20 species of birds recorded during survey in Banke

Nepalgunj, Jan 23: Twenty species of birds were recorded during a survey of water birds conducted in Banke few days ago.

Such species of birds were detected along Sikta area from Kusum of Rapti river and different lakes and rivers in the district.  

Ruddy Shelduck, Siberian birds and birds migrating from Russia were recorded during the census, said Ornithologist Ram Shahi. He added that garbage piled at ponds and lakes has shrunk habitat of the aquatic birds.  

"The habitats of birds are also at risk due to noise pollution at picnic sites located near ponds and lakes," Shahi added.  

Aquatic birds including Gadwall, Lesser Whistling Duck were also found in course of the survey.  A total of 276 birds were recorded in the survey conducted by Banke National Park and Buffer Zone community.  

Information Officer at the Banke National Park, Mandeep Pangeni, shared that a team comprising Ornithologist Joshi had conducted the two-day survey and different species of birds were found at surrounding areas of Rapti river, local forest, Kanti and Sutaiya ponds and their habitats were found safe. 

He expressed the belief that survey conducted every year would help for the management of habitats of the birds. 

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