Water bird census begins from Rapti River in Banke

BANKE: The annual water bird census has commenced along the Rapti River in Kusum, Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality-1, as part of efforts to monitor avian populations and habitats in the region.

Birendra Kandel, Chief Conservation Officer of Banke National Park, confirmed the initiation of the census, stating, “Like every year, this year too, we have started the census of water birds from the Rapti River.”

On the first day, various bird species were captured on camera, showcasing the biodiversity of the area.

Ornithologist Ram Shahi highlighted concerns over the disappearance of bird habitats due to human activities affecting rivers, wetlands, and water bodies. Conservationist Ashish Chaudhary added that the water bird population has been declining over the past three years, citing construction in bird habitats, indiscriminate pesticide use, and increasing human activity as major factors.

A team comprising ornithologists, conservationists, park officials, and security personnel has been mobilized for the census. The group will survey Banke National Park, the Rapti River, wetlands, and other key habitats. Locations such as Kanti Lake in Nepalgunj, Sutaiya Lake in Baijnath, and Mankhola near the Bardiya border are also included in the census scope, according to ornithologist Shahi.

The annual bird census aims to raise awareness about habitat conservation and gather data to inform future conservation strategies.