Grade 10 HPE||Natural Resources and Biodiversity|| Note

PART 1: CONCEPT OF BIODIVERSITY

🔵 Definition of Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It includes all living organisms - humans, animals, birds, insects, plants, and microorganisms - and the ecological complexes of which they are part.

Definition: Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, considered at all levels - genetic, species, and ecosystem.

🔵 Types of Biodiversity

Biodiversity can be classified into three main types:

1. Ecosystem Diversity

• Refers to the variety of ecosystems in a given area
• Includes terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
• Nepal has diverse ecosystems due to geographical variation

2. Genetic Diversity

• Variation in genes within species
• Determines characteristics like color, size, resistance
• Essential for adaptation and survival

3. Species Diversity

• Variety of different species
• Includes plants, animals, birds, insects
• Most visible level of biodiversity

PART 2: BIODIVERSITY BY ECOLOGICAL BELT IN NEPAL

🟢 Ecological Belts of Nepal

Nepal is divided into three ecological belts:

1. Terai Region (Tarai Belt)

• Covers 23% of Nepal's total area
• Characteristics:

1. Tropical and subtropical climate
2. Dense forests with Sal trees
3. Rich in wildlife and birds

• Major Animals: Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Wild Buffalo, Deer, Wild Boar, Gharial
• Major Birds: Hornbill, Stork, Crane
• Major Plants: Sal, Sisau, Khair, Bamboo, Mango, Litchi
• Crops: Rice, Wheat, Maize, Sugarcane, Vegetables

2. Hilly Region (Pahadi Belt)

• Characteristics:

1. Moderate climate
2. Mixed forests
3. Terraced farming

• Major Animals: Leopard, Bear, Deer, Wild Cat, Monkey, Pangolin
• Major Birds: Pheasant, Partridge, Cuckoo
• Major Plants: Pine, Oak, Rhododendron, Chilaune, Utis
• Major Crops: Maize, Millet, Wheat, Vegetables

3. Mountain Region (Himalayan Belt)

• Characteristics:

1. Cold climate
2. Alpine meadows
3. Sparse vegetation

• Major Animals: Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Tahr, Yak, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer
• Major Birds: Impeyan Pheasant (Danphe), Snow Cock, Snow Pigeon
• Major Plants: Juniper, Birch, Rhododendron, Medicinal herbs
• Limited agriculture due to harsh climate

PART 3: IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY

🔵 Significance of Biodiversity

1. Agricultural Products

• Food grains (rice, wheat, maize)
• Pulses (dal, beans)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Dependence on pollinators (bees, butterflies)

2. Animal Products

• Milk, meat, eggs
• Leather, wool, silk
• Transportation and labor
• Honey, wax

3. Vegetative Products

• Timber and fuelwood
• Fruits and vegetables
• Medicinal herbs
• Fiber and paper

4. Improvement in Breeds

• Cross-breeding for better quality
• Disease resistance
• Higher productivity

5. Soil Conservation

• Roots bind soil particles
• Prevents soil erosion
• Maintains soil fertility

6. Watershed Conservation

• Forest cover retains water
• Prevents floods and landslides
• Maintains water sources

7. Natural Beauty

• Scenic landscapes
• Attractive flora and fauna
• Aesthetic value

8. Development of Tourism

• Wildlife tourism
• Ecotourism
• Revenue generation

9. Economic Development

• Tourism revenue
• Forest products
• Medicinal plants trade

10. Environmental Balance

• Food chains and webs
• Oxygen-carbon dioxide balance
• Climate regulation

11. Function of Natural Ecosystem

• Nutrient cycling
• Water cycle
• Energy flow

12. Study and Research

• Scientific research
• Genetic studies
• New discoveries

PART 4: STATUS OF SPECIES DIVERSITY IN NEPAL

📊 Table: Species Diversity in Nepal

Note: Nepal covers only 0.1% of Earth's land area but contains 3.2% of the world's flora and 1.1% of the world's fauna.

