KANCHANPUR: The vulture population is on the rise in Kanchanpur district in recent years. There has been a significant surge in the number of vultures thanks to the increasing public awareness on the need of conserving the bird.
With the protection of their habitat, the birds known as nature’s cleaner vultures have started building nests in areas close to human settlements and roosting.
According to Hirulal Chaudhary who works with Bird Conservation Nepal, 12 vultures have been found roosting in areas close to the Tarapur post of the Shuklaphanta National Park, six in Hirapur Phanta and eight in Bansaha, the buffer zone of the national park.
These many vultures’ nests were found in the course of a vulture survey conducted recently. The highest number of vultures’ nests has been found at Parsia at the Laljhadi Mohana conservation area. As many as 21 vulture nests were counted in this area.
Chaudhary said two vulture chicks which were found in the area in sick condition are being treated. “Vultures get sick mostly during winter but they slowly recuperate. Usually, the chicks which are learning to fly get hurt and fall sick,” he said.
As per the survey conducted by the Society, 119 vultures were found in Kanchanpur last year. Chaudhary said the number might have increased this year and reached between 150 and 200.
Twenty three species of vultures are found in the world while only nine species are found in Nepal. Seven species of vultures are found in Kanchanpur.
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