This paper deals with 67 specimens belonging to eight different species out of which 4 species were hard-shelled turtles such as Indotestudo elongata, Melanochyles tricarinata, Melanochyles trijuga and Pangshura flaviventer, while rest of 4 species were soft-shelled turtles such as Lissemys punctata, Aspideretes hurum, Aspideretes gangeticus and Chitra indica. Among all, Lissemys punctata was recorded as widely distributed and most abundant species. Ethno-medicinal uses of turtle by Satar, an indigenous ethnic community of southern Jhapa for human and domestic animals have been documented. Most of the diseases are treated by the use of turtle shell of Lissemys punctata.

Intestinal parasitic infections have been a major public health burden of developing countries, especially in children. Higher prevalence has been reported among school children, mostly in rural areas of Nepal where water, toilets, hygiene, and sanitation facilities are insufficient. This cross-sectional study was carried out from April to September 2019 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school-going children1-5 years of Dharan, Nepal, and to assess the associated risk factors. Stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screw-capped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, kept in an icebox, and transported to the laboratory. Data relating to different risk factors were collected from the parents of 116 participants using a structured questionnaire. The parasites were identified by using the direct wet mount method and formal-ether concentration method. Pearson’s chi-square test was carried out to establish associations between dependent and independent variables using SPSS version 20, and the test considered a greater than < 0.05% as statistically significant with a 95% confidence level. Out of the 116 stool samples, 9 (7.75%) tested positive for the parasitic infections in which 5 (55.5%) were protozoa and 4 (44.45%) were helminths. The prevalent parasites, were Entamoeba histolytica (23%), Hyamenolepis nana (22%), Giardia lamblia (11%), Hookworm (11%), Entamoeba coli (11%), Ascaris lumbricoides (11%), and Intestinal parasitic infections had a significant association with drinking water, bowel syndrome, bathing habit, toilet facility, and washing hands after toilets (p<0.05). Lack of toilets, poor hygiene, and unsafe drinking water were the main risk factors. Improved hygienic practices, safe drinking water, and the use of latrines could lower the rate of parasitic infections.

The present study conducted in Betana wetland, Morang, Province number 1, Nepal. The study based on the field survey in order to find out the avifaunal composition. In the present study, total 320 individuals of birds belonging 49 species, 30 families and 15 orders reported from Betana wetland based on field observation. The highest proportions of individuals recorded from the sampling station F1 forest area was 35% (n=112). The highest number of species (n= 15) recorded belong to the order Passeriformes with nine families, followed by Coraciformes with three families and four species then Pelicaniformes with two families and six species. Of them, two species viz. Grey-headed fish eagle (Icthyophaga humilis) and Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus ) are kept under near threatened (NT) and vulnerable (VU) category of  IUCN Red List of threatened species.  About 70 % of total bird recorded was resident type and about 35% of total recorded bird species common in abundance. The species richness and abundance of avifauna found higher in winter season than summer. Compared to the previous study, birds belonging to four more families and five more orders recorded this time. The Shanonn–Weiner diversity index and species evenness of avifauna from the study area found 1.332 and 0.789 respectively.BIBECHANA 16 (2019) 154-164

The present study conducted in Betana wetland, Morang, Nepal. The study based on the field survey in order to find out the avifaunal composition. Most of the birds were found belong to the order Passeriformes including nine families and 15 species, followed by Coraciformes with three families and four species then Pelicaniformes with two families and six species. Of them, two species viz. Greyheaded fish eagle (Icthyophaga humilis) and Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus) are kept under Near Threatened (NT) and Vulnerable (VU) category of IUCN Red List of threatened species. About 70% of total bird recorded was resident type and about 35% of total recorded bird species were fairly common in abundance. The species richness and abundance of avifauna found higher in winter season than summer. Compared to the previous study, birds belonging to four more families and five more orders recorded this time.