Samenvatting

This study investigates key drivers that contribute to the degradation of Dyploknema butyraceae (Chiuri) inside two neighboring community forests in the Chitwan district of Nepal. The research focusses on how anthropogenic and ecological factors, such as land use practices, socio-eco-nomic changes, management and ecological changes have influenced the health of the popula-tions of this valuable Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) tree. Through a combination of litera-ture review, field surveys, and stakeholder interviews and questionnaires, six primary drivers were identified, all of which preventing regeneration to establish: overgrazing, decline in polli-nators and seed dispersers, overharvesting of seeds and fruits, forest fires, deforestation, and agricultural practices. While all are key concerns, overgrazing, decline in pollinators and seed dispersers and overharvesting of seeds and fruits collectively came out as most critical.