The organization and human use of terai riverine grasslands in the Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal (Vol 2).

Abstract

I studied the landscape dynamics, organization, and productivity of a toll-grass and riverine forest mosaic in the eastern portion of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Aerial photograph interpretation, releve sampling, experimental plots, models, and foraging studies were done. A model of landscape dynamics showed that fluvia1 action controlled landscape organization. Ten grasslands and three forest associations were identified on edaphic and successional gradients. Aboveground net primary production appears to be among the highest in the world. Large herbivore consumption was estimated at 6% of above-ground production. Humans legally harvested 11,132 tonnes of gross worth NRs 10 million in 1987. Experimental testing of the effects of mechanical disturbance, staggered burning, and cutting to maintain, create, or restore habitat and provide for compatible human use is suggested. An adoptive management approach is proposed to engage managers and scientists in using scientific methodology to gain reliable management information.

Citation

Lehmkuhl, John F. 1999. The organization and human use of terai riverine grasslands in the Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal (Vol 2). In: Grassland Ecology and Management in Protected Areas of Nepal: 37-49.