Number of migratory birds decline in Chitwan

Basant Parajuli 

Narayangadh, Jan. 14: The number of migratory birds from Siberia to Chitwan has been significantly low this year. Enumerators have reported a sharp decline in water-dependent birds during the recently concluded bird count.

The bird count, jointly conducted by the Nepal Ornithological Union and the Bird Education Society, revealed a remarkable decline in migratory bird numbers, said ornithologist Basu Bidari, the coordinator of the survey in the Chitwan Section.

Species such as Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Black Stork, White Stork and several duck species are migratory birds. This year, particularly, the number of stork species has drastically declined, he said. In previous years, these birds were commonly sighted during the count, but now their numbers are limited, he added.

Birds from northern Asia, including Siberia, China, Myanmar, Mongolia, Russia, Korea and Thailand, migrate to Nepal to escape the winter cold. As snowfall occurs in the northern regions of Asia, these birds come to Nepal in search of safe habitats and food. Normally, they arrive between September and December, spend the winter in Nepal and return as temperatures rise in February, Bidari explained.

Migratory birds are primarily found in the wetlands and riverbanks of Chitwan National Park. However, the declining number of these long-distance travellers, who migrate for food and to escape the cold, has raised concerns among conservationists.

Bidari attributed the decline to pollution, noise and the lack of concrete conservation plans and efforts. “Migratory birds coming from Siberia are not adequately protected in Nepal. Increasing pollution is also a problem, as we have speculated,” he informed.

Altogether 63 volunteers were mobilised for the waterbird count in Chitwan on January 6 and 7. According to Bidari, the counts have been conducted in Chitwan since 1987. Waterbirds are migratory birds that move from various parts of Asia during the winter.

According to a press release issued by the Nepal Ornithological Union, 55 species of waterbirds were recorded in Chitwan this year. Chitwan is home to a total of 1,426 bird species. This year, two species that were not recorded last year, Black-headed Gull and Gadwall, were also observed. Last year a total of 49 species of waterbirds were recorded in Chitwan.

During the six winter months, birds migrate from Siberia across the Himalayas to various countries. “Birds go wherever there is good food and habitat,” said Tika Ram Giri, a founding member of the Nepal Ornithological Union. Fish and algae are excellent food sources for such birds, he added.