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Fluvial Functioning Index (FFI): Assessing Freshwater Habitat in Tamor River Basin, Nepal

Author Affiliations

  • 1SMCRF-Nepal, PO Box: 052, 44800 Bhaktapur, Nepal

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 5, Issue (8), Pages 49-58, August,22 (2016)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the river habitat conditions in Tamor River basin (TRB; Area = 6051 km2) in the eastern part of Nepal using Fluvial Functioning Index (FFI). The FFI is one of the emerging river habitat quality evaluation methods. The obtained results indicate that in TRB, the rivers have FFI score ranging from 285 (Excellent) to 95 (Poor). Except, Leuti Khola tributary (FFI 95), all other studied sites were between Excellent (FFI 285) to Fair (FFI 128) conditions, indicating that the functionality of the river coursesare somehow better, however the presence of more than 44% of Fair and 6% Poor quality river sections indicated a lower ecological quality of the overall river system that could be at risk in the near future. Ghunsa sub-basin in the upper reach of the basin was rated as Excellent (FFI 285) condition due in large extend to less disturbance from anthropic impacts. The results suggest that the basin’s fluvial water bodies need particular management attention to prevent them from further degradation as well and sustainable development of the aquatic ecosystem.

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