Asian Waterbird Count Nepal Site Coordinators Workshop
A three-day "Asian Waterbird Census Nepal 4th National Site Coordinators Workshop" was organized in Nawalparasi-East, from December 7th to 9th, 2024. Financial support was provided by “Birds Nepal.” A total of 50 participants, including site coordinators, participated in the program. The workshop commenced with a warm welcome from Manshanta Ghimire, the Treasurer of the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU), followed by a comprehensive overview of the program by Laxman Prasad Poudyal, the NOU Executive Director. The event was graced by the presence of the District Forest Officer, the Chitwan National Park Conservation Officer, AWC Coordinator Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, the Ward Chair, and other esteemed participants.
Dr. Hem Sagar Baral provided valuable insights into the 22-year journey of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in Nepal, spanning from 2002 to 2024. Subsequently, a comprehensive training session on field data collection techniques was conducted by Hathan Chaudhary, the Chair of the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU). Drishtant Bidari supported Hathan Chaudhary for discussion. The training underscored the critical importance of accurate and consistent data collection methods. To solidify their understanding, all participants engaged in a field trip to the Narayani River, where they had the opportunity to observe and identify 20 diverse species of waterbirds. Following the field excursion, participants were guided through the process of accurately inputting the collected data into the designated forms.
The workshop concluded on December 9th, 2024, with a formal handover ceremony where Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, the outgoing coordinator, officially transferred the accumulated data and documents to Laxman Prasad Poudyal, the newly appointed coordinator. This workshop served as a crucial platform to enhance the capacity of participants in the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in Nepal and is anticipated to contribute significantly to long-term conservation efforts in the region.
Bird Survey and Research Technique Training
The Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU) conducted a "Bird Survey and Research Technique Training" with financial support from the Toledo Zoo. The training commenced on December 3rd and concluded on December 9th, 2024, at Sitara Resort, located on the Narayani riverbankin the Nawalparasi-East district. The training covered major topics, including theoretical and practical aspects of bird identification and survey techniques, specifically the Mackinnon method and point count method. Discussions also encompassed the status and trends of birds in Nepal, the importance of bird research and data recording in Nepal, and the Wetland Bird Census and data entry methods, which included practical application using boats in the Narayani River. Furthermore, the training addressed the natural history of pheasants, their economic and ecological importance, and threats, along with pheasant survey techniques (both theory and practical). Additionally, a significant portion of the training focused on R Package Training.
Ten participants served as trainees. They were Birat Raj Rajak (NOU staff), Krishna Tamang (NOU intern), Puja Mahato (NOU intern), Dharmajit Saud (Rara National Park Ranger), Bishal Khanal (IOF Hetauda Campus student), Dristant Bidari (IOF Hetauda Campus student), Praju Thapa (IOF Kathmandu Forestry College student), Madhu Chaudhari (TUZDZ student), Shree Krishna Devkota (TUZDZ student), and Yogendra Rana (TUZDZ student). The instructors for the training were Laxman Prasad Poudyal, Hathan Ram Mahato, Suraj Baral, and Seejan Gyawali. The overall secretarial work was done by the NOU admin associate Babita Paudyal.
The Birds Nepal, the Pokhara Bird Society, and the Meghauli Ghatgain Nature Guide Association provided local technical support during the practical session. The volunteers were Puja Mahato, Roshan Mahato, and Suresh Mahato.
