CHITWAN: The winter waterfowl census has been completed in Chitwan National Park (CNP) and surrounding areas. The census was conducted on January 8–10, while the nationwide waterfowl census in Nepal is carried out annually from 3rd to 18th January.
According to Basu Bidari, President of the Nepal Ornithologists’ Association, Bagmati Province, the census was conducted along the Lothar River and in lakes and ponds connected to rivers in the district. A total of 70 ornithologists participated. “We are currently identifying the species of waterfowl observed. The results will be available in a day or two,” Bidari said.
The survey covered a wide area, including the Lothar River, Jindaganighat, Sauraha, Dhungre Khola, Kasara Bridge, and the Rapti River. Birds were also counted in the Narayani River, Riu Khola in Madi, Batuli Pokhari, Kumal Lake, Tikauli Lake, Satahajari Lake, Lamital, Tamor Lake, Patna Lake, and the Bhandara Fisheries Center within the park, as well as from Chitrasari Bridge in Budhi Rapti to Rapti Dobhan.
Bijay Giri, President of Word Education Society, Chitwan, added that the census extended from Ghadgain to Golaghat along the Rapti River, from eastern Bhangala in Narayani, and from Ganjapur to Golaghat. Additional areas surveyed included Ghol and Phat in Divyanagar.
The census was conducted collaboratively by the Word Education Society, Nepal Ornithologists’ Association, National Trust for Nature Conservation, Chitwan National Park, and Intermediate Community Forest. Birds were counted on foot, by boat, and by vehicle, using binoculars, cameras, GPS, sound recorders, and other equipment.
Last year, 53 species of migratory waterfowl were recorded in Chitwan. Bidari noted that Nepal hosts 904 bird species overall, with 662 species found in Chitwan. The bird census in Nepal began in 1987, and this year marks the 60th iteration of the survey.
Most migratory waterfowl come to Nepal from China, with others arriving from Mongolia, southern Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, and a few from Eastern Europe. Bidari explained that the birds migrate to Nepal to escape the harsh winter conditions in their native habitats. The census identifies species based on color, body structure, and calls.
Comment