Ecological status of a freshwater tectonic lake of the indo-burmese province: Implications for livelihood development.

Tectonic lakes are among the most geologically fascinating and environmentally versatile hydrobiological systems found on the earth's surface. We conducted a study on the limnology of Tasek Lake, a tectonic lake located in the Indo-Burma Province of the South Asian region. Physico-chemical parameters of the lake's water along with its plankton were considered for the study. Their relationship was analysed by understanding their seasonal variations and through linear regression models. The water quality index (WQI), plankton diversity indices and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were computed. The ichthyofaunal diversity was also studied to get an insight into the lake's fishery potential. A preliminary assessment on the economic feasibility of converting Tasek Lake into a fishery was also completed. Results indicate moderate eutrophication in the lake and the plankton population is observed to be rich and abundant. The WQI value confirms the water to be of "very poor" quality. The CCA was done to analyze the relationships of physico-chemical parameters with months and seasons, and the relation between seasons and plankton assemblages. Results corroborate the results of WQI. Identified fish population suggest ample fishery potential of the lake. The economic assessment reveals that in order to maintain the ecological sustainability of the lake, it should be transformed into a recreational fishery, following a catch-and-release model. The study calls for urgent restoration of the lake so that not only its pristine ecology is survived but also its fishery potential is sustainably harnessed and local livelihood is improved.

An assessment of human impacts on endangered red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) living in the Himalaya.

Anthropogenic factors play an important role in shaping the distribution of wildlife species and their habitats, and understanding the influence of human activities on endangered species can be key to improving conservation efforts as well as the implementation of national strategies for sustainable development. Here, we used species distribution modeling to assess human impacts on the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in high-altitude regions of Nepal. We found that the distance to paths (tracks used by people and animals), livestock density, human population density, and annual mean temperature were the most important factors determining the habitat suitability for red pandas in Nepal. This is the first study that attempts to use comprehensive environmental and anthropogenic variables to predict habitat suitability for the red pandas at a national level. The suitable habitat identified by this study is important and could serve as a baseline for the development of conservation strategies for the red panda in Nepal.