Cover 20-1.pmd Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 13 Distribution and utilization of bamboos in the mid- western and the far- western regions of Nepal A. N. Das1 and H. B. Thapa2 The distribution and utilization of bamboo species in the mid-western and the far-western regions were recorded using various methods including Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, field visits and specimen collection. Of the eleven genera of bamboo recorded from the regions, most of the species were found to be of indigenous types. In the mid-western region, 48 bamboo species were recorded: 18 identified at species level and 11 at genera level. However, 19 species could not be identified, although their local names were recorded. Similarly, in the far-western region, 31 species were recorded: 10 were identified at species as well as genera levels. In this region too, 11 species could not be identified, only local names were recorded. Greater diversity of bamboos exists in the hills than in the Terai belt of the regions studied. High Mountain districts such as Jumla, Dolpa, and Darchula contain considerably less quantity of large diameter sized bamboos (bans) than small sized diameter bamboos (nigalo). Although, in these regions, 18 uses of bamboo were noted, many species are mostly used for weaving. The development of bamboo resources in the regions can help reduce poverty, generate employment and sustain rural livelihoods. Key words: Distribution, utilization, bamboo, district, region B amboos, the perennial woody grasses are among precious natural resource of Nepal. They have intimately been associated with human being since time immemorial in the country and have become an integral component of rural farming system. They have pivotal role in the rural economy and thus, help sustain livelihoods of many rural households including socially and economically disadvantaged groups. It is difficult to imagine the rural economic scenario without them (Das, 2001; 2002 and 2003). The natural range of bamboo species extends from the plains of the Terai to the High Mountains (4000 m). They are distributed both in natural forests and farm land (Das, 1988). Bamboos, which have versatile uses, are treated as multipurpose raw material from which almost anything can be manufactured both in the rural and the urban areas (Carter, 1995; Das and Seeley, 1996; Das, 2000). Bamboos in the natural forests are valuable not only for the local people and communities of the Terai and the Mid hills but also for those of the high mountains. However, many of the bamboo species in natural forests have been over-exploited to the extent that some have already reached in the state of extinction. Bamboos also serve as a good habitat and a source of food for various endangered wildlife species. But, due to biotic factors and grazing pressures in natural forests, bamboo forests have been decreasing continuously from many parts of the country. The problem is severe particularly in cases of those species that flower gregariously at an interval of 40 to 50 years. Bamboos are among the important renewable natural resources that can reduce poverty if grown and managed on a sustainable basis. As such, their role in poverty reduction programme, which has been highly emphasised by the Government of Nepal (GoN) right through the Ninth and Tenth five year plans to the subsequent periodic plans is very crucial. Although potential of bamboos for socioeconomic and livelihood development has been recognised, no comprehensive study has been conducted to explore indepth knowledge and information on distribution, 1 Planning and Human Resource Development Division, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation Singh Durbar Kathmandu, E-mail: dasannapurna@hotmail.com 2 Department of Forest Research and Survey, Babarmahal, Kathmandu Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 14 use and identification of bamboos in Nepal. Some studies that have been carried out in scattered manners focussed only on the Eastern and the Central regions of Nepal. The Department of Forest Research and Survey (DFRS) has initiated taxonomic work on bamboos from early eighties. However, such work is yet to be carried out in most parts of the mid-western and the far-western regions of Nepal. In this pursuit, the present study has been carried out in these two regions with a view to identify bamboos existed in the regions and to understand their distribution and utilization patterns.The information obtained will provide valuable input for development and management of bamboos, technology transfer from one region to another, and adoption of best utilization practices. Materials and methods This study was completed in two-years, between 2003 and 2005. The study area covered 19 of the 24 districts encompassed by the mid-western and the far-western regions of Nepal. The study area also included Khaptad and Bardiya National Parks. Before initiating the fieldwork, rigorous discussion and interaction were made and species information sheets, semi-structured questionnaires, checklists for key informants’ interview and group discussion were developed. Questionnaires were pre-tested in two districts: Banke and Surkhet, and some minor revisions were made before applying in the field. Species information sheet was used to record the bamboo species that were located during the study. