Nepal has introduced a 10-year action plan aimed at boosting the population of the critically endangered Bengal florican. The plan includes habitat expansion, captive breeding, and community awareness initiatives but faces challenges in funding and implementation.
Original article written by: Abhaya Raj Joshi
Nepal's government has introduced a 10-year action plan to conserve the Bengal florican, a critically endangered bird facing severe population decline. The plan includes innovative strategies such as captive breeding in zoos or nurseries and expanding the bird’s habitat. Mohan Bikram Shrestha, a senior researcher with Bird Conservation Nepal, highlighted that raising awareness about the species' importance, particularly outside protected areas, is a key aspect of the plan. Despite this, securing adequate funding remains a challenge, as most conservation resources are directed towards more charismatic species like tigers and rhinos.
Recent surveys show that the highest Bengal florican populations in Nepal are in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, with 24 birds recorded last year. This is a promising increase compared to previous years. However, the plan acknowledges that grassland management is crucial for the bird’s survival. Bengal floricans prefer semi-natural grasslands and are affected by tall grass and habitat changes caused by monsoon rains. To address these challenges, the plan proposes better management of grasslands outside protected areas and promoting bird-watching tourism to support local communities.
The action plan also outlines several hurdles, including insufficient research, habitat conversion, and illegal grazing. It suggests solutions like improved grassland management, community engagement, and the use of technology for monitoring. Ornithologists believe the plan is a step in the right direction but warn of challenges in implementation due to factors like unplanned urbanization and fluctuating farmland conditions. Shrestha hopes the plan will increase the Bengal florican population in Nepal to over 100 individuals, signaling a positive restoration effort.