Avifaunal Diversity in Important Bird Areas of Western Nepal

Abstract

The rural municipality of Barekot in Jajarkot district is an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Western Nepal. In recent years, illegal hunting and trapping have increased in this area. Additionally, a hydropower project with a capacity of 410 MW is being constructed within Barekot. The present study aims to update the preliminary checklist of birds and to identify the underlying threats to the bird populations in this region. The bird survey was conducted in Barekot over four days in the late winter / early spring of 2021. Direct field observation, surveys of key informants, a literature review and photography were the main tools used for data collection. The study revealed 87 bird species belonging to 10 orders and 34 families. The birds most commonly recorded belong to the Muscicapidae family, order Passeriformes. Among the recorded species, two are on the IUCN Red List of Nationally Vulnerable species, five are listed in CITES Appendix II, and one species features in CITES Appendix I. Approximately 82% of the bird species recorded were of resident types. Despite a decline in bird diversity, Barekot’s unique geographical location still makes it an important IBA in Nepal. Bird numbers have plummeted due to human intrusion and disturbance, and modifications to natural systems. Based on our findings, we recommend landscape-level research on the impacts of hydropower projects, roads, poaching, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Future conservation efforts should also emphasize the prevention of habitat fragmentation and raising public awareness.