Chinese Pond Heron sighted in Sudhurpaschim

By Abinash Chaudhary,Dhangadhi, July 4: The Chinese Pond Heron has been spotted for the first time in Sudhurpaschim Province.

This bird species, native to China, South Korea, and Japan, was discovered in the Jhilmila area of Beldandi Rural Municipality in Kanchanpur.

Hirulal Dangaura, a member of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), documented the sighting on July 2 while conducting Finn's Weaver monitoring in the paddy fields of the Jhilmila area. 

The location where the migratory Chinese Pond Heron was found lies in the central area of Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP), marking the third recorded sighting of the species in Nepal. 

Last year, it was discovered in Chitwan for the second time in Nepal. 

Dangaura reported that the Chinese Pond Heron was observed foraging in the paddy fields alongside Indian Pond-herons, Cattle Egrets, Intermediate Egrets, and Little Egrets. 

Other individuals who witnessed the bird in the area include Simran Dhakal from Kathmandu, nature guide Mahanand Joshi, student Navdeep Dangaura, and game scout Arjun Dutt Joshi from Shuklaphanta.

Distinguished by its mottled color on the head, chest, and neck, the Chinese Pond Heron resembles the Indian Pond-heron, except during the breeding season. 

With this discovery, the number of bird species documented in Shuklaphanta National Park has reached 461. 

Additionally, on May 14, 2023, a new species named Bhadrai Chara was recorded for the first time in Nepal within the park.

Dangaura emphasised that the presence of new bird species and these sightings reaffirm the significance of the wetlands and forests in Shuklaphanta National Park for avian life. Protecting these habitats is crucial in the present time. 

Nepal has witnessed an increase in the documentation of long-distance migratory birds in recent years.

Krishna Bhusal, a member of the "IUCN Bird Red List Group," urges the Ministry of Forest and Environment, relevant agencies, and organisations to take the lead in safeguarding such birds and wildlife. 

Bhusal emphasises Nepal's participation as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) for sustainable protection of migratory birds and other wildlife. 

The convention's list includes 75 bird species found in Nepal.