GANDAKI, Jan 15: The latest census of water birds in the wetlands and lakes of the Pokhara Valley has recorded an increase in the number of birds but a decline in species diversity.
The census jointly conducted by the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge and Pokhara Birds Society found that the overall population of aquatic birds spiked by 10.2 per cent compared to last year.
However, the number of species has declined by 13.2 percent, stated a press release issued on Wednesday by Jhalak Chaudhary and Manashanta Ghimire, regional coordinators of the Asian Aquatic Birds Census in Pokhara.
A notably lower diversity of aquatic birds was recorded in the Phewa Lake in the bird count that concluded on January 9 this year.
Fewer aquatic birds spotted around Narayani, Rapti rivers along...
Of all other lakes in the Pokhara Valley, the Phewa Lake used to house the widest variety of indigenous and migratory aquatic birds.
Both the population and species of aquatic birds have sharply decreased around Dipang, Gundre and Khaste Lake areas, according to the census.
The census further revealed that the population of aquatic birds has dropped by 59 per cent in Dipang Lake, a cause for concern among the ornithologists, said Ghimire.
On the contrary, both the number and variety of aquatic birds have increased in Maidi Lake, he mentioned, adding that the rise indicates favorable habitat for these birds in this area.
Region-wise, Rupa Lake also witnessed an increase in both the population and variety of aquatic birds this year, noted Ghimire.
He underscored the need to replicate the conservation practices being exercised in Rupa Lake in other lakes and water bodies to welcome and retain as many aquatic birds as possible.
Ghimire also called for sustainable management and protection of birds' habitats and curbing human encroachment, among other measures to protect and promote the population and species of birds.
RSS
