Management options for sal forests ( Shorea robusta Gaertn.) in the Nepal terai

This paper reviews problems and issues related to management options for the lowland (terai) forests of Nepal. Two types of sal ( Shorea robusta ) forest are found in the country: terai forests and hill forests. Sal is the dominant tree species of the terai forests, where it constitutes about 45% of total wood volume. In the hills, however, sal is only a minor species by volume. Significant loss of this species throughout southern Nepal is having a profound social and economic impact on the area. Natural regeneration of sal in Nepal has been observed but only under undisturbed conditions. Since local people are exploiting most sal forests, it is unlikely that the species will be able to withstand the current pressure being exerted by increasing populations. Consequently some means of production forest management needs to be employed. This paper discusses the current situation and offers suggestions for managing and conserving the terai forests.