KANCHANPUR: The annual census of the endangered Golden Weaver bird has begun in Shuklaphanta National Park, with conservationists hoping the survey will provide updated insights into the population status of one of Nepal’s rarest bird species.
The five-day census is being conducted jointly by Bird Conservation Nepal and Shuklaphanta National Park.
According to ornithologist Hirulal Dagaura, researchers will assess the bird’s population, habitat, feeding patterns, and behavior during the survey. The census has been carried out annually since 2014.
Found only in Nepal’s Tarai grasslands, the Golden Weaver is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Its breeding season extends from May to September, making this a crucial period for monitoring the species.
Recent census data indicate a steady decline in the bird’s population, with numbers falling from 248 in 2022 to 211 in 2023 and 184 in 2025. Conservation experts attribute the decline primarily to habitat loss, shrinking grasslands, and increasing human activity.
Park officials have stressed the importance of protecting natural grasslands, strengthening habitat management, and engaging local communities to ensure the long-term survival of the species.
Comment