University of Klagenfurt, Austria.

I want to thank the members of Management Committee of the MPA programme who supported me

during the whole course and encouraged me to go ahead with my thesis. Furthermore, I would like to

express gratitude to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC),

Government of Nepal and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) for giving me permission to carry

out the research in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal.

I acknowledge with gratitude the generous financial support from the Rufford Maurice Laing

Foundation, United Kingdom that allowed me to carry out the study. I would also like to acknowledge

the support of the World Wildlife Fund Nepal (especially Ms. Neera Shrestha Pradhan and Mr. Dipesh

Joshi) for providing technical advice for the field work. Furthermore, I would like to thank Convention

on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wildlife Animals (CMS), Secretariat provided by the United

Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for supporting my work and encouragement.

I am deeply indebted to my Supervisor Dr. Kalemani Jo Mulongoy from the Secretariat of the

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Montreal Canada for his help, stimulating suggestions,

remarks, editing and continuous encouragement through out the preparation and drafting of this

thesis. My sincere thanks go also to Dr. Sarat Babu Gidda from the Secretariat of the Convention on

Biological Diversity, Montreal Canada for his useful comments.

I am deeply obliged to the World Wildlife Fund Nepal, more specifically to my local supervisor Mr.

Dipesh Joshi for his guidance, comments and support during the research period; Mr. Gokarna Jung

Thapa for providing me the required Geographic Information System maps; Ms. Pabitra Jha for her

assistance and encouragement during the field work and secondary data collection; Mr. Somesh Das

for his help and constant support during my study period; Mr. Naveen Mahato for his suggestions and

Mrs. Lisbeth Zechner for her technical help during the field work in Nepal.

The survey would not have been possible without the cooperation of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

staff, especially Mr. Barna Bahadur Thapa; the Koshi Camp staff, in particular, Mr. Badri Chaudhary,

Mr. Anis and Mr. Rajiya; the Participatory Conservation Programme (PCP) and local individuals

interviewed. I would like to thank them all for their help, precious time during the field survey and for

sharing their knowledge on the Koshi River Dolphins.

Especially, I would like to give my cordial thanks to my beloved parents and family members for their

continuous support and inspiration through out the study period. I would also take an opportunity to

thank the participants of the MPA programme for making my participation in the course pleasant and

memorable.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Globally the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is listed by IUCN-the World Conservation

Union as endangered. In Nepal, this dolphin is critically endangered as a result of dam construction,

other types of habitat manipulations, water pollution and adverse human activities. This dolphin

species is ecologically considered important for its key role in indication of healthy river ecosystems

and availability of clean water for the people living around. It is protected by law in Nepal. Information

on the status of its population in the Koshi River is scanty but needed for the development of a

strategy to halt its loss and if possible to revert its trend. This limited information is a major constraint

for the protection and conservation of this endangered mammal. The dolphin status in the Koshi River

is a matter of concern and there is an urgent need to update information on its current status.

In order to address this information gap, a dolphin population survey was carried out in the

mainstream of the Koshi River in Nepal. The hotspot and potential sites of dolphins in the Koshi River

were identified and mapped to make suggestions for their protection. The threats both direct and

indirect to the reduction of dolphins were identified at the local and national level. The need of

integrating identified hotspot of dolphin into the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was assessed as a way

to provide and strengthen the protection of the dolphins. Information was gathered using Participatory

Rural Appraisal Tools mainly through Focus Group Discussion and Key Informants Survey, and review

of literature. A direct count method and synchronized survey were conducted for assessing the dolphin

population.

During the present study no dolphins were sighted in the river section North of the Koshi Barrage.

However, the local people recalled the occurrence of one or two dolphins, indicating a decrease in the

dolphin population in the last decade in the river section North of the barrage. In the river section

South of the barrage, a total population of 15 individuals was counted within a distance of 2

kilometers downstream of the barrage. The present study identified the southern section of the Koshi

Barrage as the hotspot and Chatara, Rajabas, Kushaha and the Third Tower areas as the potential

sites of the dolphins in the Koshi River system. The Koshi Barrage area is subjected to severe

anthropogenic stresses causing pronounced habitat degradation in the area. The Koshi Barrage is

posing to upstream river dolphins a severe threat, which has prevented the migration of the dolphins

from downstream barrage and has increased the vulnerability of dolphins. The degradation of habitat

accompanied by intensive fishing, fish poisoning, and water pollution are also posing threats to the

Koshi dolphins. Ineffective law enforcement and lack of awareness of the endangered status of the

river dolphins among local people has also contributed to the population decline of the dolphins in the

Koshi River in Nepal.

Without an immediate and concerted conservation effort, P. gangetica will almost certainly become

extinct locally and may be nationally in the near future. Single piece meal protection efforts may not

be enough for the conservation of this species in the Koshi River. An integrated ecosystem approach

should be adopted not only relying on legislation or focusing on the river dolphins and their habitats

but also maximizing economic and social wellbeing in a sustainable manner is needed to protect the

remnant Koshi dolphin population. Integrating the southern section of the Koshi Barrage identified as

a hotspot into the buffer zone area of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve could be an option for

protection of dolphins. The area should be conserved and managed under the Buffer Zone

Management Regulations of Nepal. A sustainable ecotourism, incorporating all tourist attractions of the

area should be implemented in coordination with the local community and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife

Reserve. This could be an incentive for the local people in favour of dolphin conservation as well as for

community development. An ecosystem-based dolphin conservation action plan/strategy is an urgent

need in the country and should be developed at the earliest.

ACRONYMS

AAPA Aquatic Animal Protection Act

BZMC Buffer Zone Management Committee

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

CBO Community Based Organization

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and

Fauna

CMS Convention on Migratory Species

DDC District Development Committee

DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

ENS Environment News Service

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

GPS Global Positioning System

HMGN His Majesty’s Government of Nepal

INGO International Non-Governmental Organization

IUCN World Conservation Union

IUCN/SSC World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission

Kg Kilogram

Km kilo meter

KTWR Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

MFSC Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation

MOPE Ministry of Population and Environment

MWR Ministry of Water Resources

NAST Nepal Academy of Science and Technology

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

NPWC National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

PA Protected Area

ppt Part per thousand

UC User Committee

UK United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

USAID United States Agency for International Development

VDC Village Development Committee

WCMC World Conservation Monitoring Centre

WWF World Wildlife Fund

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION OF HONOR ......................................................................................................I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................... II

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................ III

ACRONYMS.......................................................................................................................... VI

TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................................................................................VII

LIST OF FIGURES ...............................................................................................................VII

1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 1

1.1. Background..................................................................................................................... 1

