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SURVEY OF BIRD SPECIES RICHNESS IN KAMALA RIVER

BASIN, LOWLAND NEPAL

KANCHAN PARAJULI

A FIELD REPORT SUBMITTED FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

MASTER’S DEGREE OF SCIENCE IN ZOOLOGY – SECOND YEAR

CENTRAL DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

KATHMANDU, NEPAL.

Batch -: 2068\2069

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Table of Contents

Abstract1

Chapter 1: Introduction 2

1.1. Current Threats 2

1.2. Objectives 2

Chapter 2: Materials and Methods 3-4

2.1. Study Area and Habitat 3

2.2. Survey Methods 3

2.3. Materials 4

Chapter 3: Result and Discussion 4-7

Chapter 4: Conclusions and Recommendation 7-8

References 9

List of Tables 10-12

Table 1 10-12

List of Charts 5-6

Chart 1 5

Chart 2 5

Chart 3 6

List of Plates 13-15

Plate 1 13

Plate 2 14

Plate 3 15

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Abstract

Kamala River is a medium sized river of Nepal that originates from Mahabharat range near

Maithan which is near Sindhulighadi in Sindhuli district of Nepal at an elevation of 1200 meters

at the latitude 27015' N and longitude 85057' E (FMIS 2006). The objectives of the survey were

to record the species richness in kamala river basin and to explore the major threats and

conservation issue observed in study area. Three days field surveys were carried out from 18th

April 2014 to 20th April 2014. About 8 kilometer stretch of Kamal river basin was taken as a

study area from 18 April 2014 to 20 April 2014. 65 species of birds of 10 orders and 31 families

were recorded. Of this highest abundance were represented by the member of Passeriformes

having 34 species (52%) followed by Ciconiformes 14 (22%), Coraciformes (8%),

Falconiformes (6%), Columbiformes (5%), Gruiformes and Piciformes are represented by (2%)

and Psitaciformes, Cuculiformes and Ansariformes are represented by 1% for each. More birds

are recorded from family Passeridae and Corvidae 12% for each.

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1. INTRODUCTION

Due to extreme topographical variation within short geographical range, Nepal harbors

extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. Although Nepal contain only 0.03% (1, 47,181 km2) of

earth land masses, it harbors about 4.2% of all mammals, 8.5% of all birds and 2.2% of all

flowering plants on earth (jnawali et al. 2010). It is rich in avian diversity and about 871 species

has been recorded until now (BCN and DNPWC 2011 ).

Low land river basin of Nepal is paradise for many species of flora and fauna and harbors some

of the globally threatened species like Bengal Tiger, Rhinoceros, Asiatic water Buffalo, Bengal

Floricon, Sarus Crane, Giant Hornbill, Great-slaty Woodpecker etc. More than half of the birds

are found in low land alluvial floodplain of Nepal.

1.1. Current threats

As many as 149 breeding and wintering species (17% of Nepal‟s birds) are now considered

nationally threatened (BCN and DNPWC 2011). As many as 61 species are thought to be

critically endangered, 38 endangered and 50 vulnerable (BCN and DNPWC 2011). Over half

(53%, 79 species) of Nepal‟s nationally threatened birds inhabit forests. Nationally threatened

species inhabiting wetlands total 40 (27%), grasslands 23 (15%), cultivation 12 (8%), scrub 7

(5%), open country 14 (9%), near human habitation 4 (3%), and semi desert 1 (1%) (BCN and

DNPWC 2011). Habitat loss, hunting and trapping, is the major threats to 86% of the birds at

risk (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991). Illegal trade, Water poisoning, over fishing, food scarcity, over

grazing and use of pesticides are the major threats to birds of Nepal. Some invasive alien weeds,

for instance water hyacinth in wetlands, pose serious threats and recently the climber

Mikaniamicrntha, commonly called Mile a Minute, which can rapidly smother all terrestrial

habitats. There is generally lack of awareness amongst the poor people on the importance and

conservations of birds.

