Urlabari forest groves (18502)
Nepal, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2005
National site name: Urlabari forest groves
Central coordinates: Latitude: 26.6500, Longitude: 87.6000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 75 00
Area of KBA (km2): 0.89401
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Urlabari Forest Groves lie on the south of the East West Highway on the eastern edge of Morang district. The grove consists of a few tall and mature Karam Adina cordifolia trees spread over an area of 100 ha. The site has been identified as an IBA because of its important nesting colony of the globally threatened Lesser Adjutants.
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)
Additional biodiversity: A total of 31 nests with 56 young and an estimated population of 62 adults of Lesser Adjutant were counted here in the 2003/2004 breeding season (Baral 2004). The number of 118 adults and young totals more than 2% of the current global population estimate (Wetlands International 2002). This site therefore qualifies under the 1% global population criterion as an IBA. The site is under-recorded for other species and therefore a further survey is desirable. Non-bird biodiversity: No other notable wildlife has been listed for this area. Mammals that possibly occur include Golden Jackal Canis aureus, Indian Hare Lepus nigricollis and Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis.
Other site values: A thorough survey of the area targeted at other biodiversity components should be carried out.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Ownership of forests lies with the community.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 50 | |
| Forest | 50 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Gathering terrestrial plants | Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target) | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Wetlands International (2002), Baral (2004, in press).