Despite their reclusive nature, which naturally keeps them away from humans, they are increasingly being spotted in human settlements, villages and crop fields.
According to experts, these birds must have been enticed to human settlements due to easy access of food or that it could be a change in their natural behavior."We are still in the preliminary phase of research and it would be premature to say anything about it. However, reports have shown the movement of these birds toward human settlements," said Jotendra Thakuri, conservation officer at Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN).
"The point is that these birds would be at the risk of extinction if they continue moving toward human settlements," emphasized Thakur.
The Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) in coordination with BCN have been conducting research on these birds since 2013.
With an aim to study their movement and habitat, two male Bengal Floricans were satellite-tagged and released in Koshi Tappu area in 2013. Similarly, another pair was released in Suklaphanta area in 2014. The recent report shows that birds have travelled up to 38 kilometers and returned to their respective tagged areas. However, amid their short migration, most of them have stopped at Jagdi located to the north of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and at Jhilmila, East of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.
"Besides their attraction toward human settlements, we have found these birds are leaving their stoppage areas after grasses began to grow taller. If this is the reason for their movement, then may have to focus on managing grasslands to make their habitation more favorable," said Thakur.
As per the record of BCN, only 41 of these birds have been spotted in Nepal. Besides the ongoing research areas, these birds are mostly found in Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts.
"Human activities have always disturbed the habitation of both wild animals and birds. In case of Bengal Floricans, which are declining in number, we are not in a position to say anything substantial. However, the result is worrisome. Further research will definitely reveal more interesting facts," said Gopal Prasad Bhattarai, ecologist at DNPWC.
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