Water birds census begins in Shuklaphanta National Park

KATHMANDU, Jan 2: Water bird census has begun from Saturday in Shuklaphanta National Park and other areas. The census will continue till January 16. 

For the census, the officials of the national park,  experts of Nepal Bird Conservation Association, representatives of Himali Prakriti, NTNC, Nature Guide Association are being mobilized. 

According to the association's ornithologist Hirulal Dagoura, those involved in the census use binoculars, telescopes and cameras for counting the aquatic birds.

He said that water birds would be counted reaching onsite and boarding a boat. According to him, water birds will be counted in Ranital, Taratal, Kalikich Lake, Bedkot, Bandatal, Puranital, Pyaratal, Sally river, Chaudhar river and other border areas. 

Water birds are being monitored and counted every year to find out the distribution and status of native and migratory birds in the lake and wetland areas, to update the numbers, to raise awareness with the participation of local communities and stakeholders in conservation. “The census also provides information about the condition of the lake where water birds live,” Dagoura said. 

At the same time, information is taken about the condition of the wetland area, human encroachment on the lake and the natural damage. During last year's census, 48 species including some of the world's rarest storks were found during the census of waterfowl in the park and outlying areas. 

According to Dagoura, there is enough space for food, security and nesting in the area, so the migratory water birds migrate to the area including some from Siberia, India and Sri Lanka.