PART 5: RARE AND ENDANGERED ANIMALS

🔴 Major Rare Animals of Nepal

1. Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

• Habitat: Forested areas from hills to mountains
• Characteristics:

1. Length: 75-105 cm
2. Cloud-like spots on body
3. Shy and secretive nature

• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching for fur and bones
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

2. Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

• Habitat: Temperate forests with bamboo thickets (2,200-4,800 m)
• Characteristics:

1. Weight: 3-6 kg
2. Height: 28 cm, Length: 64 cm
3. Reddish-brown fur, long bushy tail
4. Feeds on bamboo leaves, fruits, roots

• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching for fur
• Conservation Status: Endangered, CITES Appendix I

3. One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

• Habitat: Terai grasslands and riverine forests
• Population in Nepal: 645 (2015 census)
• Characteristics:

1. Weight: 2,000-2,400 kg
2. Height: 170 cm, Length: 300-335 cm
3. Single horn (up to 25 cm)
4. Thick skin with folds

• Found in: Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
• Threats: Poaching for horn, habitat loss
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable

4. Bengal Tiger (Panthera Tigris)

• Global Population: About 4,000
• Nepal Population: 198 (2013)
• Habitat: Terai forest and grasslands
• Characteristics:

1. Largest among tiger species
2. Striped coat pattern
3. Good swimmer
4. Preys on deer, wild boar, antelope

• Found in: Chitwan, Bardiya, Shuklaphanta, Parsa
• Threats: Poaching for skin and bones, habitat loss
• Conservation Status: Endangered

5. Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus)

• Characteristics:

1. Height: 3.5 m
2. Weight: Up to 5,000 kg
3. Large ears, long trunk
4. Social animals living in herds

• Found in: Terai forests of Chitwan, Bardiya, Shuklaphanta
• Population: 130-150 in Nepal
• Threats: Poaching for tusks, human-wildlife conflict
• Conservation Status: Endangered

6. Giant Pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)

• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests of Terai and low hills
• Characteristics:

1. Length: 95-105 cm
2. Large yellow and black bill
3. Loud, cackling call

• Found in: Chitwan, Bardiya, Parsa, Shuklaphanta
• Threats: Poaching for feathers and meat, habitat loss
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened

7. Asiatic Rock Python (Python molurus)

• Habitat: Forests, grasslands, near water sources
• Characteristics:

1. Length: Up to 6 m
2. Weight: Up to 90 kg
3. Yellowish-tan with dark patches
4. Non-venomous constrictor

• Diet: Mammals, birds, amphibians
• Threats: Poaching for skin, traditional medicine
• Conservation Status: Schedule I protected species

PART 6: RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANTS

🔴 Major Rare Plants of Nepal

1. Golden Michelia (Champ - Michelia champaca)

• Habitat: Terai and mid-hills (600-1,400 m)
• Characteristics:

1. Large tree up to 30 m
2. Yellow fragrant flowers
3. Ornamental value

• Uses: Perfume from flowers, timber for furniture
• Threats: Over-exploitation, habitat loss
• Propagation: Through seeds and cuttings

2. Spike Nard (Jatamansi - Nardostachys grandiflora)

• Habitat: High hills (3,000-5,000 m)
• Characteristics:

1. Small perennial herb
2. Pinkish-red flowers
3. Aromatic roots

• Uses: Essential oil, traditional medicine for epilepsy, hysteria
• Threats: Over-harvesting
• Conservation: Protected, export banned

3. Serpentina (Sarpagandha - Rauvolfia serpentina)

• Habitat: Tropical to sub-tropical (1,200 m)
• Characteristics:

1. Height: Up to 1 m
2. White/pink flowers
3. Snake-like roots

• Uses: Medicine for hypertension, mental disorders
• Threats: Over-harvesting
• Propagation: Seeds and root cuttings

4. Himalayan Yew (Loth Salla - Taxus baccata)

• Habitat: Mid to high hills (1,800-3,400 m)
• Characteristics:

1. Evergreen tree
2. Flattened needle-like leaves
3. Red fleshy fruits

• Uses: Taxol production for cancer treatment
• Threats: Over-exploitation for medicine
• Propagation: Seeds and cuttings

