Khirthar National Park
Baseline Environmental Study

Scope of Services

Eight key areas were identified for investigation; geographic information systems, geomorphology, groundwater resources, flora, fauna, farming systems, archaeology, and social anthropology. Each of these are outlined in turn in terms of their key objectives and proposed outputs.

Geographical information systems

A key component of the KNP Baseline Study is the establishment of a Geographical Information System (GIS). Because of the abundance of data expected to arise from field surveys, efficient spatial data management is critical for the success of the project. The GIS is expected to provide an inventorying, mapping and modeling capability for present and future researchers and managers working in the region. The database developed for the baseline study will have ongoing importance as a national park management tool.

Expected outcomes of the GIS component of the baseline study will include:

•Establishment of a GIS to support the KNP Baseline study
•Integration of GIS and satellite imagery for stratification and planning of field surveys
•Development of a hydrologically-correct DEM from contours, spot elevations and stream networks
•Establishment of a relational database management models that will support the long-term park management needs
•Technology transfer through collaborative links with local researchers
•Detailed maps of the study site to support management objectives

Geomorphology

The basic geomorphology of the park can be summarised as the geological surfaces and forms that make up the landscape (e.g. hillslopes, terraces, dunes), the materials that make up those surfaces and forms, the processes that create those forms, and the rates at which these processes operate. Understanding these elements of the landscape is important for the study for two main reasons. First, the geomorphology provides a structure for describing and explaining the patterns and processes described by other facets of the study (e.g, there may be a close association between vegetation types and geomorphology). These relationships can then form the basis of land system maps. The second reason that geomorphology is useful is in terms of the changes over time that are taking place in those geomorphic systems (e.g. erosion, sedimentation).

Expected outcomes of the Geomorphic component of the baseline study will include:

•Description of the geomorphic structure of the park (ie landscape units)
•Information on the origins of the units
•Determination of rates of change, including distinguishing between anthropogenic and natural impacts on the landscape •Determination of the geomorphic risks (primarily related to erosion and deposition rates) in the park
•Identification of features of scientific, scenic and recreational value

Groundwater resources and condition

The groundwater resources of the park represent the lifeline for people, many perennial plants and most animals. Wells and springs provide water for human consumption, for livestock, wildlife and irrigation of crops. Many woody plants of the park tap groundwater via deep root systems. Surface water is limited to a few spring sites where groundwater is forced to the surface due to particular properties of the sub-surface geology. Rivers and streams are ephemeral. The size, quality and sustainability of the groundwater resource is fundamental to the future of the park.

Expected outcomes of the groundwater resources study include:

•Collation of existing hydrogeological information for the area and identification of aquifers of local and regional significance •Estimation of rates of groundwater recharge, flow and withdrawal or other loss from aquifers of importance to local water supplies and the environment within the park
•Development of a groundwater model that will quantify the groundwater resources of sample areas within the park. The nature of these models will depend on the availability of hydrogeological information. If possible, numerical models will be developed using a standard software package developed by the US Geological Survey (MODFLOW)
•Identification of human health and other issues associated with water quality (both chemical and biological)

Flora and vegetation

The overall objective of these studies is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the distribution and abundance of plant species in the park, the plant communities to which they belong, and the environmental circumstances (including human impacts) associated with their patterns of distribution and abundance.

Expected outcomes of the Flora and Vegetation component of the baseline study will include:

•Listing of flora, incorporating species distributions and abundances, assessment of rarity, and medicinal and other human uses •Quantitative categorisation of plant communities and production of a vegetation map - based on numerical analysis of vegetation survey data
•Correlation of plant species and vegetation type distributions with environmental factors including soil physical and chemical properties, aspect, slope, water availability and browser/grazer impacts, and identification of rare and sensitive community-habitat types
•Estimation of rates of wood production and comparison of effects of major grazer/browser animal species and wood collection on the vegetation
•Probable impacts of declining groundwater availability on distribution and abundance of major woody species
•Identification of the size and composition of the ephemeral flora and role of time of rain (monsoon versus other) on species composition
•Estimated age of major woody species and likely times for recovery of disturbed sites
•Current status (distribution, abundance) and trend for introduced species

Fauna

The Sindh Wildlife Department has a priority interest in the fauna of the park, especially the large herbivores.