1.2. General description and diet of the Ganges River Dolphin ................................................ 1

1.3. Habitat and distribution of the Ganges River Dolphin ....................................................... 2

1.4. Conservation status......................................................................................................... 3

1.5. Study significance ........................................................................................................... 3

1.6. Objectives of the study.................................................................................................... 4

2. STUDY AREA .................................................................................................................. 5

2.1. Limitations of the study ................................................................................................... 6

3. METHODS ...................................................................................................................... 8

3.1. Literature Review ............................................................................................................ 8

3.2. Reconnaissance survey.................................................................................................... 8

3.3. Key informant interviews................................................................................................. 8

3.4. Focus group discussion.................................................................................................... 9

3.5. Population survey............................................................................................................ 9

3.6. Email survey ................................................................................................................. 10

3.7. Data analysis ................................................................................................................ 10

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION......................................................................................... 11

4.1. Status and distribution of the Koshi River Dolphins ........................................................ 11

4.2. Hotspots of dolphins in the Koshi River of Nepal ............................................................ 13

4.3. Threats to Platanista g. gangetica in the Koshi River ...................................................... 16

4.3.1. Habitat loss and degradation ......................................................................... 16 4.3.2. Over exploitation of fisheries ......................................................................... 17 4.3.3. Pollution and poisoning ................................................................................. 19 4.3.4. Barrage and embankments ........................................................................... 20 4.3.5. Poaching and accidental death....................................................................... 22 4.3.6. Ineffective law enforcement .......................................................................... 22 4.3.7. Awareness .................................................................................................. 23

5. CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................. 24

6. RECOMMENDATIONS/SUGGESTIONS........................................................................... 25

6.1. Hotspot of the river dolphins and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve ................................ 25

6.2. Conservation Education and Awareness ......................................................................... 25

6.3. Ecosystem Approach (Species and Habitat protection) ................................................... 26

6.4. Research and monitoring............................................................................................... 27

6.5. Effective law enforcement ............................................................................................. 27

6.6. Ecotourism.................................................................................................................... 28

6.7. Alternatives to unsustainable fishing.............................................................................. 28

7. REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 30

8. ANNEXES ..................................................................................................................... 37

8.1. Annex I: River Dolphin Sighting Sheet ........................................................................... 37

8.2. Annex II: Email questionnaire survey ............................................................................ 38

8.3. Annex III: Financial Statement ..................................................................................... 39

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Study area showing the surveyed route in the Koshi River .............................................. 7 Figure 2: Population of the river dolphins in the northern section of the Koshi Barrage ................... 11 Figure 3: An adult dolphin diving in the southern section of the Koshi Barrage............................... 12 Figure 4: Hotspots and potential sites of the river dolphins in the Koshi River system..................... 14 Figure 5: Percentages of people who indicated the main threats to the Koshi River Dolphins .......... 16 Figure 6: Illegal wood, thatch and grass collection from the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve ............... 17 Figure 7: Fishing in the southern section of the Koshi Barrage ..................................................... 18 Figure 8: Gillnetting in the southern section of the Koshi Barrage................................................. 19 Figure 9: Bathing, washing and sewage disposal activities in the Koshi Barrage area...................... 20 Figure 10: Koshi Barrage built in 1963 on the Koshi River in eastern Nepal ................................... 21 Figure 11: Snout of a poached river dolphin in the Koshi River .................................................... 22

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background

There are at least 39 species of dolphins living in oceans and in different freshwater rivers and

estuaries worldwide (UNEP/CMS Secretariat, 2007). Out of these, four species live in the large rivers

in Southern Asia and South America: the Yangtze River Dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer), the Amazon River

Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), and the Indus River

Dolphin (Platanista minor) (IUCN, 2006). The Yangtze River Dolphin was declared functionally extinct

in December 2006 (The Baji.org Foundation, 2006). The Amazon River Dolphin is the largest of the

freshwater dolphins, and is found in northern and central South America (American Cetacean Society,

2004). The Ganges River Dolphin, which is in appearance very similar to the Indus River Dolphin

(Revees et al., 2002) is now the world’s second most endangered freshwater river dolphin after the

Indus River Dolphin which is endemic to Pakistan (Reeves et al., 2000).

River dolphins face several threats including fragmentation of rivers by dams and canals, depletion of

their food sources through over-fishing, loss of habitats and entrapment with nets and other fishing

gears. These threats have reduced their ranges, and their abundance has declined abruptly in recent

years (Reeves and Leatherwood, 1995).

1.2. General description and diet of the Ganges River Dolphin

The Ganges River Dolphin belongs to the family Platanistidae and the Order cetacea. It has a long thin

snout, rounded belly, stocky body and large flippers. It has a grey colour which becomes blemished

with its age. The Ganges River Dolphin has extremely small eyes resembling pinhole openings above

the mouth (Smith, 2002) and is considered blind as it lacks a crystalline eye lens. These blind dolphins

cannot breathe in the water and must surface every 30 to 120 seconds (Behera, 2006). Their flippers

are flexible and they use them to feel their way along and to probe the bottom of their habitats for

prey spending most of their time feeding and travelling solitarily (Smith, 1996). The length of the river

dolphin is in between 1.5 to 2.5 m with a weight between 70 to 90 kg (Jefferson et al., 1994).

The Ganges River Dolphin usually travels alone or in small groups, but as many as 3 to 10 individuals

have also been observed feeding in the same river section (Smith, 1993). They feed on several

species of fish and invertebrates such as prawns, clams, catfish, gobies and carp and possibly turtles

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and birds as well (Klinowska, 1991 and Culik, 2003). They usually run after dweller fishes and mud

fishes in shallow water with the help of their snout (Jefferson et al., 1994).

1.3. Habitat and distribution of the Ganges River Dolphin

Ganges River Dolphins share their habitat with other river species such as the endangered gharial

(Gavialis gangeticus), the mugger (Crocodylus palustris), the river otters (Lutrinae) and different

species of turtles and various freshwater fishes (Restrpo, 2000). They usually inhabit the main river

stream but may migrate locally to tidal waters during monsoon season. During hot and dry seasons,

they disappear from the areas of river systems where high temperatures and food limitations cause

conditions to be too severe (Aryal, 2003). Ganges River Dolphins are generally concentrated in

counter current pools below channel convergences and sharp meanders’ and above and below mid-

channel islands, bridge pilings and other engineering structures that cause snoring ((Smith et al.,

1998). Deltaic (brackish) waters are a major component of the total distribution range of the river

dolphins in the Ganges, Meghna and Karnaphuli. However, they generally occur in salinities less than

10 ppt, although they have been recorded in water as saline as 23 ppt (Smith et al., 2004). They

require productive and biotic tropical rivers to survive (Smith et al., 1998).