1.2. Objectives of study

o To record the species richness in kamala river basin.

o To explore the major threats and conservation issue observed in study area.

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2. Materials and methods

2.1. Study area and habitats

Kamala River is a medium sized river of Nepal that originates from Mahabharat range near

Maithan which is near Sindhulighadi in Sindhuli district of Nepal at an elevation of 1200

meters at the latitude 27015' N and longitude 85057' E (FMIS 2006) . It flows down to south

terai region of Nepal. It forms the boundary between Siraha and Dhanusa districts in the

eastern terai region of Nepal. During monsoon the river swells up. Tao River and Baijnath

River merges with Kamala River at Maini.

Four major types of habitat classes were encountered in the study area. Grasslands dominated

by Imperatta cylindrical (Khar), riverine forest dominated by Dalbergiasissoo and

Accasiacatacheu (Khayer), Marshy land and cultivated land.

2.2. Survey Methods

Three days field surveys were carried out from 18th April 2014 to 20th April 2014. About 8

kilometer stretch of Kamal river basin was taken as a study area from 18 April 2014 to 20

Kamala River

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April 2014. Taking main bridge as a midpoint, two transect were set. One is to north side of

bridge and other is to south side of bridge. Length of each transect was 4 Km.

Both transects were surveyed intensively to record bird species. Active Bird surveys were

preferentially conducted early to 12 noon in the morning. Active surveys were conducted

along the logging roads and vehicular tracks, along the walking trails in alluvial grassland,

riverine forest and along the bank of river and creeks. Birds were identified visually and by

call.

2.3. Materials

o Primary observation were carried out by using „Optus

‟ binoculars‟ of (735).

o The photographs of birds were taken by using Canon Power Shot SX50HS

camera of 12.1 megapixels.

o Birds were identified by using a field guide book „Birds of Nepal‟ (Grimmet, R.

Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. 2000.

3. Result and Discussion

A total of 65 species of birds from 10 orders and 31 families was directly recorded. Out of 65

birds observed, more than half i.e. 52% of birds were from order passeriformesfollowed by

Ciconiformes 22%, Coraciformes 8%, falconiformes 6%, Columbiformes 5%, Gruiformes

and Piciformes represented by 2% for each, Psitaciformes, Cuculiformes and Ansariformes

are represented by 1% for each. More birds are recorded from family Passeridae and

Corvidae 12% for each. Delivery

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52%

22%

8%

6%

5%

1% 1% 1% 2% 2%

Percentage of birds by order

Passeriformes Ciconiiformes Coraciformes Falconiformes Columbiformes

Anseriformes Cuculiformes Pisttaciformes Gruiformes Piciformes

0

10

20

30

40 34

14

5 4

3 1

1 1

1 1

Number of birds by order

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Threatened species

A pair of lesser adjutant Stork was also recorded which is globally threatened. It was

perching on the shrubs at the time of encounter in the trail. Globally threatened status of this

species is VU and nationally threatened status is EN. It is local resident birds in the lowland

terai below 250m. Previously it was much more widespread in the terai, occurring almost

from west to east Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1991) but now it is left only to some patchy

habitat of lowland terai .

Osprey, Black Kite and Black shouldered Kite were also recorded which is listed in

Appendix II of CITES category. Peregrine Falcon is also one of the vulnerable bird which is

listed in Appendix I of CITES categories and encountered along the bank of river.

12%

12%

2%

6%

6%

3% 3%

3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%

2% 2%

2%

2%

5%

2%

3%

2%

3%

2%

6%

2% 5%

2% 3%

2%

Percentage of Birds by family Passeridae Corvidae Laniidae Muscicapidae Sturnidae

Pycnonotidae cisticolidae sylviidae Alaudidae Nectarinidae

Anatidae Picidae Coraciidae Alcedinidae Decelonidae

Cerylidae Meropidae Centropodidae Psittacidae Columbidae

Rallidae Scolopocidae Jacaniidae Charadriidae Glareolidae

Aredidae Threskiornithidae Ciconiidae Pandionidae Accipitridae

Falconidae

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Species and habitat conservation issue

