Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal Himalaya

Abstract

Present study was conducted to explore and document the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Nepal Himalaya, and to assess their conservation status. The field data was collected from June 21 to July 15, 2004. Primary information of NTFPs was based on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) which included field observation, interviews and focus group discussion. Altogether 103 species of NTFPs belonging to 40 families and 74 genera, used for food, firewood, fodder, buildings construction, incense, and medicines were recorded from the study area. Out of them, 21 species were found to be dominant, 29 species abundant, 35 species common, 14 not so common and 4 species rare. Furthermore, 17 species of lichens belonging to six families and eight genera were also recorded. Impact on the vegetation was mostly due to the disturbance by tourism, animal grazing, building of houses, fuel wood and timber collection. Ecological study of the representative NTFPs showed that number of medicinal plants was comparatively low in all the areas investigated. Arenaria sp., Rhododendron sp., Juniperus sp., Abies spectabilis., Pinus wallichiana., Betula utilis, Lyonia ovalifolia., Arundinaria sp., Zanthoxylum armatum., Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Ferns, Mushrooms, etc. have been found to be directly or indirectly affected by tourists and guides/porters.

Key words: Sagarmatha; NTFPs; Conservation status; Impact; Tourism.

DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3833

Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.85-91