Who wouldn’t want to quietly walk through a forest, hoping to glimpse a rare bird or animal? Well, with rich biodiversity in abundance and growing public interest, birdwatching is slowly becoming an appealing ecotourism activity.
Historical Context
Shockingly, birdwatching in Nepal has a long history; it started only five decades later from the reunification campaign. The earliest known study related to birds was in 1793, when British official Col. William Kirkpatrick went about collecting bird skins.
Fast forward to the 19th century, Brian Hodgson made major contributions with the help of Nepali collectors like Raj Man Singh, identifying over 120 new species and establishing the country’s foundation and reputation in ornithology.
The establishment of the Nepal Bird Watching Club and Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) in 1976 and 1982, respectively, marked pivotal steps toward commitment for bird conservation. John Scully, Lt Col Frank Bailey, and Dr S. Dillon Ripley were individuals instrumental in documenting rare and endemic species such as the Spiny Babbler, Nepal’s only endemic bird.
During the mid-20th century, locals began to emerge. Pioneers like Hari Sharan Nepali and Karna Shakya helped make birdwatching popular. Then the establishment of the Nepal Bird Watching Club and Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) in 1976 and 1982, respectively, marked pivotal steps toward commitment for bird conservation.
Birding around
Birdwatching is possible across the country, from the plains of the Terai to the Himalayan ranges, as each region supports different sets of bird species due to variations in climate, vegetation, and elevation.
In the Terai region, some major birding havens are Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, Lumbini, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands in these areas are home to numerous species, including endangered waterbirds, raptors, and grassland specialists.
Chitwan alone is home to around 540 species and some of Nepal’s threatened birds. Koshi Tappu, Nepal’s first protected Ramsar site, has recorded over 485 bird species and hosts an annual bird festival on 2nd February, which combines tourism with cultural programming and conservation education.
The hilly region, rich in subtropical and temperate forests, supports several forest species. With its accessibility and species richness, the Kathmandu Valley has recorded over 534 bird species, including 18 that are globally threatened.
Birdwatchers can find peaceful spots near the heavily populated Kathmandu Valley in places like Phulchowki, Shivapuri National Park, Nagarjun Forest, and the Godavari Botanical Gardens. Shivapuri alone hosts 318 species, while Phulchowki has a higher bird density, counting seasonal migratory species.
Birds such as Himalayan Monals, Snow Pigeons, and high-altitude vultures find homes in the mountainous regions. The Annapurna Conservation Area, hosting 486 bird species, is the only protected site in the country to support all six Himalayan pheasant species.
The Langtang-Gosainkunda region is an important one for forest and alpine birds like the wood snipes. The remote nature of these areas is vital for both resident and migratory species, many of which are globally threatened.
Conservation efforts and gaps
Nepal is home to a documented 886 bird species, though some ornithologists estimate the number to be 888. Out of these, 42 species are globally threatened, while 168 are listed as nationally threatened.
While protected areas and community awareness campaigns have increased, there are still apparent gaps in conservation. Human activities such as deforestation, habitat encroachment, and pollution continue to threaten bird populations. The lack of adequate equipment and limited access to scientific data also hinder local efforts.
According to Hem Sagar Baral, who leads the Nepal office of the Zoological Society of London, “The government should launch awareness drives in communities so that locals will understand the importance of bird conservation. The local communities can play a significant role in the effort.”
Nepal is home to a documented 886 bird species, though some ornithologists estimate the number to be 888. Out of these, 42 species are globally threatened, while 168 are listed as nationally threatened. Shukla Phanta National Park in Kanchanpur holds a programme every Friday to educate and engage locals and staff, shared Chief Conservation Officer Laxman Prasad Paudel.
“This way, locals get the chance to become a part of the park. In doing so, they become a part of a larger ecosystem and take initiatives to protect the birds and wildlife. They will learn to cohabit,” he mentioned to the Post.
There have been discoveries of 11 new bird species and two new subspecies in the last decade. This highlights considerable potential for new findings, particularly in undersurveyed areas. For birdwatchers, it means the adventure is still very alive.
While challenges persist, the combined local engagement, scientific interest, and natural diversity do help in extending birdwatching beyond this niche of ticking names off a list.
As birdwatching gains popularity, it is critical to recognise its value for both tourism and long-term ecological understanding and preservation.
Sudipa Mahato is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.