Counting of endangered Bengal florican continues in Koshi Tappu

By Baburam Karki,Barahakshetra, Mar. 27: The counting of endangered Bengal florican, locally known as Khar Mujur in Nepali, is continuing in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR). The counting of the rare bird species began on Friday under the coordination of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN).

The Bengal florican, scientifically known as Eupodotis bengalensis, is a bird species endemic to Nepal. This bird is known for its distinctive appearance and sound. It inhabits scrubland and forests in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Bengal florican is considered endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival.

The counting of Bengal florican started from Gobargadha in Saptari on Friday as part of the eight-day counting programme in KTWR. Three bird experts and conservation workers participated in the counting efforts. According to Binay Kumar Mishra, Information Officer of the KTWR, only around 100 Bengal floricans are left in Nepal.

Last year, only 24 Bengal floricans were recorded at KTWR. Mishra said that the bird has become endangered partly because the reproductive capacity of the birds is weakened after consuming insects and grasshoppers contaminated with pesticides used in the farms.

He added, “The decreasing number of birds is also attributed to climate change.” The recent rise in temperatures due to climate change has led to a decrease in the number of these birds, affecting their habitats and breeding patterns.

Despite the establishment of conservation areas, the population of Bengal florican continues to decline. Noted ornithologist Dr. Hem Sagar Baral said that this bird species is more endangered than tigers and is only found in India, Cambodia and Nepal.

According to him, the decrease in grassland is a significant factor that led to the decline in the number of Khar Mujur. According to Dr. Baral, Khar Mujur population is highest in India, followed by Cambodia and Nepal. Previously found in Bangladesh, the bird has disappeared from there. This species is facing extinction due to both natural and human-induced destruction.

Currently, Bengal florican is found in KTWR, Shuklaphanta National Park and Chitwan National Park. However, it has not been sighted in Bardiya National Park for the past decade. Anis Timsina, a bird conservationist, expressed concern that Khar Mujur is in danger due to the grasslands of the KTWR area catching fire during dry seasons. Timsina said that the bird, which was once found in the hundreds, has dwindled to only a few individuals in the region.

KTWR, renowned as the capital of birds, is facing habitat loss as large reservoirs, lakes, and small ponds here are drying up. Bird experts have said that the diminishing water bodies and grasslands are leading to a decline in the population of the birds dependent on these habitats. It is reported that the counting efforts, led by Mohan Bikram Shrestha of BCN in coordination with KTWR, will cover the grasslands along the Kosi River area within the KTWR.