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques and their tools such as focus group discussion, key informants’ interview and semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect required information. Concerned officials at District Forest Offices, Range Forest Offices and District Soil Conservation Offices, Community Forest Users, local knowledgeable persons, bamboo growers and craft-makers were consulted to gather information on distribution and utilization patterns of bamboos. Four participatory discussions were held in different parts of each district of the study area. On an average, twenty persons took part in each discussion session. For the study purpose, the concerned districts were divided into two areas: forest land and farm land. Geographical boundaries of Village Development Committees (VDCs) were demarcated on the available maps and overlaid on the topographical and land use maps. Based on the information available from the staff of district forest offices, forest lands were demarcated into bamboo growing and non- bamboo growing areas and were accordingly, delineated on the maps. In each district, at least two natural forest sites and four villages having bamboos were visited to crosscheck the validity of the information acquired from discussion and questionnaires. Specimens of both identified and unidentified bamboo species were collected from all the nineteen districts representing all ecological regions. The herbarium samples were collected from each studied district and specimen collection sheet was used to document the necessary information. These samples were brought to Kathmandu and identified with the help of local advisors and experts. A separate sheet was prepared for bamboos grown in national forests (community and government managed forests) so as to collect information on the distribution pattern. Results and discussion Distribution of bamboos In Nepal, twelve genera and more than fifty species/ varieties of bamboo have been reported (Das 1988; Stapleton 1994; Das 1999; Das, 2004). Although they have been believed to be widely distributed throughout Nepal, they are not as common in the regions studied as in the eastern and central regions. However, these regions possess a good diversity of bamboos. The field study also revealed the presence of a large number of bamboo species in the regions. Distribution and utilization of bamboos in nineteen districts of the mid-western and far-western regions are presented in table 1. In these regions, more than 60 local names were enlisted for different bamboo species. However, there is confusion with the local names. In many instances, two different species bear the same local name, and in other instances, same species bear different local names. Das and Thapa Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 15 Distribution by district Eleven genera identified during the field study included: Dendrocalamus, Bambusa, Thamnocalamus, Borinda, Ampelocalamus, Cephalostachyum, Drepanostachyum, Himalayacalamus, Melocanna, Yushania, and Arundinaria. The genus for Deu nigalo and Kathe Bans (masino) may be either Yushania or Chimnobambusa and Phyllostachys nigra or Borinda emeryi, respectively (Table 1). Further investigation is needed to identify the genus for these species. The Inner Terai as well as the Terai districts such as Kailali and Bardiya mostly had big diameter sized bamboo species (Bans) of genera Bambusa and Dendrocalamus. Bamboo was more commonly found in districts like Surkhet, Dailekh, Dang, Baitadi, Pyuthan and Doti, which generally experienced comparatively wetter climate. Greater diversity of bamboos was prevalent in these districts. In spite of the wetter climate in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts, there were fewer bamboo distributed on farm land, because most settlements were new and the forests were accessible for meeting the household needs of fuelwood, timber and fodder. Bamboos found in different land categories of studied districts in two regions are presented in table 1. The most commonly distributed species in the Terai districts were B. balcooa, B. nutans subsp. nutans, D. strictus, B. bambos, D. hamiltonii, B. tulda, and B. nepalensis. The other sparsely distributed species were B. alamii and M. bacciferra. Bamboo species such as B. balcooa, B. nutans subsp. nutans, Drepanostachyum sp., Himalayacalamus sp. and Thamnocalamus sp. were commonly