C. P. Goyal , B. C. Brahma

Abstract

One of the methods used for visitor management in a Protected Area is the concept of 'Carrying Capacity', which is the maximum use of any site which, if exceeded will result in the deterioration of the resource base. The present paper evaluates Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC = Visitors per day) and the Real Carrying Capacity (RCC = Visitors per day) for Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (and National Park) situated in Uttarkashi District of Uttaranchal. Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (and National Park) houses endangered fauna such as Snow Leopard, Brown and Black Bear, Musk Deer etc. Ten significant routes used by people within the Protected Area have been chosen for the study. On an average, 1323 visitors visit the Protected Area in a year during the tourist season, PCC represents a parameter that the ecosystem can withstand under static conditions. RCC is the capacity under restrictive condition. Two routes, Dhaula-Changsil (AMP =101; RCC = 98) and Motor - Kedarkanatha (AMP = 101; RCC = 89) the AMP has exceeded the threshold of RCC. Steep slopes increase erosion and landslides, local carts and cattle wi]] also use the roads besides tourists. Therefore, while managing reserved areas for ecodiversity and tourism, acceptable change factor should be considered while deciding their parameters.

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C. P. Goyal , B. C. Brahma

Abstract

Rajaji National Park (Uttaranchal), the home of Elephants, Tigers and various other flora and fauna has been invaded by the noxious weed Parthenium hysterophorus in many of its open areas affecting the availability of food for herbivores. In June 1999, a leaf-eating beetle was observed feeding on Parthenium hysterophorus in an area of 3 hectare in Chirak Block of Haridwar Range. The beetle has been identified as the Mexican beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata of Chrysomelidae family. A survey was done, in which it was observed that, while in July 1999, the affected area comprised of 3 ha only, during July 2000, the area had increased to 37 ha in the same Range. It was also observed that the beetle had attacked an additional area of 1.5 ha of Parthenium hysterophorus in Motichur Range. On an average, mortality per cent of Parthenium hysterophorus appears to depend on the number of beetles affecting the area. Further research needs to be carried out to determine the potential impact, if any, on non-target species, the life cycle of the beetle, its adaptation to different climates, its predators, the rate of spread of affected Parthenium hysterophorus areas and the feasibility of attack by the beetle before the onset of flowering of Parthenium hysterophorus plants.

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