121 Breeding Tigers Estimated To Be Found In Nepal
ScienceDaily (July 28, 2009) — Kathmandu, Nepal – The first ever overall nation-wide estimate of the tiger population brought a positive ray of hope among conservationists. The figures announced by the Nepal Government's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) shows the presence of 121 (100 – 194) breeding tigers in the wild within the four protected areas of Nepal. The 2008 tiger population estimate was jointly implemented by the DNPWC, Department of Forests (DOF), WWF, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) with support from Save The Tiger Fund (STF), WWF-US, WWF-UK, WWF International and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
See also:
Plants & Animals
Endangered Animals
Wild Animals
Cats
Earth & Climate
Rainforests
Environmental Policy
Exotic Species
Reference
Biodiversity hotspot
Tiger
Endangered species
Carnivore
The 2008 nation-wide tiger population was initiated on 15 November 2009 in the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) of Nepal both inside and outside the protected areas of Nepal. [TAL encompasses the Terai region of Nepal and into tiger range states across the border into India.]
"To obtain reliable population estimates of wide ranging species like the tiger, it is important to undertake the survey simultaneously in all potential habitats," says Dr. Rinjan Shrestha, Conservation Biologist with WWF Nepal. Previous studies had been undertaken in different time periods and at different spatial scales.
"To derive information on both abundance and distribution of tigers, the current survey employed two methods - Camera Trapping method inside the protected areas and Habitat Occupancy survey both inside and outside the protected areas."
According to WWF Global Tiger Network Initiative, the wild tiger population is at a tipping point. Tigers are experiencing a range collapse, occupying 40 per cent less habitat than was estimated just one decade ago. The estimated number of tigers in important range countries is frighteningly low, with a recent government census suggesting there may be as few as 1,300 tigers left in India, the species' stronghold. And tigers are facing an epidemic of poaching and habitat loss across their range.
The main reason for the decline of tiger populations has been attributed to poaching and illegal trade. This is linked to the illegal international trade in tiger parts and derivatives (skin, bones, meat in some cases although not reported in Nepal) and use in traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM). Apart from these, sporadic cases of retaliatory killing from irate communities have been reported. Other important reasons of tiger population decline are habitat shrinkage and fragmentation due to human intervention, loss/decline of prey species.
"The tiger numbers have increased in Chitwan but decreased in Bardia and Shuklaphanta," said Mr. Anil Manandhar, Country Representative, WWF Nepal.
"In spite of the decade long insurgency, encroachment, poaching and illegal trade, the present numbers is a positive sign, but we can't remain unworried. The declining numbers in western Nepal has posed more challenges, needing a concerted effort to save this charismatic endangered species focusing on anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trade."
The Government of Nepal has approved and launched the 'Tiger conservation Action Plan 2008- 2012'. A comprehensive management plan has been devised in which the target is to increase the population of tigers by 10 per cent within the first 5 year period of the plan implementation.
"Tigers can not be saved by the effort of a single individual or a single organization," said Mr. Gopal Prasad Upadhyay, Director General, DNPWC. "The transboundary relation with India needs to be strengthened further and all organizations should work together to conserve tigers."

