Adopt a Bird

 SARUS CRANE

Deliberation on the impacts of Climate Change on birds of Nepal

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) organized one-day workshop entitled "Climate Change Impacts on the Conservation of Birds in Nepal" on 25 January 2010 in Kathmandu. A total of 15 participants representing WWF-Nepal, The Mountain Institute, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Himalayan Nature, Global Primate Network-Nepal (GPN-Nepal) and Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) attended the workshop.

The main objectives of the workshop were to introduce about the project, share its progress and seek suggestion on the technical aspects of the project.

On the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of BCN, Dr. Hum Gurung welcomed all the participants. Senior Technical Advisor of Himalayan Nature Dr. Hem Sagar Baral shared views about the relevance of the project. Dr. Bishnu Bhandari of ICIMOD delivered the presentation on the impact of climate change on the high altitude wetlands in Nepal.

Mitra Pandey, Climate Change Project Officer of BCN introduced the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) lying in the project site of eastern Nepal and bird species. IBAs of eastern Nepal and project bird species. He also provided introduction to the Birdlife/RSPB worldbirds website. The workshop also discussed about the bird data sources for the project along with mapping the location of birds in different localities by the ornithologists.
 

27th Annual General Meeting organised

BCN organised its 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kathmandu on 19 December, 2009. The AGM was attended by government officials, patrons, advisors, members, supporters of BCN and representatives from various conservation organisations. President of BCN Mr. Shree Ram Subedi presided over the meeting.

On the occasion, Mr. Gopal Prasad Upadhyay, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, and Chief Guest of the ceremony, handed over the Jatayu scholarship certificates to three M.Sc. students from the Tribhuvan University. The scholarship was awarded for the research study on the vultures of Nepal. The letters of appreciation were given to Dikpal Krishna Karmacharya, Hemanta Dhakal and Krishna Bhusal for undertaking research on the behavioural patterns of vultures, its habitats and the management and conservation initiatives of the Jayatu Restaurants of Nepal.

On the occasion, Dr. Hum B. Gurung, Chief Executive Officer of BCN, presented the annual progress and future plans of BCN and Mr. Yubraj Basnet, Treasurer of BCN's Executive Council, presented the financial report of FY 2008/2009.
Altogether, over 90 members and partners attended the AGM.

BCN observes National Conservation Day, 2009

As a member of the Conservation Consortium of Nepal, Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) jointly organised the second National Conservation Day in Kathmandu on September 23, 2009. The members of the Conservation Consortium include WWF Nepal, Bird Conservation Nepal, Environmental Camps for Conservation Awareness, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, IUCN Nepal, Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists, National Trust for Nature Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Nepal, The Mountain Institute and Wildlife Watch Group. The Government of Nepal has declared the day to commemorate the tragic loss of the conservation heroes who lost their lives in a helicopter accident on 23 September 2006 at Ghunsa, Kangchenjunga. On the occasion, Rt. Honorable President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav inaugurated the function chaired by Hon'ble Minister of Forests and Soil Conservation.

Bird Conservation Nepal organised an exhibition focused at the climate change theme at the Academy Hall in which many souvenir products, publications and materials on birds and biodiversity were displayed, sold and distributed to the participants. It was a timely opportunity to showcase BCN's ongoing activities to the conservation community of Nepal.

Rallies and shows mark the First International Vulture Awareness day in Nepal

TECHNICAL SEMINAR AT NAWALPARASI

Tulsi Subedi/BCN delivered the summary of vulture issues at Nepal along with description of vultures found in Nepal.
Dr. Surya Paudel/BCN addressed the drug issues related to vulture decline and appealed veterinary practitioners to stop the illicit use of Diclofenac which is a banned product.

D.R. Subedi, Chief Guest of this programme expressed his optimism to see the vulture population like it was before with support from vet technicians. Similarly D. B. Chaudhary who was the chairperson of the programme narrated the success story of the Jatayu Restaurant.

“Of course we had been using Diclofenac for veterinary practice, but today we have realized our pivotal role for vulture conservation. So we have a group commitment that we will never sell or use this drug from today onwards”, Dhruba Raj Pandey from Pandey agrovet looked very serious in his words. Veterinary practiceners from east Nawalparasi declared themselves their area as a Diclofenac free zone following the technical seminar at Kawasoti on June 23, 2009. We also encourage and appreciate their sensible and cooperative efforts for vulture conservation.
 