distributed in Baitadi, Doti, Dailekh, Pyuthan and Achham districts of the Mid hills. The forests of the Mid hills and High Mountains had a large number of small diameter sized bamboo species of the genera Drepanostachyum, Himalayacalamus, Thamnocalamus and Yushania. Jumla district is quite rich in nigalo species. Out of nine nigalo species in Jumla, only two species were identified at genera level. All these nigalo species were grown in natural forest. The list of bamboo species identified (genera and species level) is presented in table 2. Distribution by region The far-western region had less diversity of bamboos in comparison to the mid-western region (Table 1). More than 70 local names were enlisted in the mid- western region whereas only 40 local names were enlisted in the far-western region. This could be attributed to the higher forest cover and large number of new settlements particularly in the Terai districts such as Kailali and Kanchanpur in far- western region. Fewer number of bamboo species existed in the farm land of this region. B. balcooa, D. strictus and B. bambos were the commonest species in the Terai. The species such as B. nutans subsp. nutans was less frequently found in the districts of this region in comparison to the mid-western region. The mid- western region had B. nutans subsp. nutans clumps in sufficient quantity both in the Terai and Mid hills. Forty-eight species were recorded in mid-western region, in which eighteen were identified at the species level and eleven species were identified at genera level. Nineteen species were unidentified, although their local names were recorded in this region. Thirty-one species were recorded in far-western region, in which ten were identified at the species level and ten only at genera level. Eleven species were unidentified, only local names were recorded. Distribution by physiographic region There was a greater diversity of bamboos in the hills than in the Terai parts of the regions studied. This could be due to the fact that the cold climate of the hills is more suitable to the bamboos than the comparatively hotter climate of the Terai areas. The cold districts such as Jumla, Dolpa, and Darchula in the High Mountains had very small amount of large diameter sized bamboos. However, the natural forests of High Mountains (above 2200 m) were rich in bamboo resources and had several nigalo varieties. The large diameter sized bamboo species which were found in the Terai were also found in the Mid hills. Districts like Dailekh, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Achham and Baitadi of the Mid hills regions also had large number of small diameter sized bamboo species. In the Terai, farmers had mostly grown bamboos on homesteads. They were grown in home gardens in conjunction with fruit trees and other timber species. In the Mid hills, bamboos were grown in gullies and edges of terraced land or homestead gardens in an intricate combination of fodder, fruit and multipurpose trees. B. nutans subsp. nutans, B. balcooa and Drepanostachyum sp. were the most common species on farm land of the the Mid hills. Unlike in eastern Nepal where farmers grow two to five species on farm land (Das, 1999); farmers grow only one or two species in these regions. The choice Das and Thapa Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 16 of species was based on the household demand. Usually, different bamboo species were grown to meet different household needs. This is to maintain supply even when flowering occurs. It was found that farmers often grew more than one bamboo species because of their different uses. The species such as D. hamiltonii was grown to produce edible shoots and fodder for livestock where as small diameter sized bamboos were grown for making woven-products. The natural bamboo resources in Churia hills were depleted due to over-exploitation. The most commonly found species in the national forests of the Churia hills were: D. strictus, D. hamiltonii, B. nutans subsp. nutans and B. nepalensis. The forests of the Mid hills and the High Mountains had large number of small diameter sized bamboo species of the genera Drepanostachyum, Himalayacalamus, Thamnocalamus and Yushania, etc. These forests were in better condition where the population pressure was low and the forests having bamboo patches were protected in community forests (CFs). Distribution in different types of land Most large sized bamboos (Bans) were found on farm land and homestead in both regions. Some large sized bamboo species found in such places included: B. nepalensis, B. balcooa, B. nutans subsp. nutans, B. nutans subsp. cupulata, B. tulda, B. bambos, D. strictus and D. hamiltonii. Most nigalo species (Drepanostachyum, Yushania and Thamnocalamus sp.) were distributed in natural forest and community forests. However, some species like Kathe nigalo, Deu nigalo, Drepanostachyum sp. (Dum nigalo), Drepanostachyum