Forest and wildlife Presentation for the students
- 2. HNRS 524: Forestry and Wildlife Management Him Lal Shrestha, PhD [email protected] Visiting Faculty August 2025
- 3. Module 1: Introductory • Forest: Definition, types, national, regional and global context, branches of forestry, silviculture and silvicultural systems • Wildlife and biodiversity: definition, national and global context
- 4. Forest and forestry • Definition, types, national, regional and global context, branches of forestry, silviculture and silvicultural systems
- 5. Definitions Forest • According to the FAO, Forest is defined as: “land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than. 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It. does not include land that is predominantly under agricultural or urban land use”. • The FAO defines a forest as land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10%, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It includes areas with trees that are temporarily unstocked due to disturbances, as long as there is intent to reforest.
- 6. Definitions Forest • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): The UNFCCC defines a forest as a minimum area of land of 0.05-1.0 hectares with tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10-30% with trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of 2-5 meters at maturity in situ. A forest may consist of either closed forest formations, where trees form a continuous canopy cover, or open forest formations, where the canopy cover is broken, but trees still exceed the minimum height and crown cover.
- 7. Definitions Forest • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): The IUCN defines a forest as a terrestrial ecosystem characterized by more or less dense and extensive tree cover, usually with one or more dominant species. It may also include associated ecosystems rich in biodiversity, and is not limited to large blocks of wooded land, as it may also be patches or strips of trees along rivers or roads.
- 8. Definitions Forest • World Bank: The World Bank's definition of a forest is similar to that of the FAO, emphasizing land with a minimum area and tree cover thresholds. The World Bank's definition is commonly used in projects and initiatives related to forestry and natural resource management.
- 9. Definitions Forest • Forest Definition as per the Forest Act of Nepal, 1993: "A forest means a land having a continuous area of five ropanis (1 ropani = 508.74 square meters) or more, having trees of any kind or size or shrubs or bushes in such density that not more than two persons can pass at a time or having such an area as may be prescribed by the Government of Nepal, by notification in the Nepal Gazette."
- 10. Definitions Forest • The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) does not provide an official definition of a forest. IUFRO is a global network of forest researchers, and its focus is on facilitating communication and collaboration among researchers working in various aspects of forestry and forest-related research. While IUFRO doesn't provide a specific forest definition, it plays a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge related to forests, forest management, and related fields.
- 11. Forest types •Physiography : Compose of temperature, rainfall, latitude, longitude, terrain condition, interaction
- 12. Global Context: Forestry • Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Forests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide essential habitat for countless plant and animal species and play a critical role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil preservation. • Climate Change Mitigation: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of climate change. Deforestation and forest degradation contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. • Wood and Non-Wood Products: Forests provide a renewable source of wood and non-wood products like fruits, nuts, resins, and medicinal plants. Sustainable forestry practices ensure a continuous supply of these resources without depleting ecosystems. • Livelihoods and Communities: Many communities around the world depend on forests for their livelihoods, including through subsistence agriculture, gathering of forest products, and ecotourism. Sustainable forest management can contribute to poverty reduction and local development. • Conservation and Protected Areas: Forests are often home to unique and threatened species. Many forested areas are designated as protected areas or conservation zones to safeguard biodiversity and maintain ecosystem integrity.