TECHNICAL SEMINAR AT RUPANDEHI

Starting with brief introduction of BCN, Bhupal Nepali, Community Mobilization Officer, BCN detailed on the general morphology of vultures found at Nepal.

Dr. Surya Paudel, Veterinary Officer, BCN highlighted the fear of vulture decline, Conservation efforts done so far and drug issues associated with vulture decline. He also asked vet technicians to curb the unethical practice with Diclofenac.

Ram Ji Prasad Gautam/ secretary V.D.C. who was the chief guest of the programme sincerely requested Veterinary professionals to establish the area as a Diclofenac free zone. “This associates with our reputation too” he added further.
 

Public awareness on World Environment Day 2009

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) celebrated the 2009 World Environment Day with various events to draw the attention of the general public on the need to protect the environment and combat climate change in Nepal.

On the occasion, a one-day Street Exhibition and Public Awareness Campaign was organised on June 5 at Shanti Vatika, Ratna Park. The programme started at 8:00 am and continued until the evening. Informative leaflets, posters, brochures and newsletters were distributed to the visitors, which helped to increase knowledge on birds and environment. Various publications, merchandises such as t-shirts, badges, postcards, etc. were on put on display. A quiz contest was held to evaluate the knowledge of birds among the general people.

People from various walks of life visited the exhibition stall in which BCN also added new members as part of its drive to expand its membership-base. In addition, BCN also organised greeting card competition titled "Birds: A Unique Gift of Nature". The competition was divided into two categories: one within students of art colleges and another between school students. Altogether, 34 students from art colleges (Sirjana College of Fine Arts and Lailitkala Campus) and 11 students from 6 different schools took part in the competition. Another centre of attraction of the exhibition was tattooing of birds that also served as one of the effective mediums of generating awareness on the conservation of birds and environment.

Screening of Winged Migration

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) organised screening of the award winning movie "Winged Migration" by Jacques Perrin. "Winged Migration" was nominated for 12 awards, including an Oscar for Best Documentary and won 3 awards, including France's prestigious Cesar Award. Screenings were fund raiser for BCN. Screening was carried out at Hotel Manasalu and Summit Hotel on May 23 and May 30, 2009 respectively, which started at 5 pm onwards.

While the first show witnessed the participation of around 50 people, the second show drew the attention of more than 60 participants. During both of the shows BCN merchandises were on display and many people showed keen interest on publication and merchandises of BCN.

There was the presence of a large number of expatriates, BCN members, and representatives from different organisations, Executive Members of BCN and BCN staff. The film screening programme was conceptualised and successfully coordinated by Ellen Leitzer, Vimal Thapa, Rajendra Gurung, Sarbendra Pachhai and Mandy.

Celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22)

New arrivals at the breeding center

Catching of targeted 30 vulture chicks for the Vulture Conservation and Breeding Center (VCBC) has been successfully completed. All chicks are now safely placed inside the quarantine aviary at Biodiversity Conservation Center (BCC/NTNC), Sauraha and in good health. The VCBC, established jointly by BCN, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) in April 2008, is now home for 44 critically endangered oriental white-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis. The center aims to collect 25 pairs each of oriental white-rumped vulture and slender billed vulture Gyps tenurirostris and breed them in captivity. The VCBC intends to reintroduce the birds into the wild when the outside environment is deemed safe for vultures.

The 30 chicks were collected from Maitahwa and Buddi of Kapilvastu (8), Chisapani and Bardaghat of Nawalparasi (6), Pokhara Valley, Kaski (3), around Rampur Valley of Palpa/Syangja) (7), Bijouri of Dang (2), Beli of Kailali (3), Laljhadi of Kanchanpur (1).

