Ghodaghodi Lake (14329)
Nepal, Asia

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2005

National site name: Ghodaghodi Lake

Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.6833, Longitude: 80.9333

System: freshwater, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 200 to 250

Area of KBA (km²): 10.92115

KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: The name Ghodaghodi is used here to cover all the other smaller wetlands in the nearby area including Nakhrodi lake. This wetland complex is situated in the far southwestern terai and the main lake's southern tip is bordered by the East-West Highway. This area is a key link between the Churia Hills and the terai plains, and also acts as a corridor connecting Royal Bardia National Park with the Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. Ghodaghodi lake is surrounded by subtropical broadleaved trees such as Sal Shorea robusta and Saj or Asna Terminalia alata. Other tree species include Amala Phyllanthus emblica, Mitho Neem Murraya koenigii, Kyamun Cleistocalyx operculata, Bael Aegle marmelos, Karma Adina cordifolia, Kusum Schleichera trijuga etc. Small patches of Phragmites karka grow in the shallower area of the lake. In other lakes, for example Nakhrodi, Bainsha trees Salix spp. are abundant.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas) KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Eastern Himalayas Hotspot (2005). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2002 IUCN Red List.

Additional biodiversity: A total of 140 species has been recorded in the lake area, including the globally threatened Lesser Adjutant and near-threatened Darter (Baral 1992). Non-bird biodiversity: Most mammals have disappeared because of hunting and disturbance. Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata, Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta, Hanuman Langur Semnopithecus entellus and Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus have been recorded in the area (IUCN Nepal 2004a). Other species recorded include the Data deficient Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis, Leopard Panthera pardus, Golden Jackal Canis aureus, Wild Boar Sus scrofa, Jungle Cat Felis chaus, Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus, Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii, Spotted Deer Axis axis and Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjac. A variety of reptiles including the Critically endangered Red-crowned Roofed Turtle Kachuga kachuga, Endangered Three-striped Roof Turtle Kachuga dhongka, Vulnerable Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris and Asiatic Rock Python Python molurus are known to occur in the area.

Habitats

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Forest	33
Artificial - Terrestrial	33
Wetlands(Inland)	33

Threats

Threat level 1	Threat level 2	Threat level 3	Timing
Agriculture & aquaculture	Annual & perennial non-timber crops	Small-holder farming	Ongoing
Agriculture & aquaculture	Livestock farming & ranching	Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming	Ongoing
Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases	Problematic native species/diseases	Unspecified species	Ongoing
Natural system modifications	Dams & water management/use	Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use)	Ongoing
Biological resource use	Gathering terrestrial plants	Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target)	Ongoing
Biological resource use	Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources	Unintentional effects: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest]	Ongoing
Human intrusions & disturbance	Recreational activities		Ongoing
Residential & commercial development	Tourism & recreation areas		Ongoing
Transportation & service corridors	Roads & railroads		Ongoing

Additional information