Conserving Waterbirds

Nepal is a sanctuary for numerous bird species, both native and migratory. Various migratory birds from as far away as Siberia stop by Nepal's wetlands to escape the harsh winter and hatch their fledglings. Around 150 species of migratory birds come to Nepal every year. As part of the International Waterbird Census, Nepal has been conducting an annual waterbird count since 1987, which is crucial to monitor long-term trends of the bird population and develop long-term conservation strategies. 

Annual bird count is also important to track the number and types of waterbirds, their distribution and the risks they face. The ongoing 16-day count of waterbirds also helps assess the condition of our wetlands that have served as important habitat for them. 

Home to 915 species of birds, the country is rich in ecological diversity – a magnet pulling a good number of tourists from around the world each year, many of whom arrive for bird watching.  A large number of bird enthusiasts, researchers and conservationists visit Nepal to conduct studies on the rare avian species found here, generating incomes and jobs for locals.

 Ten wetlands of Nepal are listed as Ramsar Sites and cover five per cent of our total land area. The diversity of wetlands, from glacial lakes to the wetlands of the Tarai, creates diversity in bird species as well. According to last year's bird count, the Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve area saw a marked decline in waterbird numbers and species. Likewise, the number of waterbirds in the Narayani River area in Chitwan also witnessed a slight decline compared to the previous year.  

However, the Ghodagodi wetland saw a significant increase in the number of birds and species. According to the 2024 Census, 1731 waterbird species were found in the Ghodaghodi wetland area, a significant increase from 855 birds of 17 species. Last year, Ibisbill, locally known as Tilahari, was spotted in Chitwan after 15 years. Likewise, Baikal Teal was spotted in the Narayani River. It was the 8th time in 40 years that Baikal Teal was spotted in Nepal. These data are very important not only to formulate conservation strategies but to inform the world about the diversity of our bird species so that tourists and nature enthusiasts worldwide visit our wetlands. 

Birds, the beautiful creatures of nature, form a vital part of ecology. Their chirping and sweet sounds soothe the human heart. Nepal is a heaven for them. So their preservation is critical for both humans and nature.  Although our wetlands provide habitats to hundreds of bird species, the increasing encroachments of rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes have taken a toll on the health of the wetlands and the bird species dependent on them. 

Pollution, incessant extraction of riverbed materials, and making concrete structures on river sides and lakes have disturbed the fragile ecosystem of the wetlands and the species dependent on them. To let our future generation enjoy rich and diverse waterbird species, we need to conserve the wetlands and stop disrupting anthropogenic activities in their ecosystem to ensure a reliable food supply for them. Only in healthy wetlands do the waterbirds thrive and multiply.