The Center for Environmental and Sustainable Agricultural Research (CESAR) is pleased to announce that Dr. Prayan Pokharel, a researcher specializing in ecology and biodiversity, has been awarded a prestigious research grant from the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF), Japan. His project, titled “Mistletoe Diversity and Associated Insects in Panchase Protected Forest, Central Nepal Himalayas,” has been selected for NEF’s 2025–26 Research Grant Programme.
The research project focuses on uncovering the complex relationships between mistletoe plants, their host trees, and the diverse insect communities they support. This study will be conducted in the Panchase Protected Forest, a mid-hill biodiversity hotspot in central Nepal. Known for its ecological richness and elevational range, Panchase offers an ideal setting to study how altitude, microclimate, and forest structure influence species interactions.
The Role of Mistletoes in Forest Ecosystems
Mistletoes are aerial hemiparasitic plants that draw water and nutrients from host trees while maintaining their photosynthetic activity. Far from being destructive parasites, they serve as keystone species in many ecosystems. Mistletoes provide critical resources such as nectar, fruit, and habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. They contribute to pollination, seed dispersal, and the structural complexity of forests.
Despite their ecological significance, mistletoes remain under-researched in Nepal. Their roles in species interactions and forest health are poorly documented, and existing studies are limited in geographic and taxonomic scope. Dr. Pokharel’s research seeks to fill this gap by systematically exploring mistletoe-insect relationships across ecological gradients.
Research Objectives and Methodology
The project will examine the diversity of mistletoe species, their host specificity, and the associated insect communities along a 1,100-meter elevational transect spanning from 1,400 to 2,500 meters. Both north- and south-facing slopes of the Panchase region will be surveyed to capture variations in microclimate and forest composition.
Data will be collected across three seasons—post-monsoon (October–November), mid-winter (January), and spring (March–April)—to assess how mistletoe phenology and insect associations change over time. Fieldwork will use non-destructive canopy fogging techniques to sample insects within mistletoe clumps without damaging host trees. Sampling sites will be spaced at 100-meter elevation intervals along designated forest trails, with data collected from a 50-meter radius on either side.
Each site will be assessed for environmental variables, including elevation, slope orientation, forest type, and canopy structure. By linking these factors to patterns in mistletoe and insect diversity, the study aims to uncover ecological drivers of host-parasite-mutualist interactions.
Scientific Guidance from a National Expert
Supporting Dr. Pokharel in this endeavor is Dr. Mohan Devkota, a leading expert on mistletoe biology in Nepal. Dr. Devkota, who has decades of experience researching parasitic plants and their ecological roles, will serve as an advisor to the project. His previous work has laid the foundation for mistletoe research in the region, and his guidance will be instrumental in species identification, ecological interpretation, and methodological design.
Dr. Pokharel expressed appreciation for the mentorship:
“It is a privilege to work with Dr. Devkota, whose expertise in mistletoe ecology has shaped this field in Nepal. His insights will greatly strengthen the scientific depth and rigor of the project.”
Broader Relevance and Community Engagement
The project’s outcomes will make a substantial contribution to ecological science in the Himalayas. By documenting species interactions that are often invisible yet vital to ecosystem health, the research will help inform conservation strategies and forest management policies. Understanding the distribution and ecological roles of mistletoes can also support climate resilience planning, as these species respond sensitively to changes in temperature, moisture, and habitat structure.
In line with CESAR’s mission to connect research with societal benefits, the project will also involve young researchers and local community members. Students will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and data analysis, gaining hands-on experience in ecological research. Outreach materials, including identification guides and infographics, will be shared with local schools and forest user groups to raise awareness of mistletoe ecology.
Community feedback and collaboration are central to the project’s approach. Dr. Pokharel plans to conduct public presentations in the Panchase area to share findings and gather local knowledge about mistletoe-host dynamics—contributing to a two-way exchange of science and lived experience.
Recognition and Next Steps
The grant from NEF recognizes both the scientific potential and conservation value of the research. NEF supports field-based studies by early-career scientists across Asia, with a focus on biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Pokharel expressed gratitude for the opportunity:
“This grant allows us to explore an overlooked but ecologically significant group of organisms in Nepal’s forests. Mistletoes are connectors in nature—between plants, insects, and animals. I hope our findings will show that even parasitic plants can be central to biodiversity and ecosystem function.”
CESAR congratulates Dr. Pokharel on this well-deserved recognition and is proud to support research that blends scientific inquiry with local relevance. Fieldwork is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025, with a final report anticipated in early 2027.
The institute also extends thanks to Dr. Mohan Devkota for his continued commitment to mentoring emerging researchers and advancing ecological science in Nepal.