This study explores the seasonal availability of bee flora at Coronation Garden, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, during 2015-2016. A field survey documented flowering plant species visited by bees, confirming their role as bee flora through visual observations. Identified species were categorized into major, medium, and minor groups based on the nectar and pollen they provided. A total of 197 plant species were identified as bee flora, including horticultural, ornamental, wild, and agricultural species. The spring season of 2016 exhibited the highest abundance of blooming plants, making it the most favourable period for bees. The study emphasizes the importance of seasonal variation in bee flora availability, providing valuable insights for beekeeping practices.
Ecotourism in Nepal emerged with a dual focus on conservation and socio-economic development. While its implementation across various regions has brought notable benefits, including improved livelihoods for stakeholders and increased economic opportunities, it also presents environmental and management challenges. This study evaluated the ecological and economic impacts of tourism exploring its necessity for sustainability. By assessing the perspectives of stakeholders, tourists, and local residents, it revealed that although tourism contributes significantly to local development, it also poses serious environmental challenges. These include increased solid waste, the spread of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS), and reduced wildlife sightings. The findings highlight the need for improved sustainable management strategies to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation. This research serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to adopt practices that support both conservation and responsible tourism development.
Nile Tilapia is a versatile fish renowned for its rapid growth and occurs in a wide variety of freshwater habitats. The trial was done to evaluate the optimum percentage of C:N ratio in biofloc system. A trial was conducted at IAAS, Paklihawa Campus, Bhairahawa, Nepal from 1st March, 2024 to 28st July, 2024 upto 150 days. Altogether 15 circular polytank (500 liter) each were used with stocking density of 40 fish 0.4 m-3 with continuous aeration. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was set up with 5 treatments, each replicated thrice. The treatments were: (i) T1-without floc (Control) (ii) T2-with floc (C:N-10:1) (iii) T3-with floc (C:N-15:1) (iv) T4-with floc (C:N-20:1) and (v) T5-with floc (C:N-25:1). Molasses was taken as a carbon source. An intitial average weight of mono-sex tilapia fry (4.9±0.8 g) was stocked and 25% CP based pellet feed was given twice daily at 3% of body weight in all the treatments. At initial stage, there was no significant different in Temperature, pH, Ammonia, Nitrite and TSS at p <0.05 in all the treatments. But, there was significance different in Dissolved Oxygen, Floc level and TDS at p <0.05. Similarly, there was no significance different among the treatments in Initial Mean Weight (IMW), Total Initial Weight (TIW) and Initial Number (IN). But there was significantly different among the treatments in final mean weight, final harvest number, final harvest weight, DWG, GFY, NFY, and AFCR among the treatments. The highest final mean weight was found in T5 (58.8±7.6g) and the lowest final mean weight was found in T1 (13.0±0.4g). Result showed final harvest number was found highest in T5 (35.3±1.7) and the lowest in T1 (23.3±0.9). Similarly, the highest final harvest weight was found in T5 (2104.8±68.1g/tank) whereas the lowest final harvest weight was found in T1 (304.4±5.0 g/tank). There was no significantly different among the treatments in the mean value of abundance of bacteria, rotifers and copepda at p <0.05. But there was significantly different among the treatments in the mean value of Cladocera and Protozoa at p <0.05. The study suggests that T5 is found the best option for the growth performance of Nile tilapia in biofloc system.
The role of alien invasive plants on the interaction between native plants and soil has been a critical concern for understanding invasion mechanism and response of native plants towards invasion. This study aims to analyze the effect of invaded soils by an invasive Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob.) under sterilized and unsterilized conditions on growth performance of seedlings of a valuable native Sal tree (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.). For the analysis, seedlings of S. robusta were grown in pots and growth parameters were measured. Results showed that the C. odorata invaded soil reduces the root biomass, leaf length and leaf breadth of S. robusta seedlings. Sterilization of the invaded increased root and shoot and leaf size of the seedlings. In conclusion, soil sterilization can promote early-stage growth for S. robusta seedlings, adjusting with altering the shape and size of leaves in response to invasion. This suggests that soil microbes play an important role in negatively impacting native plants with invasion of C. odorata.
Chiuri (Diploknema butyracea), a culturally and economically significant tree in the Nepal Himalayas, plays a vital role as a cultural keystone species. This study examined its regeneration across 90 plots along three elevational gradients: lower (500-800 m), middle (800-1100 m), and upper (1100-1400 m) in western, central, and eastern Nepal. The highest seedling densities occurred in the Upper Central (16 seedlings/ha) and Upper Western (14 seedlings/ha) regions. Regeneration was affected by factors such as disturbance, shade intolerance, thick litter layers, short seed viability, and grazing. Notably, areas with low disturbance and strong traditional conservation practices, especially among the Chepang community, showed better regeneration outcomes. The findings highlight the value of indigenous knowledge in promoting forest health. To ensure the long-term survival of Chiuri, the study recommends establishing seed orchards, promoting public awareness, and launching large-scale plantations. These efforts would enhance both the ecological sustainability and cultural significance of this important Himalayan species.
