CHITWAN, NEPAL — A comprehensive bird nest monitoring and census conducted on July 22, 2026, at Batuli Pokhari has recorded a total of 440 active nests across four distinct waterbird species. The findings establish the area as one of the region's most vital seasonal breeding sites, particularly for the Asian Openbill stork.
Led by the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU) in coordination with the Meghauli Ghatgai Nature Guide Association (MGNGA), the initiative mobilized 31 bird experts, nature guides, and local conservation staff.
Key Findings: The census systematically evaluated 97 trees across five designated blocks within the 20-hectare wetland. Dead standing Sal trees (Shorea robusta) emerging from the lake provided the primary elevated nesting platforms, safeguarding nests from terrestrial predators.
Nesting Species: The Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) dominated the breeding colony with 433 nests (432 active and 1 vacant) across 97 trees. Additionally, 5 active nests of the Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) were recorded in a Kyamun tree (Syzygium nervosum), along with 1 active nest each for the Asian Woollyneck (Ciconia episcopus) and the Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica).
Notable Nesting Data: The highest nest was recorded at 90 feet above the ground, while the lowest was positioned just 6 feet above the water or ground level. High-density nesting was observed, with up to 16 active nests documented within a single standing dead Sal tree.
Ecological Significance: Batuli Pokhari, situated in Ward No. 13 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City within the Barandabhar Forest Corridor and buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, forms part of the internationally recognized Beeshazari and Associated Lakes Ramsar Site. The wetland receives water through the Khageri Irrigation Canal and has benefited from past conservation interventions, including earthen dams designed to retain rainwater and maintain water tables. The co-occurrence of nesting species such as the globally Near Threatened Oriental Darter and Asian Woollyneck demonstrates the wetland's high ecological health and crucial role in regional bird conservation.
Conservation Challenges and Way Forward: Field teams observed active incubation and chick-rearing across the nesting colony area at Batuli Pokhari. Emerging conservation threats requiring immediate management include potential disturbances from human proximity, livestock movement near key perimeter areas, and gradual habitat degradation surrounding the lake margins. Conservation leaders emphasize that maintaining standing dead Sal trees in the wetland and sustaining joint community-led monitoring will be crucial to protecting this avian haven. The area is managed by the Batuli Pokhari Buffer Zone Community Forest User Group in accordance with a work plan approved by Chitwan National Park.
Participants & Acknowledgments (Nest Monitoring at Batuli Pokhari, 22 July 2026): The team included Hathan Chaudhary, Basu Prasad Bidari, and Narayan Rijal (Nepalese Ornithological Union); Manesh Limbu, Bhagyanath Thakur, Sukhi Ram Mahato, Narayan Mahato, Hari Adhikari, Bishnu Bhushal, Jal Singh Mahato, Tarapati Mardaniya, Suman Mahato, Sunit Mahato, Pooja Gurung, Gajendra Pokhrel, Chandra Chaudhary, Prem Chaudhary, and Suman Lama (Meghauli Ghatgai Nature Guide Association); Ranger Laxmi Narayan Shaha and Game Scout Lalit Malla (Chitwan National Park); Manager Sajiv Joseph, along with Naturalists Santosh Basnet and Asbin Gurung (Meghauli Serai); Naturalists Abhash Kunwar, Rajesh Mahato, and Ganga Mahato (Barahi Jungle Lodge); Manager Pradeep Mahato and Naturalist Ajit Kumal (Jungle Villa Resort); Naturalist Kumar Giri (Into the Wild Eco Resort); Krishna Raj Mahato (Jagatpur Lodge); and Freelance Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer Chudamani Chaudhary. Sincere thanks to all participating individuals, partner organizations, and local hospitality partners for their vital contributions to this research initiative.