A core team of Richard Cuthbert and Steve Lucocq from RSPB; Anand Chaudhary and Tulsi Subedi from BCN and Ram Tamang from NTNC-BCC collected the chicks with a wider support team from BCN, NTNC, DNPWC, Prithvi Narayan Campus-Pokhara, Parahawking/Maya Devi-Pokhara, Chisapani CFUG-Nawalparasi, Communities around Rampur Valley (Palpa/Syangja), Communities in N Kapilvastu district, Duttha Rana-Kanchanpur, Earth-Dhangadhi and Beli CFUG-Dhangadhi, ESDRC-Dang and TAL-Dhangadhi.

The process involved several months of field monitoring, identification of nesting colonies and trees with suitable chicks by BCN's Vulture Conservation Program staff. After the appropriate nests were identified, a team of specialist tree surgeons from RSPB climbed the trees to collect chicks. These chicks were transported back to the center in safe boxes. A detailed health check up was carried out and weight taken of each chick before they were released into the quarantine aviary at BCC. After 45 days in the quarantine aviairy, they will be transported to the main aviaries at the VCBC.

An Interaction program with School Students on the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day-2009 in Pokhara, Nepal.

5 schools were chosen near to 5 lakes of Pokhara valley where migratory birds come and they are also important for tourism.

1. Shanta Secondary school, Sanankot-4, Bhakunde. This school is near to Phewa Lake.
2. Amar Sidda Secondary School, Lekhnath-11, Pachbhaiya.This School is near to Begnas Lake.
3. Brahma Rupa Higher Secondary School, Lekhnath-13, Janachautara. This school is near to Rupa Lake.
4. Laxmi Adarsh secondary Higher Secondary School, Lekhnath-7, Sisua. This school is near to Dipang Lake. And
5. Laxmi secondary School, Lekhnath-3, Arghau.This School is near to Khaste Lake.

38 BCN members facilitated around 400 students on the program voluntarily. Those BCN members are students of Bachelor level in Forestry.

At the program discussion were made on Birds of Nepal, importance of bird, Bird migration, barriers to migration and roles of all stakeholders in bird conservation.

Quiz and interaction were conducted and provision of rewarding for the winner as incentive was made. Pre level and post level IQ questionnaire was done at the start and end of the program. It was found that around 75% knowledge on birds have been improved among the participants.

Educational materials such as Pamphlets, broachers, booklets, posters, handout etc. were distributed among participants in the program. These attractive materials created concentration and interest of participant for bird conservation.
Tiger Mountain lodge supported the program financially. UNEP/AEWA secretariat, Germany and Bird Conservation Nepal supported the program by providing posters, pamphlets and booklets. The interaction Program coordinator Mr. Arun Gyawali arranged the program.

Radio program “Samrakchyan” (literally conservation) dedicated in conservation of biological diversity in Radio Annapurna 93.4MHz, Pokhara, helped in publicity of the interaction program and also broadcasted special program in coordination with BCN, Pokhara Branch for conservation of migratory birds on 9th May.

Celebrating "Barriers to Migration"

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) organised a birdwatching programme on May 9, 2009, to celebrate the World Migratory Bird Day 2009 "Barrier to Migration." The bird watching programme was organised at Phulchowki mountain forest, one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Nepal.

 
As part of the commemoration, more than 65 birders and enthusiasts participated at the programme including students from Arniko Secondary School and Pathsala Academy, members of BCN and some non-members.
Prior to the start of the programme at 8:00 am, Menuka Basnyat, Membership and Education Officer of BCN, highlighted the importance of the World Migratory Bird Day, its theme for 2009 and importance of migratory birds and what can be done for the protection of their habitats. Similarly, Mr. Vimal Thapa, Joint Secretary of BCN, explained the rules to be followed during bird watching trip and methods to identify and record birds. Participants were provided posters, postcards and stickers from WMBD, newsletter, checklists on the birds of Nepal, educational leaflets and brochure from BCN.

The bird watching programme at Phulchowki recorded 43 different birds, which are as under:
 

Bird watching programme lasted for three hours. It was one of the successful bird watching trips. Everyone found this to be very interesting and very educational. Students were very glad to be part of the bird watching programme and also to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day.

Phulchoki mountain is the highest peak on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, which harbours a total of 300 species of birds. Phulchoki is important for the restricted-range species —Spiny Babbler and Hoary-throated Barwing.

