The number of birds in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has increased this year. A recent survey in the reserve and surrounding areas found a rise in bird populations compared to previous years.
According to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Office, a census conducted from January 10 to 16, 2025, under the ‘Midwinter Waterbird Census 2025’ recorded 9,250 birds of 76 species in the reserve and the Koshi River area. Last year, 5,527 birds of 53 species were recorded.
Senior Conservation Officer Ramdev Chaudhary stated that the highest number recorded this year was 1,068 Ruddy Shelducks, while the lowest counts included only one individual each of the White-necked Stork, Watercock, Painted Stork, and Brown Rock Chat.
Since 1987, the census has been documenting waterbird species, their population, and habitat challenges. Birendra Gautam, head of the National Trust for Nature Conservation’s Koshi Conservation Center, emphasized that ensuring safe habitats, sufficient food, and wetland conservation while reducing human disturbances could help increase migratory bird numbers in wetland areas.
He mentioned that migratory birds start arriving in October and continue coming until December, returning in March. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, located at the junction of Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur districts, has become a bird sanctuary. Around 50 species of migratory birds are found in Koshi Tappu, Chitwan National Park, Bishajari Lake, Jagadishpur Reservoir, Ghodaghodi Lake, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, and the Koshi, Gandaki, and Narayani River regions.