Animal Breeding Division
Background History
Activities relating to animal breeding started in the country in 1960/61with the initiation of artificial insemination (AI) programme to upgrade the native cattle by using the warm semen of the exotic breeds through Livestock Improvement Section. Artificial Insemination Project was established in Tripureswor in 1968/69 that helped to establish the liquid nitrogen plant in Tripureswor and the production of frozen semen started in the following years. In those days, the AI programme was restricted to Kathmandu valley. AI programme of Tripureswor was then shifted to Khumaltar and was upgraded as Animal Breeding Section under the Central Livestock Development Centre (CLDC) in 1985/86. This helped in expanding the AI activities in other districts to conduct the genetic improvement programme. During this time CLDC was under the Department of Livestock Services (DLS). The Animal Breeding Section was upgraded to Central Animal Breeding Division under National Agricultural Research and Service Centre (NARSC), Khumaltar in 1988/89. Later in 1991, NARSC has been changed to Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) as an autonomous institution under "Nepal Agricultural Research Council Act-1991" with the prospect of having an efficient, effective and dynamic agricultural research system in the country and accordingly, the Central Animal Breeding Division was changed to Animal Breeding Division under the Council. The Council now has two major research institutes; National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) and National Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI). Animal Breeding Division is working as one of the disciplinary division under NASRI, since its establishment.
Introduction
Animal Breeding Division is one among the five technical divisions of National Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI) under the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). The Division is responsible and mandated for the systematic evaluation and improvement of native genetic resources and introduced breeds of different livestock species intending to improve the livestock productivity. The Division, apart from doing laboratory based out-reach research at Khumaltar, is now conducting breeding research in different agricultural research stations (ARS), commodity programmes and regional agricultural research station (RARS) of NARC as well as at farmers’ field. The laboratory-based works are focussed to support the different commodities to make their programme effective and productive.
The Division is situated in Khumaltar, Satdobato, Lalitpur, District (South of Kathmandu on the way to Godawari) at an altitude of 1360 masl. The Division is located at 27o 40" north latitude and 85o 20" east longitude.
Mandate
Systematic Evaluation of Native and Introduced Exotic Breeds of Livestock Species Intending for Improved Productivity
Objectives
To develop a national breed performance database to facilitate the evaluation of genotype performance and identification of superior genotypes
To undertake applied genetic research in all farm animals and birds in collaboration with livestock commodity research programme and agricultural research station (ARS)
To establish and improve nucleus breeding herds of dairy animals, meat and wool producing animals and egg producing birds in collaboration with livestock commodity research programme and agricultural research station (ARS)
To conserve, maintain and improve germplasm diversity of farm animals and birds
To collaborate and support DLS (Department of Livestock Services) farms to develop " nucleus breeder farmers" to maintain line breeding
To develop improved reproduction technology appropriate to small farmers and small holders
To establish linkage through NARC with international research organizations, institutes, universities for exchange of experts and materials
To formulate national policies of genetic improvement for sustainable production system of domesticated livestock and birds
To provide leadership and coordination with DLS, IAAS (Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences), Nepal Academic for Science and Technology (NAST) and NGOs for research in the field of animal genetic research and breeding fields
To extend expertise and consultancy services in animal breeding technologies
To coordinate the nationals research efforts into the causes of infertility and delayed breeding in livestock
To take a leadership in the national programme for importation and testing of new and improved genetic materials including frozen semen and embryo
Programs
Genetic Improvement/Breed Development
Reproductive Physiology and Biotechnology
Genetic Resource Conservation and Utilization
Genetic Improvement/Breed Development
Under this category, the evaluation of native breeds and their improvement programme, and investigation of suitable breeds for existing agro-climatic conditions and management systems are being implemented. Studies on the identification of suitable breeds and then their development works are also carried out. List of the on-going projects of the Division under the programme is as follows;
Participatory Breeding Approach for Production of Quality Murrah Buffalo Bulls in Nepal
Participatory Breeding Approach for Improved Productivity of Khari Goat in Western and Central Development Region of Nepal
Establishment of Elite Herds of Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes
Reproductive Physiology and Biotechnology
Under this programme, studies on reproduction physiology and some of the biotechnology tools such as Heat synchronization and AI will be undertaken for improving the livestock productivity. List of the on-going projects of the Division under the programme is as follows;
Study on Production, Freezing and Insemination of Semen of Crossbred Bulls in Nepal
Establishment of Elite Herds of Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes
The diversity of animal genetic resources in the country is shrinking due to introduction of exotic blood and lack of promotion of indigenous animal germplasm (Farm Animal Genetic Resources, 1997). There may be many breeds/strains of domesticated animals and birds that need to be identified and characterized. The importance and value of the local breeds/strains has to be established and evaluated for their merit. Under this programme, activities relating to identification, characterization of breeds/strains for their further utilization and conservation are being implemented. List of the on-going projects of the Division under the programme is as follows;
Animal Genetic Resources Conservation and Improvement in Nepal
Characterization of Native Animal Genetic Resources: Terai Buffaloes
Conservation and Utilization of Rare Breeds of Indigenous Cattle, Achhami
Major Output/Achievements
Genetic Improvement/Breed Development
Jersey crossbreds (50 to 75%) are suitable for Nepalese conditions for higher milk production
Holstein-Friesian should be selected for high intensive management system
The native hill cattle blood level should not be lower than 25% to make effective use of resistant gene to parasites and diseases prevailing in the cattle farming system of Nepal
Native breeds of buffalo like Lime, Parkote and Gaddi have been identified
Khari/Hill goats have been proved to be the most productive breed of goat for hills of Nepal
Selection within the Hill/Khari goats can improve the overall productivity
Wool production of native sheep can be increased by crossbreeding with exotic breeds (Polworth, Merino and Border Leicester) of sheep
Wool obtained from crossbred sheep is not suitable for making carpet
Exotic pig breeds adapted and found productive for our conditions are Hampshire, Yorkshire, Landrace. Pakhribas black pig is suitable breed for the hills of Nepal
Angora rabbits can be successfully reared in the hilly region of Nepal
German Angora rabbits are suitable breed for our condition
Dual purpose poultry breeds (New Hampshire and Austrolorp) have been recommended for scavenging and semi intensive system
Reproductive Physiology and Biotechnology
Semen production techniques in cattle and buffaloes established
Egg Yolk Citrate (EYC), Lactose-Fructose Egg Yolk (LFEY) and TRIS diluents are equally effective for freezing the semen of cattle and buffalo
TRIS is found to be more effective in buffalo semen
Heat shynchronization protocol is established for indigenous cattle and buffaloes. They are two dose of prostaglandin hormone at 11 days apart (day 0 and at 11 day after 1st injection) to cyclic buffaloes and cattle are effective for bringing them on heat. Similarly, one dose of prostaglandin and two dose of gonadotrophin (GnRH) at 14 days apart to non-cyclic cattle and buffaloes are effective for bringing them on heat
Embryo transfer (ET) techniques in cattle established
Establishment of Elite Herds of Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes
Altogether 25 native breeds have been identified. They are Lulu, Achhami, Khaila, Terai Pahari and Yak in cattle; Lime, Parkote and Gaddi in buffaloes; Khari, Terai, Sinhal and Chyangra in goats; Lampuchhre, Kage, Baruwal and Bhyanglung in sheep; Hurrah, Chwanche and Bampudke in pigs; Sakini, Ghanti Khuile and Puwankh Ulte in chicken and Jumli horse in horse
All of these have been identified at phenotypic level while a few are characterized at chromosomal level and one at DNA level
Status of these breeds in relation to conservation determined