Hunting of wildlife specially birds either for meat or for pet or for trade was rampant in the

study area. Local ethnic groups were mainly engaged in hunting. Children with catapult were

encountered in the study area. Some of the birds like parakeet were found adapted in cage

around settlements. By interviewing the owner of local hotel in small city Dhalkewar,

perilous information about bird hunting and trade was obtained. According to him, large

flocks of even sometime more than 100 of birds like bunting and finches were captured and

sold in the local market as a food. This kind of meet was very famous in the local market and

known by local term “Bagedi”. Due to this kind of mass hunting there number is declining

rampantly.

Habitat encroachment was another serious problem for bird in the study area. Grazing by

domestic cattle‟s like Cow, Buffaloes, Goat and Pigs were deteriorating the natural habitat.

Deforestation and continuous trade of sand and gravel of river is another serious problem for

bird‟s habitat in the study area.

4. Conclusion and Recommendation

In the present study 65 species of birds of 10 orders and 31 families were recorded. Of this

highest abundance were represented by the member of Passeriformes having 34 species

(52%) followed by Ciconiformes 14 (22%), Coraciformes (8%), Falconiformes (6%),

Columbiformes (5%), Gruiformes and Piciformes are represented by (2%) and Psitaciformes,

Cuculiformes and Ansariformes are represented by 1% for each. More birds are recorded

from family Passeridae and Corvidae 12% for each.

Habitat destruction from rampant deforestation, encroachment and trade of sand and gravel

from river was most serious problems in the Kamala river area. Hunting of birds for food and

trade was also serious problem. Most interior parts of kamala river basin and adjacent area is

still unsurveyed and what I strongly recommend from this study is that-

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Detail survey of birds from kamala river basin should be done in order to obtain the

information about present status of birds, trade activity and habitat which will be

helpful in making conservation strategy.

Awareness programs about the conservation of birds and their ecological value

should be conducted frequently among the local people and students.

Mass hunting of birds for food should be ban by enforcing strong rules and

regulation.

Trade of sand and gravel from the river should be managed properly.

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References

BCN and DNPWC 2011.The State of Nepal‟s Birds 2010. Bird Conservation Nepal and

Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu.

BCN and DNPWC 2012.Birds of Nepal an Official Checklist. Kathmandu, Nepal.

Baral, H. S. and Inskipp, C. 2004.The State of Nepal's Birds 2004.Department of National Parks

and Wildlife Conservation, Bird Conservation Nepal and IUCN- Nepal. Kathmandu

Grimmet, R., Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T. and Baral, H.S. 2003. Birds of Nepal (Nepali

version).Helm Field Guide.Prakash Books, New Delhi.

Baral, H. S., Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T. P. and Regmi, U. R. (1996) Threatened birds of Nepal.

Kathmandu: BCN and DNPWC.

Flood Management Information System (FMIS) 2004. http://fmis.bih.nic.in/Riverbasin.html

Jnawali, S.R., Baral, H.S., Lee, s., Acharya.K.P., Upadhya, G.P., Pandey, M., Shrestha, R., Joshi,

D., Lamichane, B.R., Griffiths, J., Khatiwada, A.P., Subedi, N., and Amin, R. 2011. The Status

of Nepal‟s Mammals: The National Red List Series, Department of National Parks and Wildlife

Conservation Kathmandu, Nepal.

Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. 1991 A guide to the birds of Nepal. Second edition. London, UK:

Christopher Helm. http://archive.org/details/guidetobirdsofne85insk

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Table 1.

