Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan: A Hot Spot for Wild Felids

The non-uniformity of the distribution of biodiversity makes allocation of the limited resources available for conservation of biodiversity a difficult task. Approaches such as biodiversity hotspot identification, endemic bird areas, crisis ecoregions, global 200 ecoregions, and the Last of the Wild are used by scientists and international conservation agencies to prioritize conservation efforts. As part of the biodiverse Eastern Himalayan region, Bhutan has been identified as a conservation priority area by all these different approaches, yet data validating these assessments are limited. To examine whether Bhutan is a biodiversity hot spot for a key taxonomic group, we conducted camera trapping in the lower foothills of Bhutan, in Royal Manas National Park, from November 2010 to February 2011. We recorded six species of wild felids of which five are listed on the IUCN Red List: tiger Panthera tigris, golden cat Pardofelis temminckii, marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa and common leopard Panthera pardus. Our study area of 74 km(2) has c. 16% of felid species, confirming Bhutan as a biodiversity hot spot for this group

Estimating nitrogen risk to Himalayan forests using thresholds for lichen bioindicators

Himalayan forests are biodiverse and support the cultural and economic livelihoods of their human communities. They are bounded to the south by the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which has among the highest concentrations of atmospheric ammonia globally. This source of excess nitrogen pushes northwards into the Himalaya, generating concern that Himalayan forests will be impacted. To estimate the extent to which atmospheric nitrogen is impacting Himalayan forests we focussed on lichen epiphytes, which are a well-established bioindicator for atmospheric nitrogen pollution. First, we reviewed published literature describing nitrogen thresholds (critical levels and loads) at which lichen epiphytes are affected, identifying a mean and confidence intervals based on previous research conducted across a diverse set of biogeographic and ecological settings. Second, we used estimates from previously published atmospheric chemistry models (EMEP-WRF and UKCA-CLASSIC) projected to the Himalaya with contrasting spatial resolution and timescales to characterise model variability. Comparing the lichen epiphyte critical levels and loads with the atmospheric chemistry model projections, we created preliminary estimates of the extent to which Himalayan forests are impacted by excess nitrogen; this equated to c. 80–85% and c. 95–98% with respect to ammonia and total nitrogen deposition, respectively. Recognising that lichens are one of the most sensitive bioindicators for atmospheric nitrogen pollution, our new synthesis of previous studies on this topic generated concern that most Himalayan forests are at risk from excess nitrogen. This is a desk-based study that now requires verification through biological surveillance, for which we provide key recommendations

Long-term trends of direct nitrous oxide emission from fuel combustion in South Asia

An increasing concentration of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the global atmosphere can perturb the ecological balance, affecting the climate and human life. South Asia, one of the world's most populous regions, is a hotspot for N2O emission. Although agriculture traditionally dominated the region, economic activities are rapidly shifting towards industry and energy services. These activites may become the largest emitters of N2O in future. Yet, few attempts have been made to estimate long-term direct N2O emission from fuel combustion for the different energy-consuming sectors in the South Asian region. Therefore, the present study developed a comprehensive sectoral N2O emission inventory for South Asian countries for the time period of 1990–2017, with projections till 2041. It revealed that the average N2O emission from fuel combustion in the South Asia region is about 40.96 Gg yr−1 with a possible uncertainty of ±12 Gg yr−1, showing an increase of more than 100% from 1990 to 2017. Although India is the major contributor, with an average of 34 Gg yr−1 of N2O emissions, in terms of growth, small countries like Bhutan and Maldives are dominating other South Asian countries. Sector-wise, the residential sector contributed a maximum emission of 14.52 Gg yr−1 of N2O but this is projected to reduce by more than 50% by 2041. This is because of the successful promotion of cleaner fuels like liquefied petroleum gas over more polluting fuelwood. Power generation contributed 9.43 Gg yr−1of N2O emissions, exhibiting a maximum growth of 395%, followed by road transport (289%) and industry (231%). Future N2O emissions from transport, power and industry are projected to rise by 2.8, 3.3, and 23.9 times their 2017 estimates, respectively, due to the incapability of current policies to combat rising fossil fuel consumption. Mitigation options, such as replacing diesel and compressed natural gas vehicles with electricity-driven vehicles, can decelerate N2O emissions to 45% by 2041 for road transport. A 41% reduction is possible by displacing coal with renewables in the power and industry sectors. Overall, the South Asian contribution to global N2O emissions has enlarged from 2.7% in 1990 to 5.7% in 2007–2016, meaning there is an urgent need for N2O emission mitigation in the region