sp. (Tite nigalo), Ghar nigalo, Yushania maling (Malingo), and H. spathiflorus (Jarbuto) were also found on farm land. D. strictus var. wild, Cephalostachyum latifolium, B. alamii, B. nepalensis were distributed in natural forests. Many community forests had natural stands of bamboos. Most of these community forests were found in the Mid hills and High Mountains. However, the community forests of the Terai districts such as Dang, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur did not have any natural bamboo stands. Many of such community forests were planted with bamboos of large diameter size. A high level of interest was found in bamboo planting amongst forest user groups in the community forests, both of the Terai and the Mid hills. Utilization aspects The species utilised for making bamboo products in different districts of the mid-western and the far- western regions are presented in table 1. There are no other species with as many uses as bamboos, except perhaps palms. Bamboo is commonly used for house construction, walling of huts, thatching and roofing, grain storage (bhakari), scaffolding, walking sticks, mats, basket making of different types, furniture, fencing material, handles for agricultural implements, and tool handles (Seeland, 1980; Das, 2002). Bamboo leaves are an important source of fodder. Many bamboo species produce edible shoots, which are an important source of food. Its pickles are very popular among both the rural and urban households in the mid-western and the far- western Nepal. Bamboo also has many small but important uses such as pots and pipe for homemade millet beer (tongwa), fishing rods, fishing traps, handicrafts, packing cases for tea and fruits, cages for poultry, pipes for water supply and irrigation, cradles, cart yokes, bullock carts, ladders, winnows, and sieves for cleaning grains. Bamboo shoots as vegetables and pickles are considered a delicacy by the people of hill ethnic origin in these regions and were becoming increasingly popular among the Terai ethnic groups. However, in these regions, uses of bamboo shoots were not common as in other regions of Nepal. Demand for bamboo shoots for consumption in urban areas has increased considerably in recent years.The branches are used not only for fencing, but also for construction of walls, partition of houses and roofing. This study recorded eighteen uses of bamboo in these two regions. Woven-products were commonly found in all the districts studied. Many species of bans and nigalo were used for weaving. For instance, 36 species were used for making woven-products in the mid-western region. Majority of nigalo species were found to be suitable for weaving. Large bamboos: B. balcooa, B. nepalensis, B. bamboos, B. nutans subsp. nutans and nigalo species, Deu nigalo, Drepanostachyum sp. (Putro nigalo), Sadha nigalo were used in construction. There was a large variation in use pattern in these regions, yet the uses of bamboo were limited in the sense that only a few species were used for making many types of bamboo products. Bamboos have medicinal value. In urban areas, bamboos are also planted as ornamental plants Das and Thapa Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 17 (Seeland 1980; Das 1988). However, ornamental uses of bamboos were not common in these two regions. Bamboos are the best species for soil conservation as they form a mat-like structure above the ground and thus prevent seepage of soil water which, if it occurs at erodible sites, will result in mass movement of soil (Narayana, 1988; Howell et al., 1989). But, use of bamboo and nigalo species for soil conservation work was almost nil in these regions. The use of bamboo for house construction has considerably increased in recent years and its level of use varies with the availability and economic status of households (Das and Seeley, 1996). Bamboo- based furniture, which was rare, has increasingly become a common item, not only in rural areas but also in cities like Nepalganj, Dhangadhi, Surkhet, Mahendranagar and Ghorahi of these regions. As the urban centres are expanding in size with increased industrialisation and migration of people from rural areas, more and more houses are being constructed in urban areas. As such, demand of bamboo had increased significantly for scaffolding and construction purposes in urban areas. Conclusion The study suggested that there is a great potential for bamboo development in the mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal as there are large number of bamboo growers, and forests have rich bamboo diversity. There is an increased interest among people in the use of bamboo for income generation. The development of bamboo resources can help to reduce poverty, generate employment and sustain rural livelihood. Still, there are many unidentified species, which needs further study for their taxonomic identification. Acknowledgement We