Ghandruk

Monday Oct 06, 2014

Namaste Ghandruk!

View from ours bedrooms

On the previous day we hiked under the scorching sun from Kilu (1400 m) to our Ghandruk pahhunahghar Guesthouse (2100 m).

Map found at the Ghandruk Museum

Today, we hike 500 m of elevation to install some cameras for wildlife data collection to determine what species are currently surviving within close proximity to agricultural activities and human encroachment through natural resources collection and also help determine what species are common within the area. We also need to download recorded data and recharge the batteries now and then.

Ours Conservation Project Supervisor and Ornithologist installing a camera

The most exciting part of the day was to be able to observe a young Common Leopard that was rescued after being abandoned by his mother. The animal was relocated in order to reassure the inhabitants and receive necessary care.

Jack and Sacha

The footage captured by the cameras show diverse species among which we fund the Himalayan black bear (Himali kalo bhalu) which also need to be relocated due to potentials conflicts with human and livestock.

At diner time, we celebrated one volunteer's birthday at the German bakery (I guess it is named that way because it sells apple pies, croissants... but it is in fact owned by a Nepalese local). Ironically, the guy we celebrated is "québécois"!

Annapurna south

Macchapucchre

Tuesday Oct 07, 2014

Projects Abroad helps ACAP by providing updated data on various species of mammals, birds, amphibians...

In the morning, we started our bird identification training to be able to help conduct an inventory from collecting data at numerous fixed point bird hides within 5 km radius of Ghandruk. These data help gain knowledge of what species are present in the Ghandruk area and for further work to study migratory patterns.

In the afternoon, we went to a bird observation location of the Himalayan swiflet and Nepal house martin. I was not able to capture any of these fast flying birds on my camera.

On route to the bird observation location

We also contribute to seed dispersal ;)