The Ganges River Dolphins, also known as Susu or Soans in Nepal, are distributed in the slowly

flowing waters of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu rivers, from the foot of

the Himalaya downstream to the upper limits of the tidal zone in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal

(Sinha, 2000). Their present range is fragmented and often restricted by dams and irrigation systems.

Reports indicate that, a few years ago, populations of the Ganges River Dolphin totalled about 4000 to

5000 individuals, and that recent censuses found only about 1200 to 1800 individuals in the entire

distribution range of the Ganges River Dolphin (Smith et al., 2004).

The dolphins were once abundant in Nepal distributed in the Karnali, Narayani, Mahakali and the Koshi

River (Jnawali and Bhuju, 2000). But the construction of dams and other water development projects,

intensive fishing, pollution and extensive human disturbances have decreased the abundance of the

Ganges River Dolphin, which is now restricted only to the Karnali and Koshi River systems (Shrestha,

1995). No dolphins have been recorded recently for the Mahakali River and sightings in the Narayani

River are occasional (Jnwali and Bhuju, 2000). A WWF-Nepal study on status and distribution of

dolphins in 2005-2006 found only 3 to 4 dolphins in the Karnali River (WWF Nepal, 2006).

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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1.4. Conservation status

The Ganges River Dolphin is at the apex of the aquatic food chain and its presence in adequate

numbers is an indication of great biodiversity in the river systems and helps keep a balanced

ecosystem (Behera, 2007). It is categorized as endangered by IUCN, the World Conservation Union in

the IUCN Red Data Book in 2002 (IUCN, 2004). The World Wildlife Fund- WWF recognizes this species

as a flagship species for freshwater ecosystems. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Flora and Fauna- CITES has listed this species as a species endangered by trade in

Appendix I (CITES, 2005). The Ganges River Dolphin is legally protected throughout its range in

South-East Asia. In Nepal, it is protected by Section 10 of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act

1973 and is among 27 protected mammals in Schedule I (His Majesty Government of Nepal/HMGN,

1973).

1.5. Study significance

The population of the river dolphins is declining at an alarming rate and if the present trend continues,

there may be little time to save the endangered Ganges River Dolphins (Behera, 2006). It is,

therefore, important to regularly assess the status and trends of their populations, and design

strategies for their conservation and sustainable use. The endangered Ganges River Dolphin is the

only cetacean found in the rivers of Nepal which is now restricted to the Koshi and Karnali Rivers in an

isolated form (Shrestha, 2003). In the Koshi River, updated quantitative data on population,

distribution and size is scanty. No systematic status survey has been done to update information on

the river dolphin populations since a decade, and lack of updated information on dolphins in the Koshi

River was becoming a major constraint to the protection and management of this specific mammal at

the local and national levels.

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1.6. Objectives of the study

The general objective of the study was to update existing information on the Ganges River Dolphin

and contribute knowledge on its status and threats in the Koshi River of Nepal. The specific objectives

of the study were to;

1. Update information on population status and distribution in the Koshi River of Nepal;

2. Identify the hotspots1 of the Ganges River Dolphin in the Koshi River of Nepal;

3. Identify the threats posed to the life/survival of dolphins at the local and national levels;

4. Assess the need and opportunity of integrating, for enhanced protection, the hotspot of

dolphins into the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

5. Provide suggestions/recommendations for effective protection of the dolphins focusing more

on integrated management perspective at the policy level.

1 A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is

threatened with destruction(Conservation International: www.biodiversityhotspots.org )

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2. STUDY AREA

The Koshi River was chosen as the study area because the Ganges River Dolphin has been reported to

dwell in the Koshi River along with 2 species of Crocodile; Magar (Crocodylus palustris) and Gharials

(Gavialis gangeticus) and 10 species of freshwater turtles (DNPWC, 2000). The mainstream of the

Koshi River was more focused but different sections of the Koshi River were also surveyed in the

present study after consultation with local people, reserve staff and information collected during the

reconnaissance survey. The survey was started from Chatara (260 50’ 53’’ N and 870 09’ 01’’ E) and

was ended 2 km downstream of the Koshi Barrage (260 30’ 01’’ N and 860 54’ 19’’ E). The Figure 1

shows the surveyed route in the Koshi River of Nepal.

The Koshi River has a vast catchment area varied in nature, originating from glaciers and snow fed

lakes of eastern Himalayas, flowing through mid hills and discharging itself onto the alluvial plains of

lowlands in the eastern Nepal. It is the biggest river system of Nepal and flows for a length of 730 km

in the Nepalese section (Shrestha, 1990). It is also known as Sapta Koshi River as it has seven main

tributaries of the rivers Tamurkoshi, Arunkoshi, Dhudkoshi, Sunkoshi, Bhotekoshi and Indrawati. It is

the largest tributary of the River Ganges with a total drainage area of 86,900 sq. km between 850 20’

and 880 00’ (Shrestha, 1990) with an average flow of 1931 m3/sec (Rajbanshi, 2002).

The bottom of the river is gravely sandy with some rocks and boulders in certain places in Chatara and

algal growth and aquatic weeds in downstream region of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve of the river

(Shrestha, 2002). The Koshi River is changing its way every year and causes high flooding in the near

by areas. In the section of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, the water temperature is normally in

between 170C to 240C and its pH in downstream (Barrage section) is in between 6.0-7.5 (Shrestha,

1990).

The Koshi River provides life to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve which is a protected area under IUCN

Category IV and has been declared as a Wildlife Reserve by National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Act 1973, Government of Nepal. It is the smallest protected areas in Nepal, spread over 175 square

kilometers. The Reserve provides, however, the best opportunities for the conservation of many rare

and endangered species of plants, fish, herpetofauna, resident and migratory birds, and mammals

including the river dolphins. It is also a Ramsar site of international significance and Department of

National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2000) has reported 200 species of fish, 45 species of

herpetofauna, 461 species of birds and 31 species of mammals.

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2.1. Limitations of the study

The study was limited to the main stream of the Koshi River because the survey was conducted after

the monsoon season when the river dolphins gather in the main channel from the water of its

tributaries at their low levels. Moreover, as the Koshi is changing its route every year and flowing

through several channels covering larger area, the study was limited to the major deepest channel

only. Nevertheless, almost all the sections of the Koshi River where the occurrence of dolphins have

been reported were covered and three different surveys at different times were conducted for the

accuracy of data. The study was more focused on the locations identified as potential sites of dolphins

and hotspots based on local consultation, literature review and number of threats. Lack of information,

in particular, the topographic map of the barrage area due to security reasons also limited the study to

some extent.

