EX-SITU CONSERVATION OF FAUNA AT CENTRAL
ZOO OF JAWALAKHEL LALITPUR, NEPAL
A Report Submitted for the Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Secondary Level Education of
National Examination Board
By
Sweekar Raut
Grade XI,
Symbol No.12730148 ,
Reg No.793271271211
Capital College and Research Center
Koteshwor, Nepal
June, 2022
ABSTRACT
The survey work entitled "Ex-situ Conservation of Fauna at
Central Zoo, Lalitpur, Nepal" was conducted on 8th of June
2022at Central Zoo of Lalitpur, Nepal. The main objective of
the study was to find out the list of fauna in ex-situ during the
survey period. Both primary and secondary data were used for
the survey. A total of 108 faunal species belonging to 34
species of mammalian fauna, 51 species of avifauna, 9 species
of reptilian fauna and 14 species of ichthyofauna were
recorded. The present survey showed that, the central Zoo has
been providing a good environment for the Ex-situ
conservation of fauna. Proper management of solid waste and
additional space for fauna could further enhance the
importance of Central Zoo for wildlife conservation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to acknowledge Mr. Hemant Pokhrel for helping
me while recording the fauna of Jawalakhel area. I would like
to express my indebtness to all my teachers especially the
teachers of Biology Department, Capital College and Research
Centre, Koteshwor, Kathmandu.
Date: …. June,2022
Sweekar Raut
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Background
The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is exceptionally rich and diverse in
its biodiversity. It is partly due to its position at the intersection
between two great zoogeographic realms: the oriental realm to the
south and palearctic realm to the north; and due to the variation in
climate and topography within of 150 kilometers. Topography ranges
from the Terai habitat (70 m) to the top of the world, (Mt. Everest
8,848 m) and forest types range from Sal forest of Tropical zone in
the lowlands to Alpine Meadows of Alpine zone on the northern
faces of the Himalaya (Chaudhary, 1998). The country occupies
about 0.1 percent of the global area but harbors over one percent of
the world's known fauna. So far, 208 species of mammals, 867
species of birds, 123 species of reptiles, 117 species of amphibians
and 230 species of fishes have been recorded from Nepal (GON,
2014). In Nepal, Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity has been carried
out in Central Zoo of Nepal. It was established by the Rana Prime
Minister Juddha Shamsher Junga Bahadur Rana in 1932 as a private
collection of animals and birds. After the end of Rana Regime in
1951 AD, the facility was takeover by Government of Nepal and
opened to the public in 1956 after converting it to today's Central Zoo
(Sadar Chidiyakhana in Nepali). Zoo aims to develop as a center for
ex-situ wildlife research and conservation. The Central Zoo, with an
area of about 6 ha., provides shelter to a number of mammals, bird,
fish and reptile and fish species. It also serves as recreational center
for the visitors. Some of the earlier biologist, Joshi (2007) had
studied the welfare assessment of wildlife at Central Zoo. Similarly,
Mahat and Koirala (2010) had studied economic evaluation of
Central Zoo. Tandukar (2014) studied welfare status of threatened
mammals of Central Zoo. The present study provides knowledge on
animal care and conservation. It will increase in scientific learning
about animals, their habitats and behavior. The study will
significantly enhance educational knowledge and concern species,
and also encourage to participate in their conservation. about
endangered
1.1
Objectives of the Study
 To study the fauna of the Central Zoo in ex situ condition.
 To prepare a checklist of the mammals, birds, reptiles,
amphibians and fishes of the central ZOO.
 To study the management of Central Zoo and provide
some recommendations.
1.2
Study Area
The study was conducted at Central Zoo of Nepal which is
located in Jawalakhel of Lalitpur district. Geographically, it is
located at 27° 40' 21.68" N latitude, 85° 18' 42.60" E longitude
and about 1323 masl. It covers an area of 6 ha of land (Paudel
et al., 2003).
Figure 1: Location of the Central Zoo
CHAPTER 2: MATERIALS AND METHODS
The field study was conducted on 8th June 2022 at the central Zoo,
Nepal. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study.
Primary data on wildlife were collected through observation, key
informant interviews with staffs of zoo, consultations with local
visitors. The data generated during consultations and interviews were
reviewed through secondary literatures. Secondary literatures were
collected through various published and unpublished articles,
journals, Acts, internet, books, media. Microsoft excel 2020 is used
for data interpretation and analysis.
