BHARATPUR, Jan 12: A recent census conducted in the wetlands of east Chitwan has recorded 55 species of birds. The survey, held on January 7-8, covered the lakes and rivers within Chitwan National Park and the surrounding areas. The census was organized by the Bird Education Society and the Nepalese Ornithological Union.
Two species not observed last year were recorded this time: the black-headed shrike and the king shrike. According to Basu Bidari, program coordinator of the Bird Education Society and an ornithologist, all the species found last year were also seen during this year's census. Last year, 53 species of birds were recorded.
The survey focused on the wetlands in eastern Chitwan, including Darai Botetal from Lothar, Gaidhawa (Jindagani Ghat) to Saurahaghat, Kasara Pul from Saurahaghat, Tamor Tal, Lami Tal, Bis Hajar Tal, Bhandara Machhapokhari, Budhi Rapti Dhungare Khola, Patna Tal, and other areas. Over the course of two days, the census counted a total of 7,150 birds, including 417 Chakhewa-Chakhewi.
Protecting the wetlands and Sarus Cranes of Lumbini
Last year, the total number of birds counted was 7,517, with 4,304 of them being Chakhewa-Chakhewi. The number of Chakhewa-Chakhewi has decreased slightly compared to last year.
The census found 41 species between Saurahaghat and Kasarahagt, two species from Lothar to Jindagani Ghat, 25 species from Jindagani Ghat to Saurahaghat, 30 species at Bishashar Lake, 26 at Budhi Rapti, 24 at Dhungare Khola, 18 at Matsyabikas Kendra, 16 at Lami Lake, 12 at Patna Lake, and four at Tamor Lake.
Among the 7,150 birds counted, 417 were waterfowl. The census also included 117 small and 460 large waterfowl. Bidari, who is also a former president of the Bird Education Society, noted that the number of waterfowl is declining due to pollution, riverine mining, and increasing human activity. He observed that while the number of waterfowl has decreased, the population of Chakhewa has remained stable.
Areas with reduced pollution have seen a greater presence of birds and wildlife. The Bird Education Society has been conducting bird census since 1987, and similar waterfowl censuses are carried out annually in 35 East Asian countries, including Nepal, every January.
This year, a total of 652 bird species were recorded in Chitwan, with 159 species identified in the district alone. Of these, 55 species are dependent solely on water.