TECHNICAL SEMINAR ON "VULTURE CONSERVATION IN NEPAL" AT CHITWAN 

With the joint initiative of Bird Conservation Nepal and Nepal Veterinary Association-Chitwan Chapter, a technical seminar on "Vulture Conservation in Nepal" was organized at Hotel Island Jungle Resort, Bharatpur-10 on February 2, 2009. The event was participated by 58 recorded participants majority of who were veterinary doctors of Chitwan district, team of BCN, press and local TV channel crews, and dignitaries from the administration and conservation offices in Chitwan. The program started at 5 Pm sharp, and was preceded by four technical presentations and discussion.

The Technical Seminar was chaired by Dr. B.N Devkota, Pesident NVACC and the program was conducted by Dr K. Kaphle. The event saw the participation of Ratnaraj Pandey, Chief District Officer, Chitwan, as a chief guest. Dr. S. Bhattrai (Vice President-Nepal Veterinary Council), Dr. S. Singh (Gen Sec. Nepal Veterinary Association), Dr. I.P Dhakal (Campus Chief-IAAS, Rampur), Dr. S. K Sha (Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital), KN Poudel (Chief NTNC, Sauraha), Dr B K Shrestha (Chief DLSO, Bharatpur) were the guests in the formal opening and Dr. Richard Cuthbert from RSPB/UK was a special guest. The team of Dr. S. Bhattrai (VP-NVC), Dr. S. Singh (Gen Sec NVA), Dr. I.P Dhakal (CC-IAAS, Rampur), Dr. S. K Sha (Director, VTH), KN Poudel (Chief NTNC, Saurah), Dr B K Shrestha (Chief DLSO, Bharatpur) served as the expert panel for the technical seminar, chaired by KN Poudel (Chief NTNC, Saurah), and moderated by Dr. S. Singh (Gen Sec NVA).

The need for scientific veterinary education was highlighted by Dr. IP Dhakal in his welcome speech and after a round of introduction among the participants the technical seminar began.

Anand Chaudhary Vulture Conservation Officer BCN gave a talk on the topic "Vulture Conservation Activities in Nepal". He gave the brief history of BCN and insights on its activities in Nepal. It was a nice narration sounded by strong field experience based justifications.

Dr Kamal Ghaire, the noted international scientist in the wild life represented the chitwan chapter in the technical presentation. His talk "Vulture Conservation in Nepal" gave scientific and personal experiences in the sad state of vulture population decline, the possible causes and measures adopted to halt the decline. His experience as a wild life veterinarian at Chitwan national park and long involvement with vulture conservation activities was both educative and inspiring.

Dr. Surya Paudel Veterinary Officer BCN presented on "Driven to extinction by drugs?" He highlighted on the encouraging trend in the replacement of diclofenac use with meloxicam at VTH and findings of the NSAID monitoring by BCN at western terai. He also narrated how the further work of BCN in this direction is heading and appealed to fellow vets to assist in the vulture conservation effort. The threat that still looms with insistence on use of diclofenac and illegal use by those not authorized and from human drug source was something that needed immediate curb.

Dr. Richard Cuthbert gave an expert lecture on “Role of Veterinary professionals in the decline and recovery of vultures in Asia". It was a scientific paper of high grade both in the content and the delivery terms. The audience most of whom were veterinarians found it interesting on the investigation profile of the diclofenac narrowing as the causative culprit for vulture population decline. The series of research undertaken and their findings, the differential diagnosis and the causative agent narrowing focus all support that diclofenac used as NSAID in livestock contributes to the decline in the vulture population. Now the message would not have been better delivered and to a better audience as we had at this seminar and I personally see it as a huge awareness and motivation on the part of veterinarians. The event was covered by local newspapers and local TV channels with wide clips of the session broadcasted at the evening.

TECHNICAL SEMINAR ON "VULTURE CONSERVATION IN NEPAL" DHANGADI

A technical seminar entitled on vulture conservation in Nepal was organized by Bird Conservation Nepal at Dhangadi in partnership with Earth, Dhangadi on February 11, 2009. Greatly concerned on the global extinction of vulture species, interaction with veterinary professionals and entrepreneurs, encourage people's participation on vulture conservation activities and promotion of Diclofenac repalcement with safer drug meloxicam were major objectives behind the seminar.

