pg. 1
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
pg. 2
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
pg. 3
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.
pg. 4
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.
pg. 5
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
pg. 6
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
pg. 7
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
pg. 8
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
pg. 9
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-
pg. 10
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.
pg. 11
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
pg. 12
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
pg. 13
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
pg. 14
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.
pg. 16
Plate 2.
Chestnut-tailed Starling Isabelline Wheatear
Osprey Black-shouldered Kite
Lesser adjutant Stork Wooly-necked Stork
pg. 17
Plate 3.
Green Bee-eater
Garganey
Eurasian collared Dove
Black Ibis
Common Stonechat Large Cuckooshrike
Top Related