Bio-diversity

Betna wetland is originally a stream, originated from a natural spring situated 6 km north of East West Highway of Morang district, east Nepal. After running 3 km to the south of the spring, the stream widens to form an oxbow lake till it reaches the highway. The wetland along with the forest land is important migratory route for Asiatic elephant (Elephus maximus). According to the survey from IUCN, the wetland is home for 15 fish species, 9 snakes, 19 birds and 19 mammals. Aside from its diverse ecology, the wetland is important source of water for irrigation. But the oxbow lake is shrinking due to invasion of water hyacinth (Eichornia sps). The main objective of the project is to aware community and involves them in removing the invasive species so as to restore the wetland and avail the water for irrigation in continuum

Nepal