Mapping recommendations towards an Asian Code Against Cancer (ACAC) as part of the World Code Against Cancer Framework: an Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) initiative

This paper outlines the process undertaken by Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) members in working towards an Asian Code Against Cancer (ACAC). The process involves: (i) identification of the criteria for selecting the existing set of national recommendations for ACAC (ii) compilation of existing national codes or recommendations on cancer prevention (iii) reviewing the scientific evidence on cancer risk factors in Asia and (iv) establishment of one or more ACAC under the World Code Against Cancer Framework. A matrix of national codes or key recommendations against cancer in ANCCA member countries is presented. These include taking actions to prevent or control tobacco consumption, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, exposure to occupational and environmental toxins; and to promote breastfeeding, vaccination against infectious agents and cancer screening. ANCCA will continue to serve as a supportive platform for collaboration, development, and advocacy of an ACAC jointly with the International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization (IARC/WHO)

Weed research issues, challenges, and opportunities in Bhutan

Rice, maize and wheat account for 96% of the total food grain production in Bhutan signifying their importance for food security and the socioeconomic value of the Bhutanese agriculture. However, various biotic and abiotic factors impede optimum production of these cereals with weeds as one the main biotic constraints in attaining the full realisation of potential yields. In Bhutan, weeds have the potential to cause rice yield loss up to 50%. Similarly, 50% of the labour in maize production is for hand weeding. Key challenges for weeds management are labour availability, small farm sizes and potential risks of developing herbicide resistance from unsuitable usage patterns. Currently, rice is the only crop which receives herbicide, with long-term usage of a single chemical, butachlor. Manual weeding continues to be the main form of weed management in rice and maize, though the effectiveness of herbicide in maize has been demonstrated. Wheat is currently un-weeded, and no chemicals are used. Developing alternative herbicides to butachlor with different modes of action, and providing training on proper usage are likely to become more important. Considering the existing wide-spread use of low-external-input farming systems in Bhutan, non-chemical tactics will continue to have a key role in weed management. Some of these methods include competitive cultivars, optimum planting configurations, intercropping and strategic agronomic management. Incorporating these into an integrated package that includes herbicides may have long-term benefits for farmers

Factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Bhutan: A nationwide case-control study

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a growing public health concern globally. In Bhutan, the rates of MDR-TB are high. Data on the risk factors of MDR-TB that can help inform policies are limited in Bhutan. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB. METHODS: A nationwide unmatched case-control study was conducted that included 79 MDR-TB cases and 118 controls. Data was collected by trained health workers through interviews using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors associated with MDR-TB. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 32.4 and 33.7 years among the cases and the controls, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the odds of having MDR-TB was higher among those who slept for less than 9 hours a day (AOR: 2.77, 95%CI: 1.11-6.92), frequently travelled in public transport (AOR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.36-6.48), and had previous TB treatment (AOR: 5.90, 95%CI: 2.55-13.64). A greater number of rooms was also marginally associated with odds of having MDR-TB. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest previous TB treatment, inadequate sleep duration, and travelling by public transport to be the risk factors associated with having MDR-TB in Bhutan. Intensification of early case detection, strengthening directly observed treatment strategy, improving treatment adherence, and increasing awareness can help control the rising MDR-TB epidemic

