Kosi Bird Observatory
Region
Asia
Country
Nepal
Flyway
East Asian - Australasian flyway
Initiative
WLI Asia-Oceania
About
KBO, a prime migratory corridor lies 26°46.927 latitude and 87°08.28 longitude and is situated to the north of the famous Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
Funding support: The Wetland Trust, The Red Panda Network
Number of staff: 3
Overall aims of the centre
The overall aim of Kosi Bird Observatory is to support bird migration studies in the Nepal. Further it supports and mobilizes the local community to improve their livelihoods and awareness of bird and wildlife conservation.
Description of the centre
KBO, a prime migratory corridor lies 26°46.927 latitude and 87°08.28 longitude and is situated to the north of the famous Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
We have recently started bird ringing using Nepal’s own rings and the Nepal government has given full support to our program of establishing a national ringing scheme.
In addition to being a valuable way of finding out about the populations, life-cycles and migration strategies of birds, ringing can also be a great vehicle for raising public awareness for bird conservation.
The main habitat types include grassland and wetlands. Koshi Tappu provides habitat for 493 species of resident and migratory birds.
The area holds large populations of globally threatened Swamp Francolin and is home to nearly all the water birds recorded in this country.
It also has the largest heronry in Nepal. Recently, an endemic subspecies of Rufous-vented Prinia Prinia burnesii nepalicola, was described from here. South Asian River Dolphin, Gharial, Marsh Mugger, Hog Deer, Smooth-coated Otter, Soft-shell Turtle and many other aquatic species are also found.
The reserve is the only remaining habitat of Asian Wild water Buffalo in Nepal, whose population is 219 according to 009 census.
The existing vegetation of the reserve consists of diverse physiographic types, which harbours 658 species of plants including submerged, aquatic, floating and tall reed grassland.
The forest types include Dalbergia-Acacia, Bombax and the grassland includes Typha, Vetivera, Phragmites, Saccharum etc. From October 2011 there will be permanent exhibit in the centre.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work areas
KBO will have an information and community support centre and will give opportunities to show birds up close to community members. We will invite local and national politicians and officials to visit the centre to convince them of the importance of the environment and the creatures that inhabit it. They are the people who can bring about the changes in policy for better conservation and management of bird, wildlife and overall natural resources.
Nepal has long been known as a home for very many species of birds including many threatened species that migrate over and through the Himalayas. Both long distance and altitudinal migrants are abundant. However, there have been no opportunities for long – term systematic studies of these birds and the threats of them.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; producing written materials; developing nature trails.
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; running a visitor centre; managing / creating habitat.
Participation
Engaging young people; working with volunteers; engaging the local community.
Education and communication
Lobbying / running campaigns; developing resources / materials.
General
Fund raising; project planning.
Contact
Prativa Kaspal, Conservation Officer
Himalayan Nature
PO Box 10918, Lazimpat
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel +977 1 4439042 Fax +977 1 4444527
E: data@himalayannature.org, info@himalayannature.org
Website address: www.himalayannature.org