Tourism Info Nepal

Birds Outside Protected Areas in Kanchanpur Face Extinction Threat

Birds Outside Protected Areas in Kanchanpur Face Extinction Threat

The existence of birds in wetlands and lakes outside protected areas in Kanchanpur is under serious threat due to uncontrolled poaching, illegal trade, climate change, pesticide and chemical fertilizer use, water pollution, plastic waste, excessive irrigation, and drying of lakes for fishing. These factors have added challenges to bird conservation efforts.

Hirulal Dagoura, an ornithologist at Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), notes that the loss of wetland habitats has severely impacted bird populations. He explained, “Encroachment on lakes and wetlands has placed 86% of birds species in danger.” Additionally, the use of pesticides in these areas to target birds has been reported, further threatening their survival. These combined factors are contributing to the alarming decline in bird species dependent on wetland ecosystems.

A 2017 survey at Puraeni Lake in Belauri Municipality-6 found 2,200 waterbirds, but by 2025, their number had dropped to just 705. Habitat destruction is the main cause of this significant decline. Birds are vital for ecological processes such as seed dispersal, pollination, and controlling insect populations, thus maintaining environmental balance.

They also play a key role in eco-tourism, enhancing the area’s natural beauty. Beyond their ecological functions, birds hold cultural and religious importance, as highlighted by Dagoura, emphasizing the need for habitat conservation to protect these essential species and their broader environmental and cultural contributions.

He emphasized that local governments and administrative bodies must take strict measures to control bird poaching and poisoning. With BCN’s support, community-level awareness programs, discussions, workshops, and bird-watching events are being conducted, highlighting the importance of wetland conservation for bird protection.

Sandesh Chaudhary, president of the Kanchanpur Bird Conservation Group, stated that healthy and natural wetlands are vital for human existence. “Wetlands have an essential and fundamental connection with human society,” he said. “They help store and supply fresh water, making them indispensable.”

A recent global survey highlights the critical role wetlands play in global food production, with more than half of the world’s staple crops relying on these vital ecosystems. Wetlands support agriculture by maintaining soil fertility, regulating water flow, and creating ideal conditions for crop growth.

In addition to sustaining plant life, these environments contribute significantly to global food security by supporting aquatic ecosystems that provide essential nutrition for millions. One of the most striking findings is the reliance of over a billion people on fish sourced from wetlands as their primary source of protein.

These water-rich habitats serve as breeding and feeding grounds for diverse fish species, ensuring a stable food supply for countless communities. However, despite their importance, wetlands are increasingly threatened by pollution, habitat destruction, and human encroachment, jeopardizing both livelihoods and biodiversity.

Rice, a staple food for nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, is predominantly grown in wetland environments. Yet, despite its immense contribution to global food security, wetlands continue to face degradation due to a lack of awareness and unsustainable land-use practices. Beyond food production, wetlands also provide essential habitats for migratory birds and wildlife, serving as critical resting, feeding, and breeding sites. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems is essential for sustaining biodiversity and ensuring the long-term availability of food resources.

Jogaram Chaudhary, Deputy Mayor of Belauri Municipality, emphasized that everyone has a crucial role in protecting wetlands, which serve as primary habitats for both native and migratory birds. He expressed the municipality’s willingness to collaborate with BCN on planned conservation programs for wetlands and waterbirds.

“Every year, birds travel long distances to lakes and wetlands in search of food, safe breeding grounds, and favorable weather,” said bird conservationist Suban Chaudhary. “To protect these birds and maintain the beauty of lakes, fishing activities should be restricted, and poisoning of birds must be strictly discouraged.”

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