Number of water birds declines in Nepal in recent years

Kathmandu, Feb 5: The population of aquatic birds in Nepal has been declining in recent years, according to the latest nationwide bird census.

The census, conducted for 15 days beginning on the first Saturday of January, recorded a total of 90,688 water birds of 89 species across Nepal. In comparison, 96,565 water birds of 94 species were recorded in 2025. During earlier censuses, the number had exceeded 100,000.

The Asian-level water bird census began in 1987 in India in collaboration with Wetlands International, and Nepal has been participating since the same year. Migratory birds from extremely cold regions such as Russia, northern China, Mongolia, and Siberia arrive in Nepal during winter in search of a favourable climate and food. Some of these birds travel as far as Rajasthan in India, and during their return journey, their migration routes pass through Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The main objective of the census is to record the population of migratory and water birds during their non-breeding season, assess the condition of wetlands, raise awareness about the importance of aquatic birds and wetlands, and encourage public participation in their conservation and proper management.

This year, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation led the census, coordinated by the Nepal Ornithologists’ Association. According to the Association’s Executive Director, Laxman Prasad Paudel, the census covered 18 major wetland areas along with several smaller sites.

A total of 411 volunteer enumerators, including government employees, ornithologists, nature lovers, and citizen scientists, participated in the census. The findings were released on February 2, marking the World Wetlands Day.

Encroachment on wetlands has reduced the availability of food for aquatic birds. Experts note that the decline in aquatic bird populations is a global issue. Increased human activities around wetland areas, infrastructure development, the spread of invasive species in lakes, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture may have caused migratory birds to shorten their stay in Nepal.

The census focused on Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its surrounding areas, Chitwan, Banke, Bardiya, Shuklaphanta, Rara National Park and adjoining areas, as well as lakes and ponds in Dhanusha, the Kamala River, Hetauda, Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley, Lumbini area, Bishajari Lake, Ghodaghodi Lake, Rara Lake, and the Jagadishpur Reservoir, Paudel said.

Similarly, the Department’s Information Officer, Haribhadra Acharya, stated that food sources for aquatic animals have declined due to human encroachment on rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, as well as the increased use of pesticides in agriculture. (RSS)