5. Panch Aunle (Dactylorhiza hatagirea)

• Habitat: High altitude (2,300-3,600 m)
• Characteristics:

1. Small herb with palmate tubers
2. Pink-purple flowers

• Uses: Tuber used as tonic, aphrodisiac
• Threats: Over-harvesting
• Propagation: Through tubers, takes 3-4 years to mature

6. Cordyceps (Yarsagumba - Cordyceps sinensis)

• Habitat: High altitude (3,000-5,000 m) meadows
• Characteristics:

1. Fungus growing on caterpillar
2. Length: 5-8 cm
3. Brown-black color

• Life cycle: Fungal spores infect caterpillars, grow inside, emerge as fungus
• Uses: Aphrodisiac, energy booster, traditional medicine
• Threats: Over-harvesting, high commercial value
• Conservation: Regulated collection

PART 7: PROTECTED ANIMALS AND BIRDS OF NEPAL

📋 List of Protected Animals

PART 8: NEED FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

🔵 Why Conserve Biodiversity?

1. To maintain population of plants and animals
2. To preserve natural resources for future generations
3. To maintain ecological balance
4. To ensure natural processes continue
5. For economic and social development
6. For study and research purposes

PART 9: CONSERVATION MEASURES OF BIODIVERSITY

🟢 Major Conservation Methods

1. Public Awareness

• Education about biodiversity importance
• Information about protected areas
• Community involvement

2. Coordination between Organizations and Communities

• Public-Private Partnership
• Community participation
• Local involvement

3. Utilization of Religious Aspects

• Sacred plants and animals
• Religious forests (Guthi, Tapoban)
• Traditional beliefs

4. Empowerment of Local Institutions

• VDC/Municipality involvement
• Local governance participation
• Community forest user groups

5. Sustainable Use

• Inter-generational equity
• Sustainable harvesting
• Re-use and recycle practices
• Income generation from conservation

6. Establishment of Protected Areas

• National Parks
• Wildlife Reserves
• Conservation Areas
• Buffer Zones

7. Legal Provisions and Enforcement

• Laws and regulations
• Punishment for violators
• Monitoring mechanisms

PART 10: CONSERVATION METHODS - IN-SITU AND EX-SITU

🔵 In-situ Conservation (On-site Conservation)

Conservation of species in their natural habitat.

Examples in Nepal:

• National Parks (12)
• Wildlife Reserves (3)
• Conservation Areas (6)
• Buffer Zones (5)

Protected Areas in Nepal:

1. Chitwan National Park
2. Sagarmatha National Park
3. Bardiya National Park
4. Langtang National Park
5. Shey Phoksundo National Park
6. Khaptad National Park
7. Makalu Barun National Park
8. Banke National Park
9. Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
10. Parsa Wildlife Reserve
11. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
12. Annapurna Conservation Area
13. Manaslu Conservation Area
14. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
15. Blackbuck Conservation Area
16. Api Nampa Conservation Area

🔵 Ex-situ Conservation (Off-site Conservation)

Conservation of species outside their natural habitat.

Examples in Nepal:

1. Botanical Gardens
2. Zoological Gardens (Zoos)
3. Gene Banks
4. Seed Banks
5. Central Zoo, Jawalakhel

PART 11: ADVERSE EFFECTS ON BIODIVERSITY

🔴 Major Threats to Biodiversity

1. Ecosystem Degradation

• Deforestation
• Forest fires
• Infrastructure development
• Pollution

2. Loss of Habitat

• Urbanization
• Agricultural expansion
• Over-exploitation
• Industrial development

3. Loss of Animal Mobility

• Habitat fragmentation
• Barriers to movement
• Reduced breeding areas

4. Limitation of Vegetation Expansion

• Population pressure
• Land use change
• Settlement expansion

PART 12: MITIGATING MEASURES

🟢 Solutions to Threats

1. Control deforestation and promote afforestation
2. Establish and manage protected areas
3. Control pollution and waste management
4. Sustainable harvesting practices
5. Wildlife corridors and connectivity
6. Scientific research and monitoring
7. Community-based conservation programs