would like to thank International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) (now Bioversity International) for providing financial assistance to accomplish this study. We are also thankful to the District Forest Offices and their staff, local NGOs, political cadres, development agencies and the local people of the regions for their valuable support and information. Thanks also go to the field staff, study team, field guides and key informants for their assistance during the field work. References Carter, E. J. 1995. Tree cultivation by farmers in Dolakha district, Nepal. In Farm Forestry in South Asia (eds.) Saxena, N. C. and Ballabh, Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd, India, 104–143. Das, A. N. 1988. Bamboo research in Nepal. In Bamboos Current Research (eds.) Rao, I. V. R., Dhanrajan, R. and Sastry, C. B. Proceedings of the International Bamboo Workshop, 14–18 November 1988, Cochin, India, 1–5. Das, A. N. 1999 . Socioeconomics of Bamboos in Eastern Nepal. PhD Thesis, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. Das, A. N. 2000. Perception on fodder plants at eastern Terai and mid-hills of Nepal. Proceedings of Workshop on Agroforestry/Fodder Trees, 4 February 2000, Kathmandu, Nepal. Das, A. N. 2001. “Bamboo craft making in the Terai and Mid-hills of Eastern Nepal”, paper presented at the Training Workshop on Bamboo Handicraft Techniques and its Tools and Small Machines, 6– 19 October, 2001, Zhejiang, Sichuan, China. Das, A. N. 2002. Bamboo growing and its market development potential for sustaining rural livelihoods and poverty reduction in Eastern Nepal. Banko Janakari 12 (1): 8–19. Das, A. N. 2003. Bamboos in rural farming systems in the Terai and Mid hills of Nepal. Banko Janakari 13 (2): 34–41. Das, A. N. 2004. Manual on Bamboos in Nepal. TISC/NARMSAP/DANIDA, Kathmandu, Nepal. Das, A. N. and Seeley, J. A. 1996. Bamboo use as the basis for wealth ranking in Eastern Nepal. Banko Janakari 6 (2): 89-92. Howell, J. H., Sunwar, I. and Clark, J. E. 1989. Role of Vegetation in Slope Stabilisation on Highways. Department of Roads, HMGN, Nepal. Narayana, V. V. D. 1988. Watershed development and resource conservation for rangeland improvement. In Rangelands Resource and Management (ed.) Singh, P. Proceedings of the National Rangeland Symposium, November 9–12,1987, IGFRI, Jhansi, India, 229–237. Das and Thapa Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 18 Seeland, K.T. 1980. The use of bamboo in Rai village in the upper Arun Valley: an example of traditional technology. Journal of the Nepal Research Centre 4: 175-183. Stapleton, C. 1994. Bamboos of Nepal: An Illustrated Guide. Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, London, UK. Das and Thapa Table 1: Distribution and utilization of bamboos in Mid Western and Far Western region A. Mid Western Region 1. Dailekh-Mid hills SN Local name Latin name Bamboo size Utilization Code* Type of land+ NF CF FL H 1 Ban/Tama/Khasre Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 1, 3, 4, 5, 14 * * * 2 Ghar/Chille Bans/Taru bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15 * * * 3 Kande/Hade Bans Bambusa bambos Large 9, 12 * * 4 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 1, 4 * * 5 Dhungre/Gaun Bans Dendrocalamus sp. Large 5, 6 * * 6 Gopi Bans Cephalostachyum latifolium Large 14 * * 7 Nigalo/Lebans Ampelocalamus patellaris Small 1, 4, 5 * 8 Tite Nigalo Drepanostachyum falcatum Small 1, 12 * * 9 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambusa sp. Small 1 * 10 Malingo/Malinge Himalayacalamus sp. Small 1 * 11 Ghar Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1 * 12 Bhir Nigalo - Small 1 * * 13 Patane/Dum Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1 * 2. Surkhet-Mid hills 1 Chille Bans/Sata Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 4, 16 * * * 2 Tama/Khasre/Ban Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 1, 3, 4, 16 * * * * 3 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 1, 3, 4, 16 * * 4 Dhungre Bans Dendrocalamus sp. Large 6, 7 * * 5 Munger/Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 4,9 * 6 Kande Bans Bambusa bambos Large 4,9 * * 7 Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus var. wild Large 2, 4, 12 * * * * 8 Nigali Bans Bambusa alamii Large 1 * * * 9 Kali Bans - Large 1, 2, 4 * * 10 Bangali Bans - Large 1, 4 * 11 Pate Bans - Large 1 * 12 Ghusuwa/Lahure /Kalami Bans Melocanna baccifera Large 1 * 13 Phalame Bans - Large 4 * 14 Tite Nigalo Drepanostachyum falcatum Small 1 * * * 15 Ankhe Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1 * * 16 Malinge/Malingo Himalayacalamus sp. Small 1 * 17 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambusa sp. Small 1 * * * 3. Jumla-High Hill 1 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambusa sp. Small 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 * * 2 Ghode Nigalo Thamnocalamus sp. Small 1, 9, 