Shuklaphanta sees fall in Finn's weaver population

By Abinash Chaudhary,Dhangadhi, July 20: The number of endangered Finn's weavers in Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP) has decreased compared to the previous year. The species of the bird was found to have declined in number during the recent census.

Ornithologist Hirulal Dangoura informed that both the numbers of birds and their nests were found to be lower than last year’s during the monitoring. A total of 211 individuals have been found this year, with 129 active nests and 89 inactive nests. Last year, during the monitoring conducted at this time, 244 individuals were recorded along with 139 active nests.

The bird, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is found in Nepal and India. The declining number is attributed to habitat changes.

Dangoura also stated that the presence of crows and Black Drongo birds, which eat the eggs and babies of Finn's weavers during the breeding season, contributed to the decline. "There are various reasons for the decline, and wildfires are one of them," he added.

The breeding season for this bird is from May to July, which coincides with a higher occurrence of wildfires. However, Chief Conservation Officer Kishore Mehta mentioned that despite the various challenges, the bird is still observed in the park. "The park has been making its best efforts to protect the birds and wildlife," he said. "We have preserved the habitat, and as a result, many types of animals are thriving in the park."

Monitoring is conducted every year by Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) to determine the number, condition, and challenges facing the Finn's weaver. Monitoring takes place around the main post within Shuklaphanta, Sikari Lake area, Vatkeko post area, Singpur post, Mohanpurphanta, Jhilmila, Kalikich area, Lalpani, Dudhia, Kariaphanta, and the southern part of Badnikhera.

In Nepal, there are four types of weavers: The Black-breasted Weaver, Streaked Weaver, Baya Weaver, and Finn's Weaver. Senior ornithologist Dr. Hem Sagar Baral recorded the bird for the first time in Shuklaphanta in 1996.

The park recorded at least 60 individuals in 2014, 200 in 2015, and 250 in 2016. The highest number of birds was observed in 2017 with 300 individuals, followed by 254 in 2018, 176 in 2019, 253 in 2020, 248 in 2021, and 244 in 2022.