List of birds recorded in Kamala river basin

S.No Common Name Scientific Name Family Orders

1. White-browed Wagtail Motacillamaderaspatensis Passeridae

Laniidae

Passeriformes

2. White Wagtail Motacilla alba

3. Yellow Wagtail Motacillaflava

4. Grey Wagtail Motacillacinerea

5. White-rumpedMunia Lonchurastriata

6. Baya Weaver Ploceusmanyar

7. House Sparrow Passer domesticus

8. Olive-backed Pipit Anthushodgsoni

9. Long-tailed Shrike Laniusschach

10. Rufoustreepie Dendrocittavagabunda Corvidae

11. House Crow Corvussplendens

12. Large-billed Crow Corvusmacrorynchos

13. Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolusoriolus

14. Large cuckooshrike Coracinamacei

15. Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotusflammeus

16. Black Drongo Dicrurusmacrocerus

17. White-bellied Drongo Dicruruscaerulescens

18. Oriental-magpie Robin Copsychussaularis muscicapidae

19. Common Stonechat Saxicolatorquata

20. Pied Bushchat Saxicolacarpata

21. Isabelline Wheatear Oenantheisabelline

22. Common Myna Acridotherestristis Sturnidae

23. Pied Starling Sturnus contra

24. Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnusmalabaricus

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25. Jungle Myna Acridotheresfuscus

26. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotuscafer pycnonotidae

27. Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotusleucogenys

28. Striated Prinia Priniacriniger cisticolidae

29. Grey-breasted Prinia Priniahodgsonii

30. Common Tailorbird Orthotomussutorius sylviidae

31. Jungle babbler Turdoidesstriatus

32. Horned lark Eremophilaalpestris Alaudidae

33. Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark Eremopterix

34. Purple Sunbird Nectariniaasiatica Nectarinidae

35. Gargany Anasquerquedula Anatidae Anseriformes

36. Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopuscanicapillus Picidae Piciformes

37. Indian Roller Coraciasbenghalensis Coraciidae coraciiformes

38. Common Kingfisher Alcedoatthis Alcedinidae

39. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Decelonidae

40. Pied Kingfisher Cerylerudis cerylidae

41. Green Bee-eater Meropsorientalis meropidae

42. Greater Coucal Centropussinensis Centropodidae cuculiformes

43. Rose-ringed parakeet Psittaculakrameri psittacidae psittaciformes

44. Blue-rock Pigeon Columba liva Columbidae columbiformes

45. Spotted Dove Streptopeliachinensis

46. Eurasian collared Dove Streptopeliadecaocto

47. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornisphoenicurus Rallidae gruiformes

48. Common Sandpiper Actitishypoleucos Scolopocidae ciconiiformes

49. Little Stint Calidrisminuta

50. Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidiusindicus Jacaniidae

51. River Lapwing Vanellusduvaucelii Charadriidae

52. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellusindicus

53. Small Pratincole Glareola lacteal glareolidae

54. Little Egret Egrettagrazetta Ardeidae

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55. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

56. Great Egret Casmerodiusalbus

57. Pond Heron Ardeolagrayii

58. Black Ibis Pseudibispapillosa Threskiornithidae

59. Asian openbill Anastomusoscitans Ciconiidae

60. Wooly-necked Stork Ciconiaepiscopus

61. Lesser-adjutant Stork * Leptoptilosjavanicus

62. Osprey II Pandionhaliaetus pandionidae falconiformes

63. Black Kite II Milvusmigrans accipitridae

64. Black-shouldered Kite II Elanuscaeruleus

65 Peregrine Falcon I Falco peregrinus falconidae

Note

Globally threatened *

CITES Appendix I The species are highly endangered and could be extinct if there trade is not

restricted.

CITES Appendix II - vulnerable species that is in declining trend and endangered if it is not

protected.

CITES Appendix III Species are considered endangered only in some country.

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Plate 1.

Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark Purple Sunbird

Grey Wagtail Small Pratincole

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Plate 2.

Chestnut-tailed Starling Isabelline Wheatear

Osprey Black-shouldered Kite

Lesser adjutant Stork Wooly-necked Stork

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Plate 3.

Green Bee-eater

Garganey

Eurasian collared Dove

Black Ibis

Common Stonechat Large Cuckooshrike

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Thank you.

Striated Prinia Eurasian Golden Oriole