Glacier environment and climate change in Bhutan—an overview

Bhutan, a part of the Eastern Himalayas, is a tiny land-locked country hosting rich biodiversity apart from glaciers and snow capped mountains. With similar to 70% of Bhutan under forest cover, this water-rich country promises to maintain at least 60% of the landmass under forest in perpetuity at any given point of time. Yet, climate change hasn't pardoned this carbon-neutral nation. This article conveys a brief idea about the dent that climate change is leaving on the glacier environment in Bhutan. Bhutan is undergoing warming at an unprecedented rate with evidences suggesting higher warming trends during winter months and also at higher altitudes (>4000 m.a.s.l.) (Sharma et al., 2009). With large diversity of glaciers in the region, comprehensive field-based studies have been difficult due to rugged terrain, political issues and limited manpower and financial aid. Yet several remote sensing based have suggested glaciers in Bhutan are melting. Evidences suggest oldest stage of glaciers in Bhutan extended down to 2600 m.a.s.l. (Mool et al., 2001); whereas in the present day, they are found only above 4000 m.a.s.l. Glacial retreat in Bhutan has been extensive (Karma et al., 2003; Rupper et al., 2012; Naito et al., 2012; Bajracharya and Shrestha, 2011; Bajracharya et al., 2014; Veettil et al., 2015) leading to formation of supra-glacial, pro-glacial and moraine dammed lakes. Particularly in Bhutan and Eastern Himalayas, threat from glacial lake outburst floods is high. With 22 potentially dangerous glacial lakes, there is high risk and hazard potential to the regions lying downstream from outburst. In spite of being an environmentally sustainable country with a conservative approach, Bhutan is at the frontline of climate change-related threats. Future water security is not warranted under this scenario. This can have serious implications on water-dependent-economy of Bhutan that thrives on hydropower, agriculture and tourism. Extensive research is called for in Bhutan, apart from efforts to adapt and mitigate climate change

Glacier environment and climate change in Bhutan—an overview

Bhutan, a part of the Eastern Himalayas, is a tiny land-locked country hosting rich biodiversity apart from glaciers and snow capped mountains. With similar to 70% of Bhutan under forest cover, this water-rich country promises to maintain at least 60% of the landmass under forest in perpetuity at any given point of time. Yet, climate change hasn't pardoned this carbon-neutral nation. This article conveys a brief idea about the dent that climate change is leaving on the glacier environment in Bhutan. Bhutan is undergoing warming at an unprecedented rate with evidences suggesting higher warming trends during winter months and also at higher altitudes (>4000 m.a.s.l.) (Sharma et al., 2009). With large diversity of glaciers in the region, comprehensive field-based studies have been difficult due to rugged terrain, political issues and limited manpower and financial aid. Yet several remote sensing based have suggested glaciers in Bhutan are melting. Evidences suggest oldest stage of glaciers in Bhutan extended down to 2600 m.a.s.l. (Mool et al., 2001); whereas in the present day, they are found only above 4000 m.a.s.l. Glacial retreat in Bhutan has been extensive (Karma et al., 2003; Rupper et al., 2012; Naito et al., 2012; Bajracharya and Shrestha, 2011; Bajracharya et al., 2014; Veettil et al., 2015) leading to formation of supra-glacial, pro-glacial and moraine dammed lakes. Particularly in Bhutan and Eastern Himalayas, threat from glacial lake outburst floods is high. With 22 potentially dangerous glacial lakes, there is high risk and hazard potential to the regions lying downstream from outburst. In spite of being an environmentally sustainable country with a conservative approach, Bhutan is at the frontline of climate change-related threats. Future water security is not warranted under this scenario. This can have serious implications on water-dependent-economy of Bhutan that thrives on hydropower, agriculture and tourism. Extensive research is called for in Bhutan, apart from efforts to adapt and mitigate climate change

Knowledge and attitude on sexually transmitted infections and contraceptive use among university students in Bhutan

OBJECTIVES: The unmet needs of contraception can lead to unintended pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contraception use, knowledge, and attitude on STI among students under Royan University of Bhutan (RUB).METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed in Google forms and the link was shared through the college WeChat groups. The questionnaire consisted of four parts on socio-demographic, sexual behaviour and contraceptive use, knowledge, and attitude on STIs. All the students under RUB were invited to participate voluntarily in this study. The socio-demography was presented in frequency and proportion.RESULT: A total of 1,283 students participated in this survey and 55.0% (701) were females. Of this, 29.4% (377) were sexually active and 94.4% reported using modern contraception. Commonly used contraceptives were: condoms (83.8%, 316) and emergency contraceptives (20.6%, 78), respectively. The mean knowledge and attitude scores on STI were 9.94 (range 2-20) and 12 (range 2-14), respectively. Good knowledge and attitude on STI were reported in 53.2% (683) and 70.1% (899) of participants.CONCLUSION: Students reported average knowledge and a good attitude towards STI. Contraceptive use among university students was low. There is a need to strengthen health education on STIs in schools and universities. All forms of contraceptives especially condoms should be made easily available to sexually active people.</p