Ecological and Conservation Status of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo in Annapurna Conservation Area

Chhatra Bahadur Khadka

The aim of the project is to assess the Ecological and Conservation Status of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo in Annapurna Conservation Area.

Dactylorhiza hatagirea is a threatened species in Nepal. It is listed in the appendix II of CITIES. The main aim of this project is to assess the ecological and Conservation Status of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo in Annapurna Conservation Area. Besides this, the population dynamic modelling of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo will be used to determine the harvesting level of the orchid at the project area.

Myself measuring the collar diameter using calliper.

Myself measuring the collar diameter using calliper.

The project work is going to be conducted in Paplekharka of Lete Village Development Committee which lies in the Mustang District of Nepal. Few Studies about this orchid have been conducted in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, the awareness about the conservation of this threatened orchid has become mandatory in Annapurna Conservation Area.

Using audio-visual aids, awareness will be created through Schools, CBOs and NGOs/INGOs working in the sector of NTFPs relating with the in situ and ex-situ conservation of Dactylorhiza hatagirea at local level. Few campaigns on Conservation of this orchid will be conducted at the project site. In addition to that local and national media including the newspapers and Video channels will be used to create awareness on the ex-situ conservation of the Dactylorhiza hatagirea. This would have created positive impacts on ex-situ conservation of Dactylorhiza hatagirea on illiterate people too. Workshop and talk program on the ex-situ and insitu conservation of this orchid will be conducted in academic and government institutions. This will create a positive thinking about insitu and ex-situ conservation of Dactylorhiza hatagirea on the students of academic institutions and government officials concerned with the conservation of Dactylorhiza hatagirea. The illegal trading of Dactylorhiza hatagirea will also be minimized in the project area due to awareness program in the project area. Finally, awareness on sustainable harvesting and management of the Dactylorhiza hatagirea will be achieved by the end of the project.

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