PART 13: NATIONAL AND LOCAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES

📋 Major Conservation Initiatives in Nepal

Protected Area Management

• National Parks
• Wildlife Reserves
• Conservation Areas

Buffer Zone Programs

• Community development
• Resource management
• Benefit sharing

Awareness Programs

• School education
• Community meetings
• Media campaigns

Research and Studies

• Species surveys
• Habitat assessment
• Population monitoring

International Cooperation

• WWF Nepal
• IUCN
• UNDP
• CITES implementation

Government Initiatives

• Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
• Department of Forests
• Ministry of Forests and Environment

🔴 SUMMARY POINTS

Biodiversity means variety of life forms - plants, animals, microorganisms and their ecosystems.

Three types of biodiversity:

• Ecosystem diversity (different habitats)
• Genetic diversity (variation within species)
• Species diversity (variety of species)

Nepal has three ecological belts:

• Terai (23% area) - tropical, rich wildlife
• Hilly (42% area) - temperate, mixed forests
• Mountain (35% area) - alpine, cold desert

Nepal's biodiversity wealth:

• 3.2% of world's flora
• 1.1% of world's fauna
• 12 National Parks, 3 Wildlife Reserves, 6 Conservation Areas

Major rare animals: Tiger, Rhino, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Elephant

Major rare plants: Yarsagumba, Panch Aunle, Jatamansi, Sarpagandha

Conservation methods:

• In-situ (in natural habitat)
• Ex-situ (outside natural habitat)

Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, climate change, pollution

Protected species: 27 mammals, 9 birds, 3 reptiles legally protected

Conservation measures: Awareness, protected areas, laws, community participation

🔑 KEY DEFINITIONS

🎯 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this chapter, students will be able to:

• Define biodiversity and explain its types
• Understand the biodiversity status of Nepal
• Identify rare and endangered species of Nepal
• Explain the importance of biodiversity
• Analyze threats to biodiversity
• Describe conservation methods and measures
• Know about protected areas of Nepal
• Understand in-situ and ex-situ conservation
• Identify protected animals and plants
• Suggest measures for biodiversity conservation

💡 EXAM TIPS

For definitions: Memorize key terms exactly as given

For types: Remember three types with examples (Ecosystem, Genetic, Species)

For ecological belts: Remember Terai (23%), Hilly (42%), Mountain (35%)

For rare animals: Focus on Tiger, Rhino, Red Panda, Elephant, Snow Leopard

For rare plants: Focus on Yarsagumba, Panch Aunle, Jatamansi, Sarpagandha

For numbers:

• National Parks: 12
• Wildlife Reserves: 3
• Conservation Areas: 6
• Protected mammals: 27
• Protected birds: 9
• Protected reptiles: 3

For diagrams: Practice drawing food chains, ecological belts

For long answers:

1. Introduction (definition)
2. Main body (types, importance, threats, conservation)
3. Conclusion (summary and suggestions)

For data: Remember Nepal's contribution (3.2% flora, 1.1% fauna)

📊 IMPORTANT DATA

• Nepal's land area: 0.1% of world
• World's flora in Nepal: 3.2%
• World's fauna in Nepal: 1.1%
• Total plant species: 6,973 (Angiosperm)
• Total mammal species: 212
• Total bird species: 876
• Total reptile species: 123
• Total fish species: 230
• Rhino population (2015): 645
• Tiger population (2013): 198
• Elephant population: 130-150
• Protected areas coverage: 19.5% of total land

🌿 MEMORY TRICKS

1. 3 Types of Biodiversity: "EGS" - Ecosystem, Genetic, Species
2. 3 Ecological Belts: "THM" - Terai, Hilly, Mountain
3. 5 Rare Animals: "TRERP" - Tiger, Rhino, Elephant, Red Panda, Python
4. 5 Rare Plants: "YPSJH" - Yarsagumba, Panch Aunle, Sarpagandha, Jatamansi, Himalayan Yew
5. Conservation Methods: "PACE-L" - Protected areas, Awareness, Coordination, Education, Laws