Draft CMP HH - the Department of Environment

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project BGD/99/G31 Hakaluki Haor Draft Conservation Management Plan • Re-establishing viable populations of threatened plants and plant communities is time consuming, expensive and not necessarily be in the interests of local communities 7.1.5 Ecological Monitoring Programme Ecological monitoring represents an important step towards assessing the status of biodiversity and critical habitats at Hakaluki Haor, as well as provides a scientifically sound basis upon which appropriate conservation management decisions can be made. Such decisions will include prioritising the recovery of endangered species and critical habitats, articulating strategies to safeguard and prevent further plant and animal populations from becoming threatened, and justifying the deployment of funds and human resources to protect at risk species. An outline ecological programme has already been developed, but a significant amount of work is still required to articulate the details of the programme especially in relation to flagship species in particular birds, but also fish. Management Actions • Further develop the ecological monitoring programme for Hakaluki Haor • Develop detailed workplans to effectively organise and coordinate ecological monitoring field visits • Begin implementing ecological monitoring activities with particular emphasis on flagship species especially birds, fish, and swamp forests • Involve local community groups to the greatest extent possible in the implementation of the ecological monitoring programme • Provide necessary training to local community groups which enables them to independently undertake ecological monitoring activities • Enter data into already established databases and create new databases as required • Analyse data periodically and assess change in status of biodiversity • Prepare regular reports including maps, graphs, tables and other appropriate means of presenting information which articulate changes observed and highlight key areas of conservation concern as required • Develop recommendations aimed at mitigating adverse changes in the status of biodiversity of Hakaluki Haor • Make appropriate conservation management decisions based on analysed data Primary Outcome/ Output • Increased data concerning status and trends of biodiversity Constraints • Community groups may not be interested to participate in ecological monitoring activities • Sufficient technical expertise may not exist in DoE to ensure that ecological monitoring activities are sustained over the long-term • Field data may not be accurate enough for conservation management purposes Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 17
Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project BGD/99/G31 Hakaluki Haor Draft Conservation Management Plan 7.1.6 Alien Invasive and Exotic Species Relatively little research has been done to determine the presence and impact of invasive species on the ecology of Hakaluki Haor. Although not currently recognised as serious threat to the ECA, Alien invasive and exotic species have the potential to cause major disruptions to the Hakaluki Haor ecosystem and threaten the survival its biodiversity. Such impacts are widely documented around the world and it is now widely recognised that the best defence is prevention coupled with a detailed assessment of the current status of invasive species and the introduction of proper management regimes. Introduced Flora The most common invasive plant species in the ECA is the aquatic water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Originally from Brazil and introduced during the British colonial period for its pretty flower and decorative purposes, it is now found not only throughout Hakaluki Haor, but also all over Bangladesh. It is a serious invasive which, because of its ability to reproduce very quickly, blocks waterways and displaces indigenous aquatic plant species. The problem is being somewhat mitigated by local communities who harvest the water hyacinth to use as fodder for cattle and as fertiliser for their crops Two species of reed (Ipomoea carnia and Ipomoea fistulosa) are also invasive in Hakaluki Haor. Like the water hyacinth, they compete and displace both aquatic and riparian plant species found in the ECA. The problem is exacerbated by local communities who encourage the growth of these species as natural hedging or fencing, and for the stabilisation of soil along the banks of rivers, streams, and canals. The most common exotic flora in the ECA include Accia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium, Samania saman, Mahagoni macrophyla. These species have been introduced and are popular because they are suited to wetland conditions, grow quickly, and yield good quality hardwood. The main draw back of these species is that they are not the preferred habitat for Haor wildlife, and they are replacing indigenous species of swamp forest plants because they are being planted in preference by the local community. Introduced Fauna The Irrawady Squirrel (Calloscurus pygerytrus) is the most common known invasive animal in Hakaluki Haor. It seems that it is more prevalent in the west of the ECA where villagers regularly complain about it eating all the fruit from their gardens. It does not seem to have affected or displaced other animal species of the Haor. Management Actions • Identify the type and extent of exotic species in the Hakaluki Haor ECA • Develop a database to record field information collected on invasive and exotic species • Develop mechanisms through awareness, education and/ or alternative income generating activities which help minimise the introduction of exotic tree species and which encourage the planting and regeneration of swamp forests • Monitor the ecological and socio-economic impact of existing animal and plant invasive species in the ECA • Control and eradicate, where possible, all introduced animal and plant species that significantly impact on the ecology of the ECA • Identify and implement measures to prevent the introduction new invasive species Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 18
Page 1 and 2: Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Ma
Page 3 and 4: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Coastal and Wetland
Page 13 and 14: • Over-harvesting of amphibians,
Page 21: Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Ma
Page 29 and 30: Management Actions Coastal and Wetl
Page 43 and 44: Constraints Coastal and Wetland Bio
Page 53 and 54: Constraints Coastal and Wetland Bio
Page 55: 8. REFERENCES Coastal and Wetland B

Draft CMP HH - the Department of Environment

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?