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Survey starting and ending pointsSurvey starting and ending pointsSurvey starting and ending points

Figure 1: Study area showing the surveyed route started from Chatara and ended to the Koshi Barrage

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3. METHODS

Suggestions from experts, conservationists, protected area administration and the local people were

collected prior to primary data collection and the study sites were selected accordingly. Primary data

were collected using participatory tools, essentially with the participation of the local people, Koshi

Tappu Wildlife Reserve staff, WWF staff and local tourism organisations. A continuous link was made

with the University of Klagenfurt and Supervisor during field survey in Nepal for their suggestions.

Further, links with WWF Nepal, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation along with

some related international conservation organisations were also established for additional guidance.

3.1. Literature Review

A review of available literature on the river dolphins, their habitats and threats was done to

summarize and synthesize the previous findings on the topic. Secondary sources in form of

management plan, research reports, annual reports and related publications were reviewed in detail.

Relevant organizations were visited to obtain related information regarding the river dolphins in Nepal

specifically in the Koshi River.

3.2. Reconnaissance survey

The study area was explored in general at first to have an overview of its status. Based on the local

consultations and information from the park staff, all potential sites of dolphins were pointed out

roughly on a topographic map. A preliminary survey was then conducted to identify hotspots of

dolphins and their distribution in the Koshi River. Standardized point counts were then analyzed for

population abundance assessment. The level of awareness among local inhabitants and fishers was

also assessed during the survey.

3.3. Key informant interviews

Key informants survey was conducted to get information about the abundance of dolphins in the area

and its population trend over the years. It was done in an informal way with open-ended questions

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with the local people. Qualitative information on the occurrence and distribution of dolphins was

obtained from the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve staff, naturalists, biologists, Buffer zone committees

and line agencies, using semi structured and telephone interviews. The interviews targeted mainly the

fishers and indigenous people (Jhagad, indigenous ethnic group of that area) who were living along

the Koshi River basin and completely dependent upon the Koshi River for their livelihood since

decades.

3.4. Focus group discussion

To identify the existing threats and the sources of threats to the river dolphins in the Koshi River, a

focus group discussion was conducted in a comprehensive way. Detailed discussion was started with

factors threatening dolphins’ existence and their distribution in the river at the local level. Information

on recent sightings was reviewed and proposals on measures that could be taken to reduce the

threats at the local level considered. During the discussions, problems associated with management

and conservation of dolphins and standardized points counts which were analyzed during the

reconnaissance survey were also considered in detail.

3.5. Population survey

Based on information gathered from interviews, discussion and secondary information, a range of 38

km was surveyed in two different sections. The first section of 36 km stretched from Chatara up to the

Koshi Barrage. The second section started from the Koshi Barrage up to 2 km downstream of the

Barrage in the Nepalese part of the River. Since the survey was conducted during October 2006 and

January 2007 after the monsoon, the level of water was low and relatively deep water was flowing

through a mainstream. Therefore, a direct count method was used in the mainstream of the first

section at three different times. The standardized point counts were selected for the final counting in

the areas that were observed to have high dolphin activity and considered as potential sites for

dolphins. Following the dolphin survey conducted in the Karnali River basin of Nepal by WWF Nepal for

status surveys in 2006, a synchronized survey2 was conducted for the second section in the

mainstream at selected standardized points also at three different times.

2 Selected sighting spots were surveyed at the same time on same day to provide minimum population estimate

and minimize double counting (WWF Nepal, 2006)

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A team of 6 observers for the first section was formed and surveyed the area. Similarly, a team of 5

observers was formed for the second section and each of them was stationed at a distance of

approximately 50m at each selected point. The position of sighted dolphins was recorded with a

Geographic Positioning System (GPS), and information such as time period, habitat description, size of

dolphin and location of the observations was recorded on a data sheet. The data form is given in

annex I. The counting was continued for half an hour followed by 10 minutes break during which the

observers replaced each other in a rotation to repeat the counting of the others by allowing more than

one person to record data at the same points. In order to avoid double counting, the size, structure

and colour of the river dolphin were closely scrutinized. The areas apart from standardized points were

also surveyed. The counting was particularly focussed on the areas with deep pools and eddy counter-

currents, or where rivers converged or formed sharp meanders where dolphins were likely to occur.

3.6. Email survey

To know about the problems associated with management and conservation measures to the River

Dolphins at the national level, an email survey with open-ended questions was done. The possible

measures for conservation of this endangered mammal at the national level were assessed. Dolphin

experts of Nepal, conservationists from different national and international conservation organisations,

policy makers and personnel from tourism organisations were included in the survey. A total of 19

persons were selected and contacted for the survey. Their suggestions were analysed and have been

integrated into the report. The open-ended questions used for the survey are given in the annex II.

3.7. Data analysis

The dolphin population was estimated by taking the highest population count of three different

synchronized surveys of selected standardized point counts. The highest combined count of the day

was taken as the minimum population estimate. Dolphins of same size sighted at more than one

location at different times within 50 m distance were counted as a single individual. But dolphins of

same size sighted at more than one location at same time within 50 m distance were taken as two

different individuals. Dolphins of different size and colour sighted within 50 m distance were taken as

two different individuals. Simple statistical tools such as charts, tables and graphs were used to

analyze and interpret the findings of the study. The identified dolphin hotspots and local sightings of

dolphins were mapped with the GPS points taken during the survey using GIS tools.

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1. Status and distribution of the River Dolphins in the Koshi River

A survey of the study site (a range of 38 km) during October 2006 and January 2007 in the Koshi

River indicated a total count of 15 dolphins. Dolphins were not sighted in the river section upstream of

the Koshi Barrage. However, local communities reported sighting of dolphins during the same period

upstream of the Koshi Barrage around Rajabas3 (Figure 1). An encounter of dolphin reported orally by

a bird watcher group and a recent incident of dolphin poaching in a nearby tributary during monsoon

above the Koshi Barrage also support the existence of P. gangetica in the areas. The presence of

dolphins in deep pools located around Barahachetra, Chatara and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

section was also reported earlier by the local communities and Shrestha in July 1989.

Shrestha, in a survey carried out in the river section between the Koshi Barrage and the Barahachetra,

found a population of 8 dolphins upstream of the Koshi Barrage (Shrestha, 1989). Smith et al. (1994)

surveyed the area between the confluence of the Arun and Sun Koshi rivers; and the Koshi Barrage

during March-April and found only 3 dolphins. But no dolphins were found in this area in the present

study. All these observations (in 1989, 1993 and 2007) indicate that less and less dolphins are found

in the northern section of the Koshi Barrage. The decrease in the population of the river dolphins

upstream of the barrage is presented in Figure 2 below.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Shrestha, 1989 Brian Smith, 1994 Present study, 2007

Year

Nu

mb

er

of

do

lph

ins

Number

Figure 2: Population of the river dolphins in the northern section of the Koshi Barrage in three surveys

carried out at different times between 1986 and 2007

3 Rajabas is located at 260 42’ 31” N and 870 05’ 23” E (Buffer zone area of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve)

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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Although these data are indicative, because the methods used and distances covered were not

necessarily identical, they may indicate that the river dolphins may disappear completely in the

absence of immediate conservation measures.