Expected outcomes of the Faunal Studies component of the baseline study will include:

•Determination of the distribution of key animal species in the Park, especially mammals, birds, and other vertebrates (reptiles, frogs) of terrestrial habitats
•Collection and collation of abundance data on the large ungulates of the Park (ibex, urial and chinkara gazelle)
•Articulation of the relationship of distributions of selected species to other components of the Park (e.g. vegetation, topography) •Development of a preliminary computer-based population model for the Sindh ibex to investigate potential population growth rate and risk of extinction.

Farming systems

The Baseline Study pertaining to farming systems will be based on sound understanding of the current farming practices, and the physical resources and social factors governing these activities. The farming systems component of the study will be closely integrated with the social anthropological component, and will also rely on resources to be provided by the GIS component. Studies of grazing will be enhanced through co-operation with work on vegetation and animal ecology, and on soils and hydrology.

Expected outcomes of this component of the baseline study will include:

•Description of existing farming (including grazing) systems
•Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) of farming and rangeland systems
•Historical data on the main areas of human land use (in collaboration with social and cultural studies)
•Video logs of sites
•Development of agro-ecological profile covering physical resources (soil, water), biological resources (vegetation, livestock), and socio-cultural features of each farmer domain

Archaeology

The archaeological survey component of the KNP baseline study examines the continuity of human occupation and activity in the park region from earliest times through to the colonial period. Included within the scope of the survey are all archaeological remains currently visible on the ground surface or from aerial photography. No sub-soil testing or excavation was to be carried out. Sites may include: standing remains of architecture, (e.g. individual dwellings, village sites, towns, fortifications); evidence of nomadic or transhuman occupation; mortuary remains (cemeteries, isolated graves, shrines); isolated finds of prehistoric materials (ceramics, lithics, other artefacts, rock art); and evidence for human technological improvements on the landscape (eg: irrigation channels, other waterworks).

The archaeological survey expected to achieve the following outcomes:

•Review of previous archaeological surveys in the park and identification of previously recorded sites
•Collection of basic field archaeological data, including location and type of site
•Collation of information relating to each site, including state of preservation, local significance, archaeological significance, touristic and recreational potential and possible threats to preservation
•Assessment of contemporary religious and cultural values relating to archaeological sites (in conjunction with social anthropologists) •Production of comprehensive database of archaeological sites in the park
•Overview of cultural history of human occupation and activity in the park, identifying preliminary chronology of occupation, culture sequence and inter-cultural contact

Social anthropology

The central theme is the relationship of people with the environment; their relationship with past and present rulers and the evolution of communities and activities. Population increase has led to extreme pressure from encroachment; illegal felling of trees, poaching of animals, competition between livestock and wildlife populations for water and food, and environmental degradation. People living in, or close to the park are most likely to depend on its resources to satisfy many of their daily needs such as food, fuel, materials for the construction of houses, medicinal herbs and many other items for trade and commerce.

Expected outcomes of the Social Anthropology component of the baseline study included:

•Conduct of a PRA (in consultation with Agricultural Systems Experts)
•Collection of basic demographic data, including education, mortality and health status data
•Collation of information relating to habitation (e.g. village settlements), socio-economic status, land use
•Assessment of government service provision
•Preparation of basic ethnographic data on cultural traditions, including local political structure, political divisions, relations with regional and central government
•Description of local economy, including employment, distribution of income, goods and services
•Assessment of religious and cultural values, e.g. traditions of religious/cultural attachment: shrines, sacred sites, places of historical significance
•Gender analysis, including gender disaggregation of all demographic data
•Analysis related to land rights (e.g. access to and utilisation of resources)
•Evaluation of levels of community participation in park affairs

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