Endangered birds species like Finn's weaver, great hornbill and great slaty woodpecker that are on the verge of extinction seek safe haven at Ghodaghodi Lake

KAILALI, Aug 8: The birds that were enlisted in the endangered list of the country were recently spotted around the Ghodaghodi Lake in Kailali. The species had vanished from the area as a result of loss of food and habitat due to climate change, heavy use of pesticide, rampant forest encroachment, leading many to believe that they had become extinct.

Enlisted as one of the Ramsar sites, Ghodaghodi Lake has turned out to become a safe haven for some of the endangered birds like Finn's weaver. The area flourished as one of the conservation areas due to the initiative of the locals and government, who worked hand in hand to launch various campaigns for the preservation of the species.

Along with Finn's weaver, endangered species like the great hornbill and great slaty woodpecker were also spotted in the area.

Chairperson of Bird Conservation Network, DR Chaudhary claimed that spotting the nests and the birds that are on the verge of extinction globally in the vicinity of the lake denotes that the area has the potential for birds to thrive there.

“The area around the lake is considered a sanctuary for birds due to ample food sources and suitable climate,” said Chaudhary.

Vice-chairperson of Bird Conservation Network, Jamuna Nyure informed that the endangered birds have also started to nest and give birth to their young ones.

“Common moorhen, one of the rare species, has started to procreate in the area. The species might have considered it a secured environment before giving birth to their young ones,” said Nyure.

Nyure stated that the number of new species have seemingly increased within a few years.

“After Finn's weaver was spotted some time ago, the area is considered a safe haven for birds under the risk of extinction,” added Nyure.

Birds like cotton pygmy goose, spot-billed duck do not have a record of procreating in rest of the areas except for Ghodighodi Lake. The birds are likely to approach the lake for nesting especially in the time of monsoon.

“Common moorhen, which is one of the migrating birds, have started to procreate as a native bird on the lake premises. Since the climate and weather is suitable for migratory birds, the endangered species from Siberia and other places migrate here in large numbers every year,” added Chaudhary.

Likewise, birds like Pheasant-tailed jacana and Eurasian wigeon were also spotted after several years. Although the Pheasant-tailed jacana is a native bird, it was endangered because of loss of habitat and poaching. It was spotted after five years in the area. Eurasian wigeon and cotton pygmy goose have also started to nest around the lake.

Altogether 299 bird species are found in around 21 lakes including Ojhuwa Lake, eastern Ojhuwa Lake, Ramfal Lake, Nahkrodi Lake, Budhi Nakrodi Lake, Tengnuwa Lake, Baisahawa Lake, Chandra-Bijuwa Lake inside the Ghodaghodi lake area.

 
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