CHAPTER 3: RESULTS
During the survey, a total of 125 faunal species belonging to 32
species of mammals, 63 species of birds, 9 species of reptiles and 21
species of fishes were recorded. Out of 125 species, 5 species of
mammals, 18 species of birds, 2 species of reptiles and 21 species of
fishes were exotic. Table 1 and figure 2, presents the native and exotic
species recorded during the survey
Table 1: List of Native and Exotic Fauna at Central Zoo
Fauna
Native
Exotic
Total
Mammals
27
5
32
Birds
45
18
63
Reptiles
7
2
9
Amphibians
0
0
0
Fishes
0
21
21
Total
79
46
125
Source: Field Survey, 2022
CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
The overall impression of the Central zoo was found to be good. It
has been providing a good ex-situ habitat for wildlife species and
some which are nationally and globally threatened species. It is also
true that the zoo has been bringing people and animals together,
educating the public and fostering the appreciation for the wild
animals. Animals are provided with good food, cared and treated well.
Visitors enjoy the facility of wildlife watching, rafting, elephant
riding and fishing. However, on the other side, animal right activists
believe that humans have no right to confine wildlife for the public
amusement or in the name of education. So, wildlife expert and
animal right activists need to work together for the creation of a
species-appropriate environment. The establishment of an 'open zoo'
with international standards could also be a possible solution.
Figure 2: Native and Exotic Fauna at Central Zoo
Central zoo was found to provide excellent ex-situ
conservation of some globally threatened species such as
[write scientific name]. Inadequate space for species and
visitors, problems of solid wastes, lacking of proper
information systems, poor species display board and feeding
of wildlife by visitors were also recorded.
CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATION
More collection of indigenous fauna has to be initiated. Area must be
expanded. Proper space should be provided. Solid waste should be
properly managed. Wildlife management is strengthened. Barking
Deer, Spotted deer and Black buck were found higher in number that
should be translocated.
CHAPTER 6: REFERENCES
Chaudhary, R. P. 1998. Biodiversity in Nepal: Status and
Conservation. Saharanpur, S. Devi Publication. Government of Nepal.
2014. Nepal National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 20142020. Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil
Conservation, Nepal. Joshi, D. D. 2007. Welfare Assessment of
Wildlife Animals and Birds in Central Zoo of Kathmandu, Nepal.
National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Research Centre (NZFHRC).
Mahat, T. J. and Koirala, M. 2010. Economic Valuation of the Central
Zoo of Nepal, ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal. Paudel, S., Jha, K,
Ranjit, P. and Rai, G. 2003. Species Requirements of Central Zoo,
Tirupati Publication, Kathmandu. Tandukar, R. 2014. An Assessment
on the Welfare Status of Endangered Terrestrial Mammals at Nepal
Central Zoo, Surakhsya Publication, Kathmandu.
Chapter 7: ANNEXES
Table 2: Fauna Under Ex-Situ Conservation at Central Zoo
S.No.
Common
Name
English Name
Scientific Name
N/E
Mammals
1
Bagh
Bengal Tiger
Panther tigris
N
2
Chital
Spotted deer
Axis axis
N
3
Hatti
Asian Elephant
Elephas maximus
N
4
Jal Gaida
Hippopotamus
amphibias
5
Patas Badar
Patas Monkey
Erythrocebuss
E
patas
6
Ban Manche
Saimang
Symphalangus
E
syndactylus
7
Arna
Wild water
Bubalus arnee
E
…..
…..
…..
buffalo
…..
…..
Birds
1
Mayur
Indian Peafowl
Pavo cristatus
N
2
Sarus
Sarus Crane
Grus antigone
N
3
Pelican
White pelican
Pelecanus
E
onocrotalus
4
Khaire sugha
Grey Parrot
Psittacus
E
5
Daphe
Himalayan Muna Lophophorus
E
impejanus
6
Chankhu
Java Sparrow
Padda oryzirora
E
Black kite
Milrus migrans
N
…..
…..
Gharial Crocodile
Gravialis
bhaghero
7
Kallo chil
….. …..
Reptiles
1
Gharial Gohi
N
gangeticus
2
Kachuwa
Roofed Turtle
Kachuga tectum
N
3
Sun gohoro
Monitor lizard
Varanus
N
4
Ajaginger
Python
Python moluras
E
5
Gharel gohi
Chinese Alligator
Alligator sinesis
E
6
Giant
Aldabra giant
Adabrachelys
E
tortoise
gigantea
…..
…..
….. …..
1
-
Tiger Barb
Barbus tetrazona
E
2
-
Gold fish
Carratius auratus
E
…..
…..
…..
…..
Fishes
ANNEX 2
Table 3: List of People Consulted during the Survey
S.N Full Name
Age Sex Address
1
Hemant Pyakurel
18
M
Koteshwor
2
Birendra Neupane
19
M
Koteshwor
3
R C Mam
32
F
4
Smaran Khatiwoda
18
M
Koteshwor
Sign