In the southern section of the Koshi Barrage, we found a population of 10 to 15 dolphins distributed

within the range of 2 km in the river section downstream of the barrage. The first population survey

conducted from 1 to 5 November 2006 indicated a total of 10 dolphins (6 adults and 4 sub adults) in

the river section just below the barrage. The latter two surveys conducted during December 2006 and

January 2007 in the section of the first survey extended by 1 km downstream of the barrage showed a

total of 15 (10 adults and 5 sub adults) and 13 (9 adults and 4 sub adults) dolphins respectively.

Figure 3 shows an adult dolphin diving in the southern section of the Koshi Barrage.

Figure 3: An adult dolphin diving in the southern section of the Koshi Barrage

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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4.2. Hotspots of dolphins in the Koshi River of Nepal

In the present study, most of the dolphins were found in the river section just below the barrage. The

southern section of the Koshi Barrage therefore considered as a hotspot for the dolphins in the Koshi

River system in Nepal. However, literature review (Shrestha, 1989) and interviews with local people

indicate that Chatara, Rajabas, Kushaha4, and Third tower area5 (see Figure 4 below) harboured in the

past, the populations of the river dolphins. One can consider that these sites could be revived as

potential sites for dolphins through the implementation of appropriate management strategies. Figure

4 shows the dolphin hotspot and the potential sites of dolphins in the Koshi River system.

The southern section of the Koshi Barrage is characterized by deep pools with reduced counter

currents and has gentle meanders 1 km downstream of the barrage. The area is threatened by

significant human activities (See section threats). Chatara is the starting point of the floodplain of the

Koshi River with a stony and gravely river bed having rapids. Whereas the channel at Rajabas is quite

wide as it has been formed by the confluence of several channels of the Koshi River itself but its water

flow is low in comparison to the flow at Chatara. The area is threatened by intensive fishing. The

section of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Kushaha and Third Tower area) has wide river section and

smooth meanders with a sandy river bed.

The hotspot and the potential sites of dolphins in the Koshi River were identified so that they can be

protected from potentially damaging human activities. Identification of hotspots of dolphins is

essential for effective protection measures. The World Conservation Union in 2003 in its Dolphins,

Whales and Porpoises: 2002-2010 Conservation Action Plan for the World’s Cetaceans (IUCN/SSC,

2003) stated the essentiality of identifying “hotspots” where dolphins occur in relatively high density

for conservation.

The hotspot and potential sites of the river dolphins in the Koshi River were identified based on local

people’s report of sightings; literature review, sightings during the survey carried out and observed

threats to the area.

4 Kushaha is located at 260 36’ 03” N and 870 05’ 23” E (Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve section) 5 The Third tower area is located at 260 36’ 17” N and 870 00’ 08” E (Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve section)

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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Figure 4: Hotspots and potential sites of the river dolphins in the Koshi River system

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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The need of integrating the identified hotspot and potential sites of dolphins into the Koshi Tappu

Wildlife Reserve was also assessed. Though a major portion of the Koshi River is under protection by

the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and the Ramsar Convention, these sites do not cover in a

comprehensive manner the identified representative hotspot of the Koshi river dolphins. The southern

section of the Koshi Barrage identified as dolphin hotspot where a relatively important population of

dolphins was sighted during the study does not fall under the area of the Reserve. The area is heavily

affected by human activities that reduce the quality of the Koshi water, degrade the limited range of

dolphins, including over-fishing with a variety of traps, nets and poisons, which in turn have disturbed

the ecological integrity of the area. The protection of this site is under no one´s responsibility but

there is an urgent need to protect this hotspot with some sort of regulations or other mechanisms.

The present study proposes integration of this dolphin hotspot into the buffer zone area of the Koshi

Tappu Wildlife Reserve for the protection of the degrading habitat of the Koshi River Dolphins (see

section recommendation).

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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4.3. Threats to Platanista gangetica in the Koshi River

The threats to the river dolphins in the Koshi River were identified through direct field observation,

interviews and discussion with the park staff, fishers and the local inhabitants. Altogether 30 people

were interviewed during key informants survey and focus group discussion to identify the threats. The

degradation of habitat, the presence of the Koshi Barrage, intensive fishing accompanied by occasional

by-catch, fish poisoning and lack of awareness of the endangered status of the river dolphins and

pollution in the Koshi River were found as the main threats to the reduction in the number of dolphins

in the Koshi River. The results are presented in the Figure 5. Ineffective law enforcement and

inadequate conservation efforts from conservation organizations were also found as major causes of

the reduction in the number of dolphins at the national level.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Habitat

degradation

Koshi

Barrage

Intensive

fishing

Poisoning Lack of

aw areness

Pollution

Threats

% p

os

itiv

e r

es

po

ns

es

Figure 5: Percentages of people who indicated the main threats to the river dolphins in the Koshi River

in Nepal

4.3.1. Habitat loss and degradation

The high human population pressure along the river bank has exerted pressure on forest resources.

The indiscriminate deforestation in the buffer zone area of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (DNPWC,

2000) and change in land use from forest land into agricultural land have resulted in siltation in the

Koshi River. This situation has been further accelerated by livestock grazing along the river banks,

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

17

wood collection and over-collection of thatch, grass and other aquatic resources. The Figure 6 shows

illegal wood and thatch collection from the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

Figure 6: Illegal wood, thatch and grass collection from the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

These activities have caused erosion in the area, altering the aquatic habitat with the heavy load of

siltation. Locals reported serious loss of fish species in the river, which can be linked to the dolphin

depletion in the Koshi River. The Koshi River basin has also been affected by the construction of

several structures such as the Koshi Barrage, the Chatara irrigation canal and several embankments.

Rajbanshi (2002) reported the negative impacts of such infrastructures on migration and breeding of

important fish species degrading the fish habitats of the Koshi especially spawning and nursery

ground. Locals reported Chatara as an area of dolphin activity and breeding ground for dolphins in the

past but dolphins have rarely been sighted since the construction of the Chatara irrigation canal.