10, 11 * 3 Jhupre Nigalo - Small 10 * * 4 Dube Nigalo - Small 5, * 5 Sadha Nigalo - Small 1, 4, 5, 10 * 6 Thane Nigalo - Small 1 * 7 Edi Nigalo - Small 1 * * * 8 Bede Nigalo - Small 5, * 9 Duse Nigalo - Small 1, 14 * Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 19 Das and Thapa 4. Dolpa-High Hill Bans - Large 5 * * 2 Malingo Yushania maling Small 1 * 3 Ghodaino Nigalo Thamnocalamus sp. Small 1 * 4 God Nigalo - Small 1 * 5 Jurmutho Thamnocalamus spathiflorus subsp. nepalensis Small 1 * 6 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambusa sp. Small 1, * 7 Dum Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1,9, 18 * 8 Doko Bunne Nigalo - Small 1 * 5. Pyuthan-Mid hills 1 Tama Bans Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. hamiltonii Large 3, 4, 5 * * * 2 Kalame Bans - Large 1, 7 * * 3 Taru Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 4 * * * 4 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 1,4, 6, 9 * * * 5 Linge Bans - Large 1, 11 * * * * 6 Nigalo - Small 1, 11 * * * * 6. Salyan-Mid hills 1 Tama Bans Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. hamiltonii Large 3, 4, 6, 9 * * * * 2 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 1, 4, 6, 7, 9 * * * 3 Dhungre Bans Dendrocalamus sp. Large 6, 9 * * * 4 Chille Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 4 * * 5 Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 12 * * * 6 Ban Bans Dendrocalamus strictus var. wild Large 1, 4, 6 * * 7 Khasre Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 1, 4, 6 * 8 Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1, 7, 6 * * * 7. Rolpa-Mid hills 1 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 4, 6, 9 * * 2 Tama Bans Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. hamiltonii Large 1, 3, 4 * * 3 Khasre Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 4, 9, 14 * * * 4 Dhungre Bans Dendrocalamus sp. Large 1, 9 * * 5 Khakale Bans - Large 4, 14 * * 6 Nigale Bans/Mugi Bans Bambusa alamii Large 1 * * 7 Choya Bans Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. undulatus Large 1 * * * * 8 Tite Nigalo Drepanostachyum falcatum Small 1 * * 9 Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1 * * * * 8. Jajarkot-Mid hills 1 Ghar Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 1, 4 * * * * 2 Ban Bans Dendrocalamus strictus var. wild Large 1, 4, 14 * * 3 Nigalo Small 1 * * * 4 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambusa sp. Small 1 * 5 Malingo/Malinge Himalacalamus sp. Small 1 * 6 Ghode/Ghodeno Nigalo Thamnocalamus sp. Small 1 * Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 20 Das and Thapa 9. Bardiya-Terai/Inner Terai 1 Khasre Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 1, 3, 4, 5 * 2 Jabarjoto/Jarbuto Bans Thamnocalamus spathiflorus Large 4, 1, 3 * 3 Chille Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 3, 5 * * 4 Dhanu/Bhalu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 4, * 5 Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 1, 4, 12 * 6 Panhelo Bans Bambusa vulgaris Large 12 * 7 Kaante/Kaand bans Bambusa bambos Large 4, 9, 12 * 10. Dang-Terai/Inner Terai 1 Munger Bans/Lathi Bans/ Lath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13,16, 18 * * * 2 Khasre/Tama Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 1, 3, 4, 5, 13, 18 * * * 3 Chille Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 4, 13 * 4 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 16, 18 * * 5 Chav Bans Bambusa tulda Large 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 16, 18 * 7 Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictu var. wild Large 1, 3, 5, 12 * * 8 Lyas/Liyo Bans Ampelocalamus patellaris Large 1, 7 * * * 9 Khasro Nigalo - Small 1 * * * 10 Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1 * 11 Tite Nigalo Drepanostachyum falcatum Small 1, 7 * 11. Banke-Terai/Inner Terai 1 Ban/Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 1, 3, 5, 12 * * 2 Murali bans Cephalostachyum latifolium Large 5, 14 * 3 Dhanu Bans/Harauti Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 1, 3, 4, 5, 13 * * 4 Tama/Khasre Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 1, 3, 5 * 5 Chille Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 4 * * * 6 Dhungre Bans Dendrocalamus sp. Large 1, 4 * * 7 Mal Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. cupulata Large 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13 * * 8 Kaante/Kaand bans Bambusa bambos Large 4, 9, 12 * * 9 Kathe/Sano nigalo - Small 1 * * B. Far Western Region 1. Doti –Mid hills 1 Bans - Large 1, 4, 7, 9, 16 * * * * 2 Ghar Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 1, 4, 6 * * 3 Ban Bans Dendrocalamus strictus var. wild Large 1, 4, 6 * 4 Bikase Bans Dendrocalamus sp. Large 1, 4, 6 * 5 Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 1,12 * 6 Nigalo - Small 1, 4 * * 7 Deule/Baghbutte Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambusa sp. Small 1, 3, 4, 17 * 8 Kathino/Putro Nigalo Drepanostachyum spp. Small 1, 4 * * 9 Malingo Yushania maling Small 1, 4 * * 10 Dume/Ghordo/B hunnur Drepanostachyum sp. Small 12 * * 11 Ghanse Nigalo Arundinaria sp. Small 5 * 12 Kuche Nigalo Yushania sp. Small 10 * * Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 21 Das and Thapa 2. Dadeldhura-Mid hills 1 Bhalu Bans Dendrocalamus hookerii Large 4, 6, 9 * * 2 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 4, 6, 9 * 3 Kandash Bans Bambusa bambos Large 1, 5, 6 * * 4 Ram Bans - Large 1, 6 * * 5 Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 1, 5, 6 * * 6 Bikase Bans Dendrocalamus sp. Large 1, 5, 6 * * 7 Bans Large 1, 4, 6, 16 * * * 8 Kathe/Putro Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1, 5, 6 * * * 9 Deulo Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambu sa sp. Small 1, 5, 6 * * * 10 Malingo Yushania maling Small 1, 5, 6 * * 11 Kalame Nigalo - Small 1, 5, 6 * 12 Nigalo - Small 1, 5, 6 * * * * 3. Baitadi-Mid hills 1 Bhalu Bans Dendrocalamus hookerii Large 1,2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 * * 2 Kath Bans D. strictus Large 4, 6, * * 3 Mal/Thulo Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. cupulata Large 4, 6 * * 4 Ban Bans D. strictus var. wild Large 4, 6 * * 5 Bans (Moto) - Large 6, * * 6 Kathe Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1, 5 * * * 7 Kalame Nigalo - Small 7 * 8 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambu sa sp. Small 1, 7, 14, 17 * * * 9 Malinge/Malingo Himalayacalamus sp. Small 1, 7, 14, 17 * 10 Dum Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1, 5, 6, 7 * * 11 Putro Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1 12 Poshyar Nigalo - Small 1 * * 4. Darchula-High Hill 1 Ghar/Moto Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 4, 16 * * 2 Kathe/Gathe Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 4, 5, 16 * 3 Ban Bans Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. wild Large 4, 6 * * 4 Bans - Large 1, 4, 5, 15, 16 * * * 5 Sano Bans - Large 4, 5 * * 6 Nigalo - Small 1, 4, 11 * * * 7 Malingo Yushania maling Small 1, 4 * * * 8 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambu sa sp. Small 1, 4, 6 * * * * 9 Putro Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1, 4, 6, 18 * * * * 10 Ghorado/Dum Nigalo Thamnocalamus sp. Small 1, 4 * * * 11 Bhuno/Dum Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1, 4 * * * 5. Achham-Mid hills 1 Ghar/Moto Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 4, 16 * * 2 Kathe/Gathe Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 4, 5, 16 * 3 Ban Bans Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. wild Large 4, 6 * * 4 Bans - Large 1, 4, 5, 15, 16 * * * 5 Sano Bans - Large 4, 5 * * 6 Nigalo - Small 1, 4, 11 * * * 7 Malingo Yushania maling Small 1, 4 * * * 8 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambu sa sp. Small 1, 4, 6 * * * * Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 22 Das and Thapa 6. Bajhang-Mid hills 1 Latthi Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 4, 12 * * * 2 Kathe Bans (Moto) Dendrocalamus sp. Large 1, 4, 12 * * 3 Kathe Bans (Masino)** Phyllostachyus nigra/Borinda emeryi Large 1, 4, 12 * * 4 Kalo Nigalo Borinda sp. Small 1, 4 * * 5 Deu Nigalo** Yushania/Chimnobambu sa sp. Small 1, 4 * * 6 Dhanero Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1, 4 * * 7 Putro Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1, 4 * * 7. Kanchanpur-Terai/Inner Terai 1 Kath Bans/Guniya Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 1, 3, 4, 5, 12 * * 2 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 * * 3 Tama/Khasre Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 * * 4 Kath bans Dendrocalamus strictus var. wild Large 1, 4, 6 * 5 Chille Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 16 * * 8. Kailali-Terai/Inner Terai 1 Dhanu Bans Bambusa balcooa Large 4, 5, 13 * * 2 Kath Bans Dendrocalamus strictus Large 4, 5 * * 3 Ghar/Chille Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Large 1, 5 * * 4 Khasre Bans Bambusa nepalensis Large 1, 4, 6 * * 5 Gadaru Bans - Large 1, 4, 6 * * 6 Ban Bans Dendrocalamus strictus var. wild Large 1, 3, 5 7 Kaante/Kaand bans Bambusa bambos Large 4,9,12 * 8 Nigalo Drepanostachyum sp. Small 1,4,5 * 9 Mal Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. cupulata Large 1, 4,5,7, 9 * 10 Kalo/Bhalu Bans Dendrocalamus hookerii Large 4, 6, 9 * *1: Woven-products 2: Soil conservation 3: Shoots as vegetables 4: Construction 5: Fodder 6: Furniture 7: Handicrafts 8: Ornamental 9: Fencing 10: Broom 11: Rope 12: Stick 13: Scaffolding 14: Flutes 15: Fuelwood 16: Dead body carrier 17: Tobacco pipe and 18: Support for vegetables +NF-National forest, CF-Community forest, FL- Farmland and H-Homestead; ** further investigation is needed to identify genus (Yushania or Chimnobambusa) for Deu nigalo and Phyllostachys nigra