55 species of birds recorded in wetlands of east Chitwan

Bharatpur (Chitwan), Jan 12: The bird census conducted in the wetlands in eastern Chitwan has concluded with the recordings of the presence of 55 species.    

The census was held in collaboration with the Bird Education Society and Nepalese Ornithological Union on January 6-7.    

This time, two more species of birds: Kalo Tauke Ganga Chil (Black-headed Gull) and Raja Gangachil (Pallas's Gull) were found here, according to Bird Education Society's education coordinator ornithologist Basu Bidari.    

The census was conducted along the area from Lothar to Darai Botetal, from Gaidhawa (Jindagani Ghat) to Saurahaghat, Saurahaghat to Kasara Bridge, Tamor Lake, Lami Lake, Bish Hajari Lake, Bhandara Machhapokhare, Budhi Rapti Dhungare river and Patana Lake.

    
A total of 7,150 birds were traced during the census and among them, 4107 were ruddy shelducks.

Comparatively this time, the population of shelducks has slightly decreased as they numbered 4,304 last year.    
Increasing pollution, water-base extractions and increasing human movement and encroachment have been noticed as growing threats to birds' habitats.   

 
The area where pollution is less, relatively more birds have been found.    

The Society has been conducting the census of birds since 1987. The census of aquatic birds takes place in 35 countries in the East Asia, including in Nepal, in January.    
So far, 652 species of birds have been recorded in Chitwan and this year 159 species have been traced while the species of birds dependent on water is 55. (RSS)