4.3.2. Over exploitation of fisheries

Observations during the study showed high fishing activities in Chatara, Srilanka Tappu and Rajabas

areas where dolphins were reported by the local communities. Certain locations apart from these

places have also been subjected to intensive exploitation of fishes. For instance, fishing near by the

barrage area is significant especially in the southern section of the barrage (Figure 7) is highly

stressed with fishing activities where dolphins were sighted during the study. During interviews, local

fishers reported that they like to fish in the areas of dolphin because they can find fish stock near by

them.

© ZECHNER Lisbeth, 2006© ZECHNER Lisbeth, 2006

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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Figure 7: Fishing in the southern section of the Koshi Barrage

The traditional fishers (Ghodi, Mallaha, Mukhiya and Bahardhar) and the increased involvements of the

immigrants from nearby areas have increased fishing activities in the Koshi River as fishing is the

basis of their livelihood. The riverine environment of the Koshi River is degraded with the increasing

trend of fishing occupation among other people of the area, and the demand of fish from the Koshi

River all over Nepal and in some parts of India has further exerted fishing pressure in the Koshi River.

This fishing pressure led to over-harvesting of fish and the decline of fish populations. Even inside the

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, illegal fishing activities are common in Trijuga River, Kamal daha and in

the Koshi River in spite of prohibitions inside the reserve (DNPWC, 2000).

The present study recorded gillnets (Figure 8), drag nets and cast nets especially in the barrage area

and Yadav (2002) reported use of nets such as lift nets, nets with indigenous names such as tunny jal,

chatti jal, chauki jal, shoat, hapa and different types of traps, rods and lines in the Koshi River. He

further reported the use of destructive devices such as dynamite, fish poisons, electro-fishing and

their negative impact on fish population by destroying brood stock, spawning and the nursery

grounds. This clearly indicates the prey depletion in the area which is indirectly affecting the river

dolphins and can be linked to reduction in their population.

Though no dolphins were found caught by these nets by the present study but local communities

reported that a juvenile was caught by a gill net few years back downstream of the barrage. Such nets

can be very dangerous to the river dolphins; they are not easily detected visually and acoustically by

dolphins and can entangle fish fauna of all size and thus can pose a direct threat to the breeding fish

populations (Shrestha, 1995).

Dolphin

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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Figure 8: Gillnetting in the southern section of the Koshi Barrage

4.3.3. Pollution and poisoning

During study, activities like washing of clothes, bathing and waste dumping were observed very often

especially in the barrage area (Figure 9). Hotels and small shops near by the Koshi Barrage were

dumping their wastes directly into the river. The park staff reported the use of toxic plants extracts as

fish poison for mass fishing in the Koshi River. Yadav (2002) mentioned that fishers were using Agave

americana, Sapium insinge, Dioscorea, Euphorbia vovelanavo for fishing in the Koshi River. Fish

poisoning can directly and indirectly harm the Koshi river dolphins.

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are heavily used for agricultural purposes in the Koshi River area.

These chemical inputs are another source of pollution. An estimated 87.3% of the economically active

population in the buffer zone of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is involved in the agricultural

activities (DNPWC, 2000) and practices some types of intensive agriculture. Much of the applied

chemicals is washed away into the Koshi River during the monsoon season and thus degrades the

quality of Koshi river water (Sharma et al., 2005) and thus threatens the life in the Koshi River. The

chemicals that are probably of most concern for dolphins are the persistent organic pollutants

Gillnet

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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including pesticides and these substances can enter the food chain and accumulate along the chain up

to the top predators like the river dolphins (Haque, 1998).

Figure 9: Bathing, washing and sewage disposal activities are common in the Koshi Barrage area

4.3.4. Barrage and embankments

The Koshi Barrage has altered the primary habitat6 of dolphins by making the river section upstream

of the barrage like a lake and eliminating the counter currents downstream of the barrage where

dolphins and their prey shelter. The Koshi Barrage built in 1963 (Figure 10) is a low gated dam of a

length of 1150 m, with a ladder that is inefficient for fish migration (Rajbanshi, 2002), thus posing

direct threat to the river dolphins of the Koshi River. The barrage has fragmented the downstream and

upstream dolphin population. The dolphins might have moved downstream through the Koshi Barrage

during high water periods but the high currents might have prevented them from swimming upstream

through the barrage. The isolated populations upstream of the Koshi Barrage might have not breed

longer. Haque (1998) reported that the effects of subdividing a single population into non-interacting

insular units increase their vulnerability to environmental, demographic, genetic and etiological

threats.

6 Primary habitats are characterized by an eddy counter-current system in the main river flow caused by a fine

sand/silt point bar formed from sediment of a convergent stream branch or tributary. Whereas marginal habitats

are characterized by a smaller eddy current system caused by an upstream meander. Dolphins concentrate on

locations of high prey availability and reduced flow (Smith, 1993).

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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Figure 10: Koshi Barrage built in 1963 on the Koshi River in eastern Nepal

Irrigation by damming a long and low gated barrage and the construction of a number of

embankments have caused major changes in the Koshi River water flow pattern, sediment load and

water quality (Rajbanshi, 2002). Such changes can severely affect the Koshi river dolphins.

Embankments of the size of 40 km and 12 km along the eastern and western river banks in the Koshi

River for extensive flood control have restricted to the floodplain habitats that are critical for

reproduction and growth of river fishes. This can result in reduced fish production and thus can affect

the dolphins.

The Koshi High Dam7 that is planned to be built to a height of 269m-335m and the construction of a

165 km long water way from Chatara can imply a series of upheavals for the environment of the Koshi

River (Environmental News Service, 2004), and can contribute to the loss of dolphins in the Koshi

River. This planned Koshi High Dam can lead to the loss of forests, wildlife habitat and aquatic

biodiversity both upstream and downstream of the Koshi barrage which is a matter of concern for the

conservationists of Nepal.

7 The Koshi High Dam is a joint project of Government of Nepal and Indian Government to build a dam in Koshi

River (Environmental News Service, 2004).

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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4.3.5. Poaching and accidental death

A recent poaching incidence of dolphin in the nearby tributary of the Koshi River was reported during

an interview with the staff of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. A dolphin was poached by a team of

local villagers for its meat in a small tributary during the monsoon in a village near the Wildlife

Reserve. The snout of the poached dolphin (Figure 11) was caught by the park staff. Cases of

deliberate killings of dolphin were reported in the Indian Territory during interviews with the local

fishers. Bycatch in the Koshi River in the Nepalese Territory is occasional which can be illustrated by a

juvenile caught by gillnetting few years back downstream of the barrage.

