Number of species decreases
Asian Waterfowl Census, an annual event to monitor the population status of waterfowl in water reservoirs, is conducted every year in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), during mid January.  The waterfowl census operation was conducted at Haripura and Baur reservoirs in Terai Central forest division on 15th January and at Tumaria reservoir in Terai West Forest division on 16th January. This year we recorded 34, 37 and 35 bird species at Tumaria, Baur and Haripura respectively.

On a comparison of waterfowl census data of current year with previous census record, it was found that there was a decrease in the number of species recorded. Decrease in the number of species might be due to the fluctuation in the availability of water. But to determine the factor behind the decrease in number of species, it is necessary to have a short duration research on assessment of quality of habitat available for the birds and proper documentation of related variables. A total of 61 bird species were recorded in three water bodies. Common coot, Red crested Pochard, Tufted duck, Great crested Grebe, Common Pochard, Black-headed Gull were the most common bird species recorded during the survey.

Dr. Harendra Singh Bargali, Ms Neha Verma (IFS), Mr. Sharad Kumar, Mr. Bhuvan Chhimwal,Mr. Harish Bhandari, Mr. Yogamber Singh, Mr. Satyapal, Mr. Idrish Hussain, Mr. Mohd. Yasheen were the members of the team. This year the school children also participated in the Waterfowl Census Programme. Students took great interest in the bird watching and were very enthusiastic during the whole session. Ms. Neha Verma coached school children on basic bird watching.