General Objectives and Major Activities for 2024: In 2024, the Nepalese Ornithological Union focused on a range of crucial activities to advance its conservation mission. These initiatives demonstrate a clear commitment to three main objectives, supported by the following major activities:
(1) Surveys and Research: Cheer Pheasant: A survey was conducted in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and its surroundings in May 2024. Bengal Florican: Research and conservation efforts were initiated in Shuklaphanta National Park to investigate grassland management, identify suitable habitat, and implement land-sharing strategies. These actions are continuing into 2025. Egyptian Vulture: A study on the breeding biology of this endangered species, conducted in the Pokhara Valley, had its final report completed in 2024.
2. Active Monitoring: Raptor Migration: From October 10th to December 10th, 2024, raptor migration was monitored at the Thoolakharka watch site. Daily observations recorded all passing raptor species and their numbers on an hourly basis.
3. Community Engagement and Outreach: Conservation Training and Eco-Clubs: Training and eco-club activities were implemented in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve from September 23 to October 3, 2024. Radio Program: A 14-episode radio program, "Hamro Cheer Hamro Dhorpatan," aired every Friday at 8:00 p.m. on a local FM station to raise public awareness. These actions collectively reflect the Nepalese Ornithological Union's dedication to both scientific research and community involvement in protecting Nepal's diverse avian species.
BIRDS OF SHUKLAPHANTA NATIONAL PARK
Book Summary: A total of 450 species of birds have been recorded so far in Shuklaphanta National Park, representing 19 orders and 78 families. Passerine birds represent 213 species of 40 families, whereas non-passerine birds represent 237 species of 38 families. The book Birds of Shuklaphanta 2019 presents photographs and a list of birds recorded in Shuklaphanta National Park. The ornithological value of this park is high, as it holds many birds with national and international significance. 23 species are globally threatened, 74 species are nationally threatened, 88 species are biome-restricted assemblage species, 7 species are nationally data deficient, 6 species are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 as Schedule I species, and 69 species are listed in CITES Appendices (3 in Appendix I, 64 in Appendix II, and 2 in Appendix III). Download the book.
The 2024 update on the birds of Shuklaphanta National Park: 465 Species
- The avian checklist history of the park dates back to 2008, when the bird count was 423, as recognized by Baral & Inskipp (2009). Since then, Regmi & Acharya (2012) upgraded the list to 424 species. By 2018, an additional 17 species had been added, bringing the total to 441. Poudyal & Chaudhary (2019) then added nine more birds, raising the total to 450 species.
- Giri et al. (2020) documented six additional species in Shuklaphanta, which brought the total to 456 species. The additional species were Wood Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola), Great Barbet (Psilopogon virens), Laggar Falcon (Falco jugger), Indian Nuthatch (Sitta castanea), Little Forktail (Enicurus scouleri), and Black-breasted Thrush (Turdus dissimilis).
- Poudyal et al. (2022) recorded four more avian species in Shuklaphanta: the Slaty-backed Forktail (Enicurus schistaceus), Spotted Forktail (Enicurus maculatus), Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor), and Rufous-bellied Niltava (Niltava sundara), bringing the list to 460.
- In 2024, Joshi et al. (2024) documented five new avian species in the park: the Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti), Grey-bellied Cuckoo (Cacomantis passerinus), Common Wood-Pigeon (Columba palumbus), Himalayan Cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus), and Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus). This brought the species list to 465.
Shey-Phoksundo National Park (SPNP) is the largest national park in Nepal, with an area of 3555 sq. km., which is situated in the Dolpa and Mugu districts in the northwest trans-Himalayan region. It is bordered by Tibet in the north, Mustang in the east, and Humla in the west. A total of 300 species of birds have been recorded so far in and around the SPNP. The ornithological value of this park is high, as it houses many birds with national and international significance. Five species are globally threatened, 16 species are nationally threatened, three species are restricted-range species, two species are nationally data deficient, three species are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 as Schedule I species, and 34 species are listed in CITES Appendices. This book is important for bird watchers. Besides birders, the route itineraries will be equally helpful as a mini guide for a diverse group of people, including wildlife researchers, environmentalists, trekkers, and rural development planners. Download the Book