Figure 11: Snout of a poached river dolphin in the Koshi River

4.3.6. Ineffective law enforcement

Over the last few years, there have been several acts and policies for the conservation and wise use of

aquatic resources but they have not been implemented effectively so far. Though the river dolphin is a

legally protected mammal and is included in Schedule I in the list of 27 protected mammals of

National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 and Appendix I in CITES, very little attention has

been given to this flagship species. Some acts: Aquatic Animal Protection Act (AAPA) 1961, National

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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Parks and Wildlife Conservation (NPWC) Act 1973, Water Resource Act 2049 (1992) and Wetland

Policy 2003 are obligatory for the protection of endangered species, aquatic life and their habitats.

Despite these acts and regulations, indiscriminate habitat loss and degradation of freshwater species,

destructive fishing practices and poisoning of water bodies continue to have negative impacts on the

freshwater species including endangered river dolphin. For instance, Aquatic Animal Protection Act

1961 mandates the conservation of aquatic life by recognizing the value of wetlands and aquatic

animals. It prohibits illegal killing and trapping of aquatic life but the freshwater fishes are usually

harvested using poison, electrical devices and trapping.

The Government of Nepal has not initiated concrete conservation measures for its protection at both

the local and national levels. Species conservation action plans for keystone species have been given

high priority in the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBS) 2002 but there is no action plan for the river

dolphins in Nepal.

4.3.7. Awareness

Lack of awareness at the local level was identified as one of the most important constraints to the

conservation of the Koshi river dolphins during the present study. Mechanisms are not available at the

local level to enhance awareness about the benefits from conservation measures, rules and

regulations regarding the river dolphins in the Koshi river basin. During the present study, people in

the barrage area, but not people in the villages, were found to be aware about the legal status of the

river dolphins.

Despite legal prohibition (AAPA 1961), over-exploitation of fishes, fishing of spawning and breeding

fish, poisoning and fishing by dynamite are prominent at the local level. Thus, the lack of awareness

about the endangered status of the river dolphins and their habitat among the local people is indirectly

contributing to the depletion of dolphins in the Koshi River in Nepal. Local communities, legislators,

local governments and related organisations need to be fully informed about the river dolphins in

Nepal.

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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5. CONCLUSIONS

The Ganges River Dolphin or Soans in the Koshi River of Nepal is on the verge of extinction,

particularly in the river section upstream of the Koshi Barrage. Their status and distribution in the

river section upstream of the Koshi Barrage have declined significantly in the last decade. Very few or

no dolphins may still survive in the upstream part of the barrage as the local8 communities reported to

have observed 1 or 2 individuals in very recent times while no dolphin was found during the present

study. Although dolphins may exist in the river section upstream of the Koshi Barrage, their

populations will not be sustained in the future in the absence of immediate conservation measures.

Even though local communities reported rare sightings of dolphins in the irrigation canal of Chatara or

in small tributaries of the Koshi River during monsoon, their distribution is limited from the Koshi

Barrage up to Chatara in the river section upstream of the Koshi Barrage.

The synchronized surveys in the river section between the Koshi Barrage and the distance 2 km

downstream of the barrage sighted 10, 13 and 15 dolphins at different times. The southern section of

the Koshi Barrage was identified in the present study as a hotspot for dolphins, and Chatara, Rajabas,

Kushaha and the Third Tower area as the potential sites for dolphins. However, it should be borne in

mind that the Koshi River is changing its route every 1-2 years. Thus the exact potential sites for

dolphins may change with time.

The southern section of the Koshi Barrage is under a lot of pressure from human activities but the

river section of Kushaha and Third Tower area that are with in the core zone of the Koshi Tappu

Wildlife Reserve are not stressed. Intensive fishing with gillnets and drag nets and garbage disposal in

the southern section of the Koshi Barrage pose a threat to dolphins in the area. The existing laws

concerning protection of the river dolphin and its habitat are ineffective. Related organisations are not

so much concerned about the small population of dolphins in the Koshi River.

8 Locals in this case is local people, reserve staff and a bird watcher group

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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6. RECOMMENDATIONS/SUGGESTIONS

No single solution will facilitate the recovery of the river dolphins in Nepal. If the relic population of P.

gangetica is to survive in the Koshi River of Nepal, a multifaceted approach is required immediately

and should be acted upon promptly to protect the critical habitats and mitigate threats so as to

facilitate the recovery of the population of dolphins. The following recommendations have been made

based on the findings of the study, ideas or suggestions collected from local and international

conservation experts.

6.1. Hotspot of the river dolphins and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

1. It is recommended that the buffer zone area of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve should be

extended to cover the dolphin hotspot, and enhance its level of protection. The extension of

southward border of the buffer zone of the Reserve could be an option to cover the area of

high dolphin activity of the Koshi Barrage. The area could thus be protected under the Buffer

Zone Management Regulations (1996) and the Buffer Zone Management Guideline (1999) of

Nepal. This challenge should be initiated from the local level with the participation of all

stakeholders and the actions should be facilitated by the Government.

2. A landscape level conservation initiative is needed to conserve the Koshi river dolphins along

with other endangered species and their habitat. Establishment of Dolphin Protected Area

could also be a hope for the protection of this species.

6.2. Conservation Education and Awareness

1. Raising awareness about the value, importance and benefits of the conservation of the river

dolphins should be initiated as soon as possible. Education materials in local language and

campaigns focusing on the aspects of dolphin conservation and impacts of chemical fertilizers,

fishing nets, poisoning and garbage disposal, and the methods to mitigate these impacts

should be developed and promoted.

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

26

2. At the local level, awareness activities should be initiated focusing more on Special Target

Groups9 inhabiting that area, in coordination with the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, the Buffer

zone Committees, local NGOs and voluntary clubs. At the same time, policy and decision-

makers should be made aware of the need to protect river dolphins at the national level.

3. This year is particularly important because it has been declared by UN Convention on

Migratory Species as the Year of Dolphin10 to enhance awareness and protect dolphins from

extinction.

6.3. Ecosystem Approach (Species and Habitat protection)

1. After recognizing the threats to the river dolphins and taking local people’s need into

consideration, an ecosystem approach11 is recommended for the Koshi river dolphins. Rather

focusing on the Koshi river dolphins only, activities should be encouraged for ecosystem

protection in an integrated way by controlling or regulating fishing in the area, providing

alternative opportunities for the fishers, promoting organic agriculture and eliminating

pollution sources.

2. Lessons should be learned from these activities as part of an adaptive management scheme.

The role of human beings as part of the ecosystems should be reemphasized as well as the

short and long term consideration of human actions. Guidelines and code of conducts for

sustainable fisheries (example FAO12) should be used and promoted.