rare species of nepal

SN
Scientific Name
Local Name
Common Name
Status
IUCN
CITES
Mammals






1
Ailurus flugens
Habre
Red Panda

I
2
Antilope carvicapra
Krishnasar
Black buck
V
III
3
Bos gaurus
Gauri Gai
Gaur
V
I
4
Bos mutus
Yok Nak
Wild Yak
E
I
5
Bubalus bubalis
Arna
Wild water buffalo
E
III
6
Canis lupus
Bwanso
Tibetan woulf
V
I
7
Caprolagus hispidus
Hispid Kharayo
Hispid Hare
E
I
8
Cervus duvaceli
Barasinghe
Swamp deer
E
I
9
Elephus maximus
Jangali Hatti
Asiatic elephant
E
I
10
Felis lynx
Lynx
Lynx
E
II
11
Hyaena hyaena
Hundar
Striped hyaena
E

12
Macaca assamensis
Asamese Rato Bander
Asamese monkey

II
13
Manis pantadactyla
Salak
Chinese pangolin

II
14
Moschus chrysogaster
Kasturi
Himalayan Musk Deer
E
I
15
Ovis ammon
Nayan
Great Tibetan Sheep
I
I
16
Panthera tigris
Bagh
Royal Bengal Tiger
E
I
17
Panthera uncia
Hiun Chituwa
Snow Leopard
E
I
18
Pantholops hodgsoni
Chiru
Tibetan Antelope

I
19
Pardofelis nebulosa
Dhwanshe Chitwa
Clouded Leopard
V
I
20
Platanista gangetica
Sauns
Gangetic Dolphin
V
I
21
Prionailurus bengalensis
Chari Bagh
Leopard Cat

II
22
Prionodon pardicolor
Silu
Spotted Lingsang

I
23
Rhinoceros unicornis
Gainda
Greater one-horned rhinoceros


24
Sus salvinus
Sano/Pudke Bandel
Pigmy Hog
EXN
I
25
Tetracerus quadricornis
Chausingha
Four-horned Antelope

III
26
Ursus arctos
Himali Rato Bhalu
Brown Bear

I
Birds
27
Buceros bicornis
Thulo Dhanesh
Great Pied Hornbill

I
28
Catreus wallichil
Cheer
Cheer Pheasent
E
I
29
Ciconia nigra
Kalo Saras
Black Strock

II
30
Ciconia ciconia
Seto Saras
White Strock

II
31
Eupodotis bengalensis
Khar Majur
Bengal Florican
E
I
32
Grus grus
Saras
Common Crane


33
Lophophorus impejanus
Danfe
Impeyan Pheasant

I
34
Sypheotides inidica
Sano Khar Mujur
Lessar Florican

II
35
Tragopan satyra
Munal
Crimsom-horned Pheasant


Reptiles
36
Gavialis gangeticus
Ghadial
Gharial Crocodile
E
I
37
Python molurus
Ajingar
Asiatic Rock Python
V
I
38
Varanus f;avescens
Sun Gohoro
Golden Monitor Lizard
I
I
CITES status categories are:
I = Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction
II = Appendix II: Species not yet threatened, but which could become endangered if trade is not controlled.
III = Appendix III: Species that are protected by individual countries within their borders, and for which co-operation of other convention signatories is sought.
IUCN threatened categories are:
E= Endangered: A taxa in danger of extinction, and whose survival is the causal factors continue operating.
V= Vulnerable: A taxa believed likely to move into the "Endangered" category in the near future if the causal factors continue operating.
R= Rare: A taxa with small world population that is not at present "Endangered" or "Vulnerable".
I = Indeterminate: A taxa known to be endangered, vulnerable or rare, but for which there is not enough information to say which of the three categories is appropriate.
K= Insufficiently known: A taxa suspected but definitely not known to belong any of the above categories because of lack of information.
T= Threatened: A taxa that can not be ascribed to any of the previous categories.

Threatened species are defined as those animals listed by the IUCN's Red Data Book , the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (Appendices I, II, and III), and animals protected under Schedule I (Protected Wildlife, pertaining to section 10) of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 2029 (1972/1973) of Nepal. These species are considered to be rare, endangered, threatened or vulnerable to extinction within Nepal or elsewhere within their ranges. Species listed by CITES are considered threatened by unregulated international trade. This list was developed from information contained in the 1988 Annotated CITES Appendices and Reservations prepared by the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Unit of the IUCN Conservation Monitoring Center in Cambridge, England.