The seminar saw a participation of about 50 participants including vet doctors, conservation experts, veterinary drug entrepreneurs and field practitioners, representatives from local community groups and media persons. To list them a few Dr. D. D. Bhatta Chief, Regional Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Dr. H. C. Karki, Chief, DLSO, Kailali, Dr. H. R. Awasthi, Technical Officer, FIPRED, Gobinda Kafle, Regional Forest Director, Shre Pd. Baral, Project Manager, TAL and Yek Raj Sigdel, Field Manager WTLCP were some of the professional expertise present at the seminar.

Anand Chaudhary VCO, BCN with his presentation title "Vulture conservation Program –An introduction", highlighted on status of vulture species at Nepal and conservation efforts made so far by BCN with support received from international agencies. He also explained the distinctive features, behavioral pattern and population status of the vulture species found at Nepal.

Dr. Surya paudel, VO, BCN detailed on the technical aspects of vulture decline. Diclofenac, a major culprit behind the steepest decline should be replaced by safer drug meloxicam as is done in various vet hospitals however minor use of human diclofenac by field practitioners and even at government hospitals could never be left aside as a small fraction of diclofenac contaminated carcass could have a greater ecological consequences.

Dr Richard Cuthbert from RSPB came up with his highly technical and very informative presentation that covered series of research and their findings in the line, concern about meloxicam and narrowed his details to the Diclofenac as a major culprit behind steepest vulture decline.

In a discussion session participants suggested conservation experts and organizations to work to conserve the habitat of these birds and provide means of adequate foods. Many queries raised from participants were addressed by Anand chaudhary and Dr. Surya paudel.

EXPERIMENTAL TRIAL ON GOATS

Detail report and analysis of the result is yet to be done.

BCN joined hands with the government and conservation partners in the celebration of the week-long 14th Wildlife Week 2009. The programmes included bird watching tours to school students, bird watchers and environmentalists at Sundarijal forest, talk programme on wildlife conservation issues and the publication of the updated Official Checklist of the Birds of Nepal.

At the closing ceremony organised by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Dr. Uday Raj Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, launched the official checklist, which was greatly appreciated by the conservation community.

BCN has been actively participating in the consevation education and awareness through various means such as the celebration of key environmental calendar days and outreach programmes.

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and animalrightsnepal.org jointly organised a photographic exhibition on the plight of vultures in Nepal. The solo photo exhibition showcases pictures of the vultures taken by a professional photo journalist Krishna Mani Baral.

Inaugurating the opening ceremony, Mr. Shyam Bajimaya, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation said that vultures play a key ecological role in maintaining the healthy ecosystem. Mr. Bajimaya stated that the Government of Nepal has given high priority to the conservation of vultures in Nepal and informed that the Vulture Conservation Action Plan is being prepared jointly with the support of BCN and the National Trust for Nature Conservation.

Similarly, Mr. Shree Ram Subedi, President of BCN, remarked that as the oldest and largest civil society organisation, BCN is dedicated to the continued survival and conservation of birds and their natural habitat, and added that with the help from national and international partners, BCN has been implementing several innovative programmes to conserve four out of eight critically endangered vulture species through management interventions such as the Jatayu Restaurant and the vulture conservation breeding centre. Mr. Subedi added that the Jataju Restaurant offers clean, safe and diclofenac-free healthy food to vultures, and BCN has been replicating the successful initiatives to other parts of Nepal also.
The inaugural programme of the exhibition was participated by over 50 vulture enthusiasts, conservationists, journalists and the general public. The week-long exhibition "Save Vulture, Save Environment" was open to public at Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal, Kathmandu until April 29, 2009.

Vultures are a vital part of the natural world and clean the environment by disposing of carcasses. Among the eight species of vultures found in Nepal, four species are globally threatened. Main reason for their decline is the rampant use of the veterinary drug—Diclofenac—and loss of their nesting sites.

Similarly, Birendra Sainik School, Bhaktapur organised one day book exhibition on 14th Paush 2065. Students from various schools visited the exhibition. Informative leaflets, posters, brochure and newsletters of BCN were distributed to the visitors, which helped to increase knowledge on birds and environment.