All is not well in bird paradise

Everyone knows that Nepal is a paradise for various bird species due to the rich biodiversity. So far, 864 species of birds have been recorded in Nepal, which are about eight percent of the total bird species found worldwide. This is so because Nepal has a sharp climatic variation from subtropical to alpine within a short span of less than 200 km (from north to south). The altitude varies from about 60 m above the sea level in the south lowland to 8,848 m in the north. A total of 33 globally threatened species, 19 near-threatened species and 15 restricted-range species have been recorded in the country. Spiny Babbler (Turdoides nipalensis) is the only endemic bird of Nepal known so far.



Koshi region alone now records a total of 491 bird species. Just a few months ago, rare birds like Small Niltava (Niltava magrigoriae) and Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) were spotted in this region. While Niltava was seen in the Koshi Tappu area, an Ibis was identified near the Koshi barrage after 21 years. Besides, 32 important bird areas are demarcated in the country for the purpose of researches by ornithologists from home and abroad.



Unfortunately, however, these birds have over the years have been facing threat of total extinction. While nine species of birds are listed under the protected species by Nepal Government, as many as 130 breeding and wintering species (15 percent of Nepal’s birds) are now considered nationally threatened. Habitat loss is the major threat to 86 percent of the birds at risk. Hunting, illegal trade and poisoning are other threats. Flooding over the years has wiped off major habitat base of the birds. Due to Koshi flooding, it has been estimated that one-third bird base in Koshi Tappu has been completely destroyed. One finding reveals that while as many as 50,000 birds traveled to Koshi region earlier, the number has been reduced to as low as 100 of late.



Likewise, in the absence of national programs to develop wetlands and the lakes in Chure region, Nepal is losing major bird centers. Besides the one in the Ghodaghodi Lake area in Kailali, no other effective programs have been initiated. On the other hand, illegal trade in birds is increasing and has become as dangerous as trade in tiger parts. The Eurasian Eagle Owl, an endangered species, faces threats from its trade. This particular bird is mainly supplied to China and Gulf countries for night vision experimenting purpose and also for production of Viagra.



Conservation remains one of the most corruption-ridden sectors in the country and the authorities have failed to take stern action to curb illegal trade. Take for example the parahawking business flourishing in Pokhara for nine years where endangered birds like Black kites and Egyptian vultures are being used. Unless the concerned state authorities become accountable and look at optimum utilization of the valuable resources that come into the country in the name of conservation, the birds and animals will continue to face the threat.

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