or Borinda emeryi for Kathe Bans (masino) Table 2: List of bamboo species recorded in Mid Western and Far Western regions of Nepal Local name Scientific name Location Local name Scientific name Location Nibha/Gopi /Le / Lyas Bans/ Leyas Bans Ampelocalamu s patellaris Mid Western and Far Western Mid hills, mostly cultivated. Dum Nigalo Drepanostachy um sp. Found in both dry and mo forest sites, and on farm la in Far Western Mid hills. Nigale/Mugi Bans Bambusa alamii Cultivated in Mid Western Terai and lower Mid hills. Putru /Putre/Suru wal Nigalo Drepanostachy um sp. Clump forming small diam bamboo species found in D Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Darch and Bajhang districts Kaante Bans/Hade Bans/Kande Bans/Kanda sh Bans Bambusa bambos Thorny bamboos cultivated in farm land of Mid Western and Far Western Nepal. Malinge Nigalo Himalayacala mus sp. Found in cool/temperate broadleaved forests and als cultivated on farm land Dhanu/ Bholka/ Harouti/ Bambusa balcooa Cultivated all over the Terai region (flat plains) of Nepal and in the lower Mid hills. Malinge Nigalo H. cupresus Found in temperate broadleaved forests of Mid Western Nepal in Dolpa an Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 23 Das and Thapa 12 Ghar Bans/Moto Bnas/Bhalu Bans Jumla districts Khosre/Seto / Phusre/ Tama Bans/Ban Bans Bambusa nepalensis Mid Western Mid hills and Surkhet valley, found in both farm land and natural forest. Tite Nigalo Himalayacala mus fimbriatus Commonly cultivated species in Mid Western Mid hills and also occasionally found in the broadleaved forest. Mal/ Ghanse Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. cupulata Less commonly cultivated in Mid Western and Far Western districts. Seto Nigalo Himalayacala mus porcatus Found in cool broadleaved forest Tharu/ Ghar/Taru/ Chille/Sate Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. nutans Commonly cultivated and also occurs in the lower hills and foothill forests including Bardiya National Park. Malingo Nigalo Himalayacala mus sp. Broadleaved forests (oaks and rhododendrons) of Khaptad National Park in Doti, Dadeldhura, and Baitadi districts. Chav/ Japhta/ Ghar Bans Bambusa tulda One of the most commonly cultivated species all over the Terai regions of Nepal Kalami/ Ghusuiwa/ Lahure/ Nigale Bans Melocanna baccifera Cultivated in Dang and lower hills of Mid Western Nepal Pahenlo/Bu tte Bans Bambusa vulgaris Occasionally cultivated on farm land and private gardens Ghoredo/ Bhodar Nigalo Thamnocalamu s sp. High Mountain Forests of Far Western Nepal Kalo Nigalo Borinda emeryi Commonly found bamboo in the high mountain forests. Jarbuto Thamnocalamu s spathiflorus subsp. nepalensis Commonly found bamboo in the high mountain forests in Mid Western, Nepal. Gopi/ Murali Bans Cephalostachy um latifolium Farm land of Mid Western Nepal Kucho Nigalo Yushania sp. Spreading bamboo found in temperate forests and open grazing lands, north of Dhaulagiri in Jumla, Dailekh and Kalikot districts. Ban/Choya/ Tama Bans Dendrocalamu s hamiltonii var. hamiltonii Cultivated all over hills of Nepal but also found in natural forests. Deo/Deo Ringal/ Baghbutte Nigalo Yushania/ Chimnobambus a sp. Khaptad National Park and also found in natural forests of Dadeldhura, Doti and Baitadi districts. Choya Bans Dendrocalamu s hamiltonii var. undulatus Cultivated all over hills of Mid and Far Western regions but also found in natural forests. Sano Maling Arundinaria sp. Spreading bamboo rarely found in temperate forests and open grazing lands of Mid and Far Western regions. Kalo Bans/ Bhalu Bans Dendrocalamu s hookerii Cultivated sparsely in Baitadi and Surkhe districts Ghanse Nigalo Arundinaria sp. Reported to be found in of Dolpa, Humla, Mugu, and Darchula districts Kath/Guniy a/ Laathi Bans/Mung er/Lath Bans Dendrocalamu s strictus Cultivated all over in the Terai. Nigalo/Mali ngo Yushania maling Doti, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Dolpa and Achham districts Kath/Ban Bans Dendrocalamu s strictus var. wild Dry Siwalik forests, mainly in Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Kailali and Kanchanpur districts. Nigalo Drepanostachy um sp. Kailali, Doti, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Salyan, Rolpa, Pyuthan, Jajarkot and Achham districts Bikase Bans Dendrocalamu s sp. Distributed in Doti and Dadeldhura districts Ankhe nigalo Drepanostachy um sp. Distributed in Surkhet district Mal/Thulo Bans Bambusa nutans subsp. cupulata Baitadi and Kailali districts Ghar nigalo Drepanostachy um sp. Distributed in Dailekh district Bans Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 24 Das and Thapa Jurmutho/J arbuto Thamnocalam us spathiflorus subsp. nepalensis Bardiya and Dolpa districts Dhungre Bans Dendrocalamu s sp. Cultivated species in both Mid Western and Far Western Mid hills Tite Nigalo Drepanostachy um falcatum Drier sub-tropical forest and on farm land