Over 25,000 waterfowl recorded in Shuklaphanta and surrounding wetlands

Dhangadhi: Shuklaphanta National Park and its surrounding wetlands, known for their rich biodiversity and tourism potential in Sudurpaschim Province, have witnessed a significant increase in waterfowl this year.

According to the park office, a total of 25,660 waterfowl representing 82 different species have been recorded across Shuklaphanta and nearby lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Predatory Lake hosted the highest number, with 20,949 waterfowl observed.

Other significant counts include 645 in the Mahakali River, 227 in Rani Lake, 212 in Radhapur Phanta, 618 in Ratanpur Farmland, 450 in Tara Lake, 53 in Kalikich Lake, 1,554 in Purani Lake, 471 in Nakaiya Wetland, 70 in Tuppa Lake, 130 in Garbhijala Lake, and 281 in Bandha Lake.

Various species of ducks were prominent in the census, including 1,552 Silsile Ducks, 923 Sunjure Ducks, 1,270 Malak Ducks, 3,134 Khadkhade Ducks, 3,247 Suiropucchre Ducks, and 4,777 Bijulagairi. Other duck species observed in notable numbers included Sindure, Hariotauke, Belchathunde, Kalijure, Kailetauke, and Shwetankhibhaun.

Winter visitors such as divers, black-throated divers, grebes, storks, maruls, jays, kurmas, and various species of eagles—including shrikes and black-throated eagles—were also recorded.

The census was conducted in collaboration with Shuklaphanta National Park, the National Nature Conservation Association, JSL Shuklaphanta, the Nepal Bird Conservation Association, Himalayan Nature, Nepal Birdwatchers Association, Natureguide Shuklaphanta, Ranatharu Homestay, and the Kanchanpur Bird Conservation Group.

Ornithologists Hathan Chaudhary, Manashant Ghimire of the Pokhara Bird Society, Devraj Joshi of NTNC, and Hirulal Dangaura of the Nepal Bird Conservation Association participated in the survey. According to the team, the number of waterfowl has increased significantly this year compared to the previous year, particularly in Lake Sikari and Lake Purani.