Aquatic bird number rises, species diversity declines in Pokhara

Gandaki, Jan 14: The latest census of aquatic or water birds in the wetlands and lakes of the Pokhara Valley has recorded an increase in bird numbers but a decline in species diversity.     

The census jointly conducted by the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge and Pokhara Birds Society found that overall aquatic birds' population spiked by 10.2 per cent compared to last year.     

However, the number of species has declined by 13.2 per cent, stated a press statement issued here today by Jhalak Chaudhary and Manashanta Ghimire, regional coordinators of the Asian Aquatic Birds Census in Pokhara.     

A notably lower diversity of aquatic birds was recorded in Phewa Lake in the bird count that concluded on January 9 this year.     

Of all other lakes in Pokhara Valley, the Phewa Lake used to house the widest variety of indigenous and migratory aquatic birds.     

Both the population and species of aquatic birds has sharply decreased around Dipang, Gundre and Khaste Lake areas, unraveled the census.     

The census further revealed that the population of aquatic birds has dropped by 59 per cent in Dipang Lake a cause for concern among the ornithologists, said Ghimire.     

On the contrary, both the number and variety of aquatic birds have increased in Maidi Lake, he mentioned, adding that the rise indicates favorable habitat for these birds in this area.     

Region-wise, Rupa Lake also witnessed an increase in both the population and variety of aquatic birds this year, noted Ghimire.     

He underscored the need to replicate the conservation practices being exercise in Rupa Lake in other lakes and water bodies to welcome and retain as many as aquatic birds.     

Ghimire also called for sustainable management and protection of birds' habitats and curbing human encroachment among others measures to protect and promote the population and species of such birds.(RSS)