- 13. • National context of Forestry in Nepal • Biodiversity and Conservation: • Nepal is exceptionally biodiverse, with a wide range of ecosystems from subtropical forests in the lowlands to alpine meadows in the Himalayas. Forests in Nepal provide critical habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including many that are endemic or endangered. • Economic Importance: • Forestry contributes to Nepal's economy through timber and non-timber forest products. Timber is used for construction and various industries, while non-timber products include medicinal plants, herbs, fruits, and resins. • Livelihoods: • Forests are essential for the livelihoods of millions of Nepalese people, particularly in rural areas. Many communities rely on forests for subsistence farming, fuelwood, fodder, and other resources. • Water Resources: • Forests play a crucial role in water regulation and maintaining watersheds. They help stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and regulate water flow, which is vital for agriculture and hydropower generation. • Climate Change Mitigation: • Nepal's forests contribute to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Sustainable forest management and conservation efforts help combat deforestation
- 14. National context of Forestry in Nepal • Community Forestry: • Nepal is known for its successful community forestry model, where local communities are empowered to manage and benefit from nearby forests. Community forest user groups have played a significant role in conservation and sustainable resource management. • Conservation Efforts: • Nepal has established a network of protected areas, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas, to safeguard its unique biodiversity. These areas are crucial for species conservation and ecotourism. • Challenges: • Deforestation, forest degradation, and illegal logging are pressing challenges in Nepal. Pressures from population growth, unsustainable land use practices, and infrastructure development can threaten forest ecosystems. • Government Initiatives: • The Government of Nepal has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote sustainable forest management, conservation, and community involvement. These include the Forest Act, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and programs to combat illegal logging. • Research and Education: • Research institutions and universities in Nepal are actively engaged in studying forest ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable management practices. Education and awareness campaigns promote responsible forest use.
- 15. Forestry terminologies/ Technical Terms • Silviculture: Tree structure, bark, bole, branches, canopy/crown, leaves, characteristics, habitat, use, distribution, • Silvicultural systems • Definitions of 101 Forestry Technical Terms or 85 Forestry Technical Terms • https://www.ncforestry.org/education/education-materials/glossary- of-forestry-terms
- 16. Branches of forestry • Forest ecology • Wildlife and biodiversity • Forest mensuration • Silviculture • Forest protection • Forest management • Forest utilization • Agroforestry • Forest Economics • Forest Law, policy and regulation
- 17. Branches of forestry • Silviculture: Silviculture is the practice of growing and cultivating forests. It involves techniques for planting, tending, and harvesting trees to achieve specific objectives, such as timber production, wildlife habitat enhancement, or ecosystem restoration. • Forest Management: This branch deals with the planning and implementation of strategies to sustainably manage forests for various purposes. Forest managers make decisions about harvesting, regeneration, pest control, and other activities to ensure the long-term health and productivity of forests. • Forest Ecology: Forest ecology focuses on understanding the relationships between living organisms within forest ecosystems and their environments. It involves studying the interactions
- 18. Branches of forestry • Wildlife Management: Wildlife management in forestry involves conserving and enhancing wildlife populations within forested areas. This branch addresses habitat preservation, species monitoring, and strategies for managing wildlife populations to ensure their long-term viability. • Forest Economics: Forest economics involves studying the economic aspects of forestry, including the valuation of timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services. It also explores the economic impacts of various forest management practices and policies. • Forest Policy and Governance: This branch focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and regulations related to forests. It includes considerations of land ownership, tenure, land-use planning, and legal frameworks for
- 19. Branches of forestry • Forest Pathology: Forest pathology deals with the study of diseases that affect trees and forest ecosystems. It involves identifying and understanding the causes, spread, and impacts of diseases on forest health. • Forest Entomology: Forest entomology is the study of insects that interact with forest ecosystems. This includes pests that can damage trees as well as insects that play beneficial roles in pollination and nutrient cycling. • Forest Hydrology: Forest hydrology examines the movement and distribution of water within forested landscapes. It explores the impacts of forests on water quality and quantity, including their roles in watershed management.
- 20. Branches of forestry • Forest Biotechnology: This emerging branch explores the application of biotechnological methods to improve forest tree species for various purposes, such as enhanced growth, disease resistance, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. • Agroforestry: Agroforestry involves integrating trees and shrubs with agricultural crops and/or livestock on the same piece of land. It aims to combine the benefits of forestry and agriculture, such as increased biodiversity, soil fertility, and diversified income sources. • Urban and Community Forestry: This branch focuses on managing trees and green spaces within urban and suburban areas. It involves enhancing the quality of life in cities by promoting healthy urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide.