In the Harz region of Germany, two brothers continue to produce charcoal from beech wood using methods that date back hundreds of years. The Feldmar brothers not only manufacture charcoal but also operate a museum, a shop, and a restaurant that showcase the history behind their craft. They hope to pass this fading traditional art on to future generations. July 27, Hasselfelde (Rass/Associated Press).
Located in the Harz mountains of Germany, the two brothers have kept alive the centuries-old technique of producing charcoal from wood. Immo Feldmar begins the charcoal-making process by placing glowing embers inside a tall clay kiln. The kiln is filled with beech wood, which smolders slowly over several weeks, eventually turning into charcoal. This tradition has been practiced in the eastern German Harz region for hundreds of years.
“We make charcoal in traditional clay ovens, exactly as it was done a thousand years ago in the Harz mountains,” Feldmar recently told the Associated Press. Immo and his brother Sasha run the charcoal business, known as Harzkohlerei Stembergshaus, which they inherited from their father. Several workers monitor the wood burning inside the kiln continuously, ensuring it does not burn too quickly and turn to ash instead of charcoal.
In the Harz area, charcoal was essential for mining operations because extracting metals such as silver, lead, copper, and zinc required smelting ores at very high temperatures, which charcoal provided. For centuries, hundreds of families in the Harz region earned their livelihoods producing charcoal. Mining has since ceased, and the number of artisans making charcoal using traditional methods in Germany has declined significantly. The Feldmar brothers primarily sell their charcoal to customers for home barbecue use, producing about 40 tons annually.
According to Feldmar, their charcoal is made exclusively from pure beech wood. He claims that most charcoal sold in German hardware stores is imported and made from mixed wood types or other materials. Due to the difficulty in sustaining the business from production alone, the brothers also run a museum, a small shop, and a restaurant that reflect the history of charcoal-making. The restaurant serves local dishes, including steaks grilled over their own lump charcoal. Although the traditional craft of charcoal-making is at risk of disappearing in Germany, Feldmar hopes the family will continue this heritage for generations to come. “We hope our children will take over this business and keep the traditional art of charcoal-making alive,” he said.
In the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, Nepal has commenced their innings chasing a target of 212 runs set by Namibia. In Utrecht, Netherlands, Namibia batted first after winning the toss and scored 211 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Nepal faces pressure to secure their first victory in the series to maintain their World Cup qualifying hopes.
Kathmandu, 27 July – In the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Namibia, Nepal started their reply with a target of 212 runs. The match is taking place in Utrecht, Netherlands, where Namibia won the toss and chose to bat first, posting 211 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs. Jan Frylinck was the highlight for Namibia, scoring a century off 149 balls, including 3 boundaries, before being run out. Lauren Styneskamp also contributed significantly with 59 runs off 87 balls, hitting 4 fours and a six. The pair added 131 runs for the second wicket.
Nepal’s medium pacer Karan KC delivered an outstanding bowling performance, taking 5 wickets. He bowled 10 overs with 2 maidens and conceded just 29 runs, marking his fourth five-wicket haul in ODI career. Karan also became the second Nepali player to reach 100 ODI wickets during this match. Sompal Kami secured 1 wicket. Having lost their previous two matches, Nepal is eager to claim their first win in this series. Staying within the top four to qualify for the ODI World Cup Global Qualifier is critical for Nepal, thus winning every remaining match is essential. Nepal had also been defeated by Namibia in the first match of this series.
Following the death of an individual due to police gunfire while controlling a dispute between two groups in Dewanganj, Sunsari, the local administration has imposed a curfew. Home Minister Sudan Gurung has formed a five-member committee led by Undersecretary Bhupendra Thapa to investigate the Sunsari incident. The Central Security Committee meeting held at the Home Ministry has decided to analyze the overall law and order situation across the country, including the Sunsari event, and formulate necessary strategies. July 27, Kathmandu.
The Central Security Committee meeting commenced at the Home Ministry in Singha Durbar and has been ongoing for some time. This meeting was convened in response to the incident that occurred last night in Sunsari. A five-member committee has also been formed to investigate the matter. The committee, chaired by the Home Ministry, includes the Home Secretary, Inspector General of Nepal Police, Inspector General of Armed Police Force, Director General of the National Investigation Department, and representatives from the Nepal Army. They have committed to comprehensively assessing the peace and security situation nationwide and devising necessary strategies.
In Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, Kaptanganj, Sunsari, one person died last night due to police firing while controlling a conflict between two groups. Following this, the local administration imposed a curfew. Despite the curfew, protests have broken out in various parts of Sunsari. After the incident, Home Minister Sudan Gurung held discussions with security chiefs at the ministry. Subsequently, a five-member committee led by Undersecretary Bhupendra Thapa was established to investigate the incident. According to the Home Ministry’s spokesperson Rama Acharya, the committee has been given a one-week deadline to submit its report. The committee is also expected to provide recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Seven new children’s storybooks aimed at enhancing the voices and accessibility of marginalized communities were released in Kathmandu. These books, crafted to empower and increase the visibility of marginalized groups through children’s literature, were unveiled at a program held on Sunday at Nepal Academy of Fine Arts in Naxal.
The launch event featured eminent figures including educator Kedarbhakta Mathema, senior children’s author Ganga Karmacharya, artist and former vice chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts KK Karmacharya, children’s author and critic Pramod Pradhan, rights activist Gauri Nepali, alongside the authors of the books.
The newly published titles include Sushila Tamang’s “Aitiko Bihe”, Bina Thing’s “Namko Katha”, Hansawati Kurmi’s “Indreni”, Shanti Sapkota’s “Mitini”, Sanjog Thakuri’s “Mamighar”, Asmita Wadi’s “Haitamako Himmat”, and Sangita Uraw’s “Surjiko Ujyalo”. These stories were published under the “Aparajita Katha Project”, a part of the British Council’s gender-related arts initiative “Gender Arts: Equal Together 2025”, coordinated by journalist Sushila Tamang. The project also involved collaboration with the Children’s Literature and Research Center and the Hum Daajubhai organizations.
The books feature illustrations by artists Rabindra Manandhar, Anamika Gautam, and Prajwal Thapamagar. The project’s core goal is to use children’s literature as a medium to promote girls’ empowerment, gender equality, and reduce discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, class, and culture that persists in society. The stories capture the cultural and social life, experiences, and practices of marginalized communities.
During the event, educator Mathema emphasized the importance of encouraging children to read such diverse stories to help enhance their intellectual capacities. He noted that developing a reading habit broadens horizons of knowledge, urging efforts to motivate children towards greater literacy.
Activist Gauri Nepali, while reviewing all seven stories, highlighted that these narratives diverge from traditional storytelling styles by embedding moral lessons and ideals while authentically depicting societal realities. She remarked that the stories resonate deeply because they are not about elites but feel like relatable tales for many, a factor she believes will make them popular among Nepali readers.
Contributing their perspectives, children’s authors Pramod Pradhan, Ganga Karmacharya, Professor Dr. Taranidhi Bhattarai, British Council’s “Gender Arts: Equal Together 2025” director Yukta Bajracharya, author Bina Thing, and illustrator Anamika Gautam expressed optimism that these books will have a positive impact on the domain of children’s literature.
On Sunday night in Kaptanganj, located in Dewanganj Rural Municipality of Sunsari, tension erupted between two religious communities. During efforts to control the clashes, police reported at least one fatality and several injuries. Following the incident, the local administration imposed an indefinite curfew to maintain peace and security. Despite the curfew, protests have continued according to reports. The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee to investigate the incident.
The Chief District Officer of Sunsari has declared an indefinite curfew under the Local Administration Act, 2028, starting from 7:00 AM until further notice. The directive prohibits public movement and gatherings such as congregations, rallies, demonstrations, meetings, or blockades in several areas of Sunsari. As the situation remains tense, police and Nepalese Army personnel have been deployed to patrol the area.
Analysts note that these are not isolated incidents. Similar communal tensions have been observed recently in districts like Parsa, Rautahat, and Dhanusha. In Sunsari’s case, tension reportedly began when one group preparing for the Bolbam pilgrimage hoisted flags on an electricity pole near another community and played loud ‘DJ’ music. Assistant Chief District Officer of Sunsari, Poshan Lamichhane, stated, “Both the flags and the loud DJ were triggers for the unrest.”
Experts explain that such incidents have become increasingly frequent across various parts of the Terai-Madhesh region. Chandrakishore commented on the rising sense of demonstration among different religious communities in recent days. He said, “There are tendencies in both communities to organize mass rallies and exhibit aggression, sometimes with weapons.”
Analyst Gupta argues that factors like illiteracy and poverty contribute to the escalation of such conflicts. He also criticized administrative shortcomings, noting, “In cases like those in Parsa and Rautahat, although unpleasant events occur, both communities eventually negotiate to restore brotherhood after the fact.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Kafle stated that the government is sensitive to the issue and has set up an investigation committee. Gupta further suggested that religious communities themselves can play a vital role in preventing recurrence by promoting peaceful conduct internally. He remarked, “Hindus can encourage fellow Hindus, and Muslims their own community, to organize programs in a peaceful manner.”
After spending eight months aboard the International Space Station, the joint US-Russian crew safely landed in Kazakhstan on Sunday. The three-member team completed a 241-day scientific and technical mission aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. Despite political tensions, the United States and Russia continue their collaboration in space.
The Soyuz MS-28 capsule, carrying NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev, parachuted down safely in the southwestern region of Jezkazgan. This mission marked the first spaceflight for Williams and Mikayev, while it was Kud-Sverchkov’s second journey into space.
Following their landing, the crew is scheduled to be transported by helicopter to Karaganda. From there, NASA astronaut Williams will return to the United States and proceed to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, while Russian cosmonauts Kud-Sverchkov and Mikayev will head to the training center in Star City near Moscow.
Despite the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine in 2022 and ongoing political strains between the two countries, joint space missions have continued uninterrupted. On July 14, a new crew led by NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and successfully arrived at the International Space Station.
Following the death of one person due to police gunfire in Dewanganj of Sunsari, protests have erupted in Biratnagar. Demonstrators have shut down markets and shops across Biratnagar, demanding action against those involved in the incident. On Sunday, while trying to control a clash between two groups, police opened fire, resulting in one fatality and nine injuries.
On 11th Shrawan in Biratnagar, protests were held in response to the incident that occurred in Kaptanganj, Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3, Sunsari. The shooting took place while police attempted to control a dispute between rival groups, leading to one death and nine injuries. The protest was organized on Monday afternoon at 5 PM in Biratnagar, where demonstrators raised slogans demanding accountability and enforced a shutdown of local markets and shops.
Significant risk has emerged due to wildfires in France and Spain. As reported 17 minutes ago, these two countries in Europe are the most affected by the ongoing fires spreading across the continent. The fires have forced nearly 320,000 people to evacuate to safer locations. The wildfires have caused extensive damage not only to forested areas but also to residential properties.
In France, firefighters are making continuous efforts to control the largest wildfire observed since World War II. In the city of Bordeaux, where smoke from the blaze has been reported, authorities have confirmed that no local residents have been relocated.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited three of the most severely affected areas to assess the situation firsthand. According to the international news agency Reuters, approximately 50,000 hectares of land have been destroyed in these regions. Spain has confronted over 30 wildfire incidents just this year. The World Health Organization has warned that climate change plays a significant role in increasing wildfire intensity. Additionally, Reuters has reported wildfire occurrences in parts of Scotland and Italy as well.
A shooting at the ‘Bite of Seattle’ food festival in Seattle, USA, resulted in two fatalities and five injuries, including a two-year-old child. Following the incident, police evacuated the Seattle Center area, and the injured are receiving treatment at Harborview Medical Center. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed condolences to the victims’ families after being briefed on the situation and confirmed that a state police team has been deployed to investigate. July 27, Seattle (AP/Reuters).
The popular ‘Bite of Seattle’ food festival, held near the Space Needle, ended in tragedy Sunday evening as two people were killed and three others—a two-year-old child, a 23-year-old man, and a 39-year-old woman—are reported in stable condition. All five injured individuals were transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. According to local time, the shooting occurred around 6 p.m. as the event was winding down, forcing attendees to flee.
Eyewitness Faith Adia Hunter recounted that they had just purchased food when the gunfire suddenly erupted. Upon realizing that the shooter was nearby, they, along with others, ran toward a nearby building and sought refuge at the Seattle Children’s Museum. Another eyewitness, Roberto Ramirez, initially thought the noise was fireworks but soon recognized the scene as people began shouting ‘shooter’ and running for cover.
First established in 1982, the ‘Bite of Seattle’ is a three-day food and cultural festival that attracts approximately 350,000 participants annually, according to organizers.
Pokhara Avengers announced on Monday the signing of Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The team expressed confidence that the participation of the world-class cricketer will strengthen their lineup and enhance their competitiveness. General Manager Amit Lohani stated, “We are extremely excited to welcome a world-class player like Shakib Al Hasan into the Pokhara Avengers family.”
Kathmandu, 11th Shrawan – Shakib Al Hasan has consistently delivered outstanding performances in international cricket over a long period. The 40-year-old has played for more than 30 franchise teams worldwide. In 129 T20 international matches, he has scored 2,551 runs and taken 149 wickets. Across all formats of T20 cricket, he has appeared in 478 matches, amassing 7,853 runs along with 515 wickets, cementing his impressive career.
By signing Shakib, Pokhara Avengers have strengthened their goal of winning the title while reaffirming their commitment to provide Nepalese cricket fans the opportunity to watch international-level players live. Lohani added, “His arrival will make our team even more competitive and elevate the appeal of the Nepal Premier League to new heights.” For NPL Season 3, Pokhara Avengers have also retained key players, including marquee player Kushal Bhurtel.
A Mathematical Sciences Research Centre has been established in Nepal to strengthen research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in mathematical sciences. The centre aims to focus on scientific advancement, academic excellence, and practical technology transfer through artificial intelligence, data science, and mathematical modeling. Chairperson Dr. Jeevan Kafle expressed commitment to contributing to national development through interdisciplinary research and emphasized the need for necessary investments to build a knowledge-based economy. (11 Shrawan, Kathmandu)
The primary objectives of the Mathematical Sciences Research Centre are to promote research, academic excellence, scientific innovation, and technology development at both national and international levels through pure and applied mathematics, statistics, data science, actuarial science, computational science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, scientific computing, high-performance computing, and mathematical modeling. The centre will conduct high-level studies and research in interdisciplinary fields such as geophysical modeling, air and water pollution modeling, bio-fluid modeling, biomathematics, fractional calculus, computational simulation, numerical methods, and others.
The centre aims to collaborate with industries, educational institutions, and government and non-governmental organizations to apply the knowledge, technologies, mathematical models, and software developed through research for practical use, technology transfer, and transformation into socially beneficial services. It will also work to expand national and international cooperation among universities, research institutions, professional societies, industries, and government bodies while focusing on increasing research capacity, producing high-level scientific publications, technology development, enhancing the abilities of young researchers, and generating skilled scientific manpower.
Chairperson Dr. Jeevan Kafle highlighted that mathematical sciences form the foundation of modern science and technology and pledged to strengthen the connection between pure and applied mathematics to contribute to national development through interdisciplinary research. The executive committee of the centre includes Dr. Jeevan Kafle as Chairperson, Pushpa Nidhi Gautam as Vice Chairperson, Dr. Chudamani Pokhrel as General Secretary, Shankar Pariyar as Secretary, Vishnuprasad Bhandari as Treasurer, and members Dr. Bekha Ratna Dangol, Ishwar Prasad Paudel, Kedarnath Chatkuli, and Tuk Bahadur Rana. Currently, around 40 researchers and research students affiliated with various universities and research institutions are engaged with the Mathematical Sciences Research Centre.
Image caption, The tripartite agreement has opened the path for cooperation between CPN UML and CPN in the provincesArticle Information
The leaders of CPN UML and the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) have stated that their agreement to cooperate and form joint governments in the provinces is currently limited only to the provincial level.
While some have described this as a leftist coalition or as preparation for the upcoming local and provincial elections next year, the leaders of both parties clarified that their cooperation is aimed solely at stabilizing the provincial governments for now.
The Nepali Congress, which is currently exiting provincial governments, has expressed a preference to remain outside the government, reasoning that it remains safer if there is no opposition absent.
Less than a year after last year’s Gen Z movement caused the collapse of the joint federal government of the Nepali Congress and UML, the provincial agreements between the two parties across all seven provinces have also unraveled.
Key Points of the Agreement Between the Two Communist Parties
Image source, RSS
Image caption, The agreement on cooperation at the provincial level by the two main leftist parties is considered significant
On Saturday, CPN UML Chairman KP Oli and CPN Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda made a tripartite agreement pledging to govern the provinces through a partnership of the two main leftist parties.
The agreement covers cooperation in the provincial assemblies and forming joint governments; CPN UML will lead Koshi, Bagmati, and Lumbini provinces; CPN will lead Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces; and in Madhesh and Gandaki provinces, leadership and participation will be determined after consultations with other parties.
The direct impact of this agreement is likely to be felt especially in Bagmati and Sudurpashchim, where the Nepali Congress had led provincial governments, and displacement is now a possibility.
In Madhesh and Gandaki provinces, where Congress currently holds the chief minister’s position, there remains an open possibility for Congress to lead with support from other parties.
CPN leader Barshaman Pun explained the core purpose of the agreement as an effort to resolve disputes, some instability, and differences between the two ruling parties at the provincial level.
“In Sudurpashchim, even the budget was halted. We tried to form the government with three parties, but when Congress did not agree, it was halted. Now we have resolved the deadlock by cooperating,” he said.
“We had two options: to go for midterm elections or to cooperate. Considering elections are scheduled next year and various federal issues are ongoing, we chose cooperation instead,” Pun added.
CPN UML Secretary Padma Aryal described the current agreement as a natural development.
“After disputes began, a solution was needed. In Sudurpashchim, after the Congress chief minister dismissed UML ministers over budget issues, it was decided to ensure stability either together or with the CPN,” Aryal explained.
Both parties’ leaders have said they want to include the Nepali Congress in power-sharing, but the Congress Deputy Chairperson has indicated that is not theoretically feasible.
“We see the agreement between the two parties forming the provincial governments. We remain open for further talks, but our theoretical stance is that the opposition is essential,” said Deputy Chairperson Pushpa Bhusal.
Operational Unity or Long-Term Agreement?
The parties ousted from the central government in the last election are reportedly beginning preparations for the local and provincial elections next year.
Following their written agreement on provincial cooperation, expectations are growing that the leftist parties may form coalitions or alliances in the upcoming elections.
However, leaders from both parties have stated that this is not an initial step toward leftist unity.
“We will see what comes of the cooperation. It is good for like-minded parties to stay close, but the current agreement is only to avert the immediate crisis,” said CPN leader Pun.
“There is still time before elections. No decision has been made on coalition or single contest yet.”
CPN UML Secretary Padma Aryal clarified that such an agreement represents “operational unity, not a long-term one.”
“The leaders may have talked, but this agreement is not for the future, only an immediate operational unity. There is no agreement on party unification,” she said.
She added that decisions on unity and elections will be made later.
Analyst’s Perspective on ‘Left Unity’
Image source, RSS
Image caption, The recent agreement comes amid ongoing debate on unity or coalition among leftist parties
While the leaders of both parties argue that immediate leftist unity is not forthcoming, a political analyst has questioned the proclaimed ‘left unity.’
“First, there is the question of how leftist these parties really are. I find no leftist perspective reflected in the current tripartite agreement. What difference will a new provincial government make compared to the old one? There’s no evidence of leftist reforms or changes there,” said analyst Rajendra Maharjan.
“This is simply another exercise for power; there is no substance of ideology, policy, or program. It will bring nothing new beyond distributing chief minister and minister positions among friends.”
Rajendra Maharjan noted the diminished significance and discussion of ‘left unity’ under current circumstances, saying,
“They may come closer for the sake of survival in elections, but ideology won’t hold them back.”
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Since the renewed US military actions against Iran began in July, four American soldiers have died and 207 have been injured. The Pentagon announced that a new phase of hostile operations against Iran started on July 7 and has been categorized under a special designation. The US has accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), since the resumption of military operations against Iran in July, four US soldiers have died and 207 have been wounded. The Pentagon’s updated Defense Casualty Analysis System on Sunday indicated that, as of July 25, a US military campaign against Iran named ‘Epic Fury’ resulted in 14 US fatalities and 417 injuries.
The Pentagon has recently introduced a new category, called ‘Overseas Operations,’ in the casualty system. Under this category, casualties occurring from July 7 onward are listed separately, reporting four deaths and 207 injuries. However, this new classification includes only the names of deceased soldiers; details such as the timing, location, and cause of the deaths or injuries have not been disclosed.
While confirming the deaths of four soldiers in this new phase of the conflict with Iran, the Pentagon has not clarified whether all the injured soldiers are related directly to this confrontation. Under US law, the President generally cannot involve US troops in hostile actions for more than 60 days without Congress’s approval. According to media reports, the Trump administration sent a letter to Congress on July 10 stating that Iran’s attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7 violated the previous ceasefire agreement. Based on this, the White House has defined July 7 as the start date of the new phase of hostile operations against Iran.
Despite competitive efforts, Nepal lost all five matches in the league stage and was unable to advance to the semifinals. The Nepali team participating in the Kavha Men’s Volleyball Championship suffered defeats in all five league matches, thereby missing out on the semifinal round. A lack of international experience and an inability to manage crucial moments prevented Nepal from securing wins even in games where they held the lead. Coach Jagdish Bhatt stated that with a long-term plan and regular international competition, Nepal could achieve outstanding results in the future. Kathmandu, 11th Shrawan.
The Nepali team traveled to Islamabad, Pakistan, to compete in the Kavha Men’s Volleyball Championship with clear goals—to be ranked in the FIVB world rankings and to win medals for the senior men’s team after nearly a decade. Since it was an official ranking event, Nepal successfully entered the world rankings after playing its first match. However, the second goal was not achieved. Although the matches were competitive, Nepal lost all five league matches and failed to advance to the semifinals.
Despite playing competitive volleyball in all five matches, Nepal was unable to secure any wins. The team endured five consecutive losses, with three of those matches lost in five sets. Nepal will compete in a playoff match for fifth place. This time, under the captaincy of setter Harijur Thapa, the Nepali team had a large number of young and new players. Six of the twelve team members were making their national team debut. Despite strong performances, Nepal’s lack of international experience, inability to handle critical moments, and the opponents’ greater experience led to their defeats.
Nepal showed a remarkable performance against Kazakhstan, which was considered one of the stronger teams, in their opening match. Though they were defeated in a competitive game, Nepal’s comeback was widely praised. The scores against Kazakhstan were 25-19, 25-21, 32-34, 19-25, 15-9. This match provided a solid foundation for preparing for future international competitions.
In Thakurbaba, Bardiya, a ‘One Household, One Kitchen Garden’ program has been implemented linking local livelihoods to the conservation of the rusty-spotted cat. Kathmandu, 11th Shrawan. To protect the world’s smallest wild cat species, the rusty-spotted cat, a program integrating conservation with local livelihoods has been initiated in Bardiya district. The event, held in Thakurbaba Municipality-9, Khushalpur, saw the participation of 14 local residents. They received one-day training on organic vegetable cultivation, compost production, soil management, and sustainable agricultural practices. After the training, each participant was provided with agricultural tools and seeds for seasonal vegetables, organizers reported.
The program is carried out with support from the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF), Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZSCF), and the Rusty-Spotted Cat Working Group – Bardiya. Program coordination was led by Ramjan Chaudhary, while the training was delivered by veterinarian Ashish Chaudhary. According to organizers, promoting kitchen gardens at every household is expected to reduce reliance on forest resources, decrease human pressure on forest areas, and thereby contribute to wildlife habitat conservation.
It is anticipated that this initiative will lower forest fire risks, reduce illegal poaching, and positively impact the conservation of prey species essential for the rusty-spotted cat. This rare wild cat species is found only in Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka. Its body length ranges from 35 to 48 centimeters, weighing between 0.9 and 1.6 kilograms. Due to the distinctive rusty-colored small spots on its body, it is locally known as the ‘Khya Thople Biralo’ (spotted cat) in Nepal. The cat is primarily nocturnal, solitary, and extremely shy.
Its primary diet includes mice, small mammals, birds, lizards, frogs, and various insects. Conservationists note that by controlling mouse populations, it plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. According to program coordinator Ramjan Chaudhary, the species was first recorded with photographic evidence in Bardiya National Park in 2069 BS (2012-2013 AD). During the training, participants were encouraged to take an active role in forest fire management, preventing illegal hunting, reducing wildlife-related road accidents, and conserving natural habitats. SWCCF, MBZSCF, and the Rusty-Spotted Cat Working Group have been conducting school-level conservation awareness campaigns, tree planting, habitat restoration, homestay promotion, sustainable agriculture, and income-generating programs in Bardiya.