9 Fishers, local communities, school children, visitors and local based organisations 10 http://www.yod2007.org/en/Start_page/index.html 11 In the Convention on Biological Diversity, ecosystem approach is described as a “strategy for the integrated

management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable

way.” Humans are recognized as part of ecosystem in the sense that they can impact on the other components of

the ecosystem and will also be influenced by the status of the other elements of the system. Application of the

approach requires some decentralization of the decision-making process, the participation of all stakeholders and

consideration of factors in space and time. Adaptive management is an important principle of the approach

(http://www.cbd.int/convention/cop-5-dec.shtml?m=COP-

05&id=7148&lg=0%20and%20http://www.cbd.int/convention/cop-7-dec.shtml?m=COP-07&id=7748&lg=0 ) 12 http://www.oceanlaw.net/texts/faocode.htm

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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6.4. Research and monitoring

1. Detailed population surveys are recommended in the future to verify the presence of dolphins

in the river and determine their abundance and movements towards the small tributaries of

the Koshi River during monsoon season.

2. Surveys are required to assess the threats to the river dolphins as well as to other aquatic

fauna from toxic chemicals, including fertilizers by analyzing samples of water, river sediments

and its prey species.

3. The capacity of local researchers of Nepal should be enhanced for dolphin’s population

assessment and freshwater ecosystem conservation efforts.

4. Detailed surveys are required as a matter of urgency to study the possible impact of climate

change (increased air and water temperatures, extreme climatic events and increased drought

etc.) on river ecosystems, river dolphins and fish populations of the Koshi River.

5. Effort should me made to secure funds from national and international organisations for

required surveys and conservation efforts with regards to the protection of the Koshi river

dolphins and their habitat.

6.5. Effective law enforcement

1. The relevant existing acts and policies should be adequately communicated, enforced and be

updated to reflect new knowledge and circumstances. The government organizations need to

be active and should implement concrete conservation measures accordingly cooperating with

other conservation organizations.

2. As recommended by WWF Nepal in 2006 for the river dolphin in the Karnali River basin, a

comprehensive river basin ecosystem conservation policy should be developed and

implemented for the protection of the river systems and its tributaries in Nepal. Systems

should be established for monitoring the status and trends of the dolphin populations.

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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3. A dolphin conservation action plan emphasizing the importance of the protection of important

habitats, the relocation and restoration of dolphins should be developed and implemented as

soon as possible.

4. A sound framework for sustainable fishing should be initiated by forming fishing management

committee in participation with all stakeholders, in particular, the fishers. Fishing should be

regulated or controlled by permit system especially during fish breeding seasons. The

poisoning of the river for mass fishing should be strictly prohibited and patrolling system

should be established to control over fishing as well as poisoning in the river.

5. Use of fishing nets that are harmful to the river dolphins especially in their primary habitat and

other endangered species of the Koshi River should be banned.

6. Consideration of dolphins and other important living organisms of the Koshi River should be

integrated to the existing environmental impact assessment procedures so that the risks of

new initiatives and other activities (for example: application of chemical fertilizers) can be

minimized before the activities area carried out.

6.6. Ecotourism

1. An ecotourism master plan should be developed by the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and a

program for sustainable ecotourism should be implemented incorporating all tourist attractions

in one package in coordination with the local people, tourism operators and entrepreneurs,

taking into account the CBD Guidelines on Biodiversity and Tourism Development adopted by

the 190 Parties to the Convention in 2004 (decision VII/14 accessible at the CBD website:

(http://www.cbd.int/convention/cop-7-dec.shtml?m=COP-07&id=7751&lg=0).

2. Coordination among tourism development offices, civil association authority, hotel managers,

and travel agencies, UCs and NGOs/INGOs will ensure success in this endeavour. The returns

on ecotourism can become an incentive for the local communities to further conserve dolphins

and maintain their habitats in an adequate state. Ecotourism could contribute to the

improvement of the livelihood of local communities.

6.7. Alternatives to unsustainable fishing

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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1. An alternative for the local people could be sustainable fish farming that is environmentally

friendly (with limited chemical inputs) so that the pressure on the Koshi River can be reduced.

2. Alternative income generating activities, for instance private or community managed fish

farming, for the people who are completely dependent on fishing should be introduced in the

region and these responsibilities should be taken by the Government, and NGOs/INGOs.

3. To facilitate upstream, downstream and lateral migration of fishes, cooperation with the

concerned departments/sectors (intersectoral co-operation) should be developed as soon as

possible, for example for the erection of fish ladders in the Koshi Barrage. The feasibility of the

construction of the Koshi high dam should be preceded by Environmental Impact Assessment

that takes into account biodiversity.

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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7. REFERENCES

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Aryal, R.S. 2007. Save our Dolphin: an article on Environmental Nepal. Environmental Nepal- pledge

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Behera, S. 2006. Freshwater Dolphin in Ganges. WWF India. Accessed on 13 May 2007 at

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dolphin/index.cfm

Behera, S. 2007. A blind dolphin in one of the worlds most densely populated area. WWF India.

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http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/species/about_species/species_factsheets/cet

aceans/river_dolphins/ganges_river_dolphin/index.cfm

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CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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8. ANNEXES

8.1. Annex I: River Dolphin Sighting Sheet

Date Time Habitat

Description

Observer

Name

No. of

sightings

Size (Adult/Sub-

adult)

Remarks

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8.2. Annex II: Email questionnaire survey

1. What do you think are the problems associated with conservation of River dolphins in Nepal at

national level?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

2. What could be the possible solutions to save remnant population of dolphins in Nepal?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

3. What could be the initiatives at policy level for protection of this endangered mammal?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

4. What should be Government’s approach for dolphin conservation in future?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

CHAUDHARY, Sunita

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8.3. Annex III: Financial Statement

Item Details Unit

price

(£)

No. of

units

Contribution

from

Austrian

Exchange

(£)

Rufford

Expenses

(£)

Personal

contribution

(£)

Accommodation during field work

Living expense for Researcher, Assistant and a Guide

27 per day

86 days

2322.00

20.00

Boat surveys for dolphin counts

60

6

360.00

Focus group discussion

60

2

120.00

Field surveys

Key Informants Survey

50

1

50.00

Air travel (from/to Austria)

1

1087.00

Local travel within country

120

3

360.00

Travel expense

Local travel to field sites

80

3

240.00

Binocular

167 1 167.00

Rook sac

57 1 57.00

Maps of study area

11 2 22.00

Expenses for field equipments

Boots

80 1 80.00

Stationeries

100.00

Rufford Stickers

Affixed on the field equipments purchased to give due credit to Rufford Foundation

21.00 9.00

Production of final report

Final report

60

11

280.00

380.00

Total 1367.00 4279.00 29.00

Grand Total 5675.00

Documents

Status of, and threats to, the Ganges River Dolphin ... Small Grants_Chaudhary.pdf · Globally the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica ) is listed by IUCN-the World Conservation