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BirdBird ConservationConser Nepal QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 20 BULLETIN NO. 3 SEPTEMBER 2011 Birds of Pipar in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal 1Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri and 2Laxman Prasad Poudyal Background Ecological studies on pheasants began in the seventies and Upper Setikhola valley in the west central Nepal is a flagship area these were followed by other surveys on pheasants, avifaunal for bird conservation. This valley includes two most important diversity and ecology of this area especially in Pipar Bowl bird sites i.e. Pipar and Santel which have been identified as and Pipar Kharka at the altitude of 3000-3400m (see Lelliott the most important bird areas in the Annapurna Conservation and Yonzon 1980, Tamarkar and Lelliott 1981, Picozzi 1984 Area (Inskipp and Inskipp 2003). Pipar (28º25’N 83º57’E) was and 1987, Howman and Garson 1993, Kaul and Shakya 2001, discovered as an exceptionally rich area for pheasants in 1976, Gyawali 2004, Poudyal 2005, Poudyal et al. 2009). An expedition and has been the site for a long-term project by the World was accomplished in 2011 to continue and follow-up the past Pheasant Association (WPA) with an informal endorsement as surveys by monitoring the Galliformes population in addition the Pipar Pheasant Reserve. The reserve provides habitat for five to recording birds in a systematic manner. This paper provides a Himalayan pheasants (Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra, Blood checklist of birds in the Pipar area. Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus, Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus, Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos and Koklass Method Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha) in an area of 43 km2 (WPA 2004). The expedition members were Laxman Prasad Poudyal, One additional which is also a globally threatened species, Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri, Simon Poulton, Suman Sharma, Willow the Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii, occurs relatively nearby. Outhwaite, Lina Chalise and Sobhit Koirala. Hoary Throated Barwing by Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri 2 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL - NEWSLETTER Protected Areas of Nepal Ramlichhahara Namrung Pipar N Korja Pipar Pond Pilicho Pipar Forest Bhalaudi Khola Annapurna Conservation Area Legend Khumai Thulokhobang River Village Route Lomathang Keruwa Camping Site Jomsom Seti River Manang Santel Forest Ghandruk Mangale Khola Lwang- Siklis Bhujung Tatopani 20 2 Kilometers Map: Survey Area The study methods involved recording the birds during the trail walks on identified routes and camping stations between 2 and Species Richness Curve 20 May 2011. The route started from Tatopani (Kharpani) on 2nd 160 May followed by Keruwa 1300m, Thulokhobang 2200m, Pilicho 150 140 2700m, Pipar Bowl 3300m, Pipar up hills 3933m, Namrung 130 3660m, Korja 3698m, Khumai 3250m and ended at Tatopani 120 on 20th May. This route covers the assemblage of different 110 100 habitat types i.e. human settlement and cultivated land in the 90 lower altitudes at 1300-1600m, mixed forest (1600-2500m), 80 rhododendron forest (2500-3300m), birch forest (3300-4000m) 70 and moist alpine scrub in the higher altitudes (Poudyal et al. 60 50 2007). Keruwa, Thulokhobang, Pilicho, Pipar, Namrung, Korja 40 and Khumai were the campsites where we stayed 3 nights each. Number of Species 30 In other two campsites, Namrung and Keruwa, we stayed single 20 10 nights only. All birds seen and heard were recorded using The 0 Mackinnon’s species richness counting method as described 123456789101112131415161718192021 by Bibby et al. 2000. Binoculars (Viking 10×42, Nikon Action Number of List 8x40, Leica 8x20, Pentax 8x40), and field guide Birds of Nepal (Grimmett et al. 2000, Fleming et al. 1984) were used to identify the species. Previous references (Poudyal 2008, Mahato et al. Figure: Species richness curve 2006, Kaul and Shakya 1998, Emmanuel et al. 1997, and Warwick J. 1985) were on hand and were also consulted to prepare the Discussion final bird list. Pipar is especially important for Galliformes. Out of 12 species recorded so far in the area, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Result Koklass Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Common A total of 152 bird species was recorded representing nine Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola, Rufous–throated Partridge orders, 29 families and 98 genera. 145 birds were recorded from Arborophila rufogularis, Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus 21 Mackinnon’s list (see figure below). The greatest number and Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus were recorded in of lists (seven) were prepared from Thulokhobang to Pilicho this survey. The Koklass Pheasant was absent in Pipar Bowl for followed by five lists from Pilicho to Pipar, four lists from Keruwa first time since 1980s. The Tibetan Snowcock was a new record to Thulokhobang, and four from Pipar up hill side to Namrung for the area. and a single list from Tatopani to Keruwa. The globally threatened Endangered Egyptian Vulture Neophron A checklist of total 295 birds recorded so far in the area was percnopterus was also recorded. This bird is listed as Vulnerable prepared which represent 11 orders 38 families and 146 genera in the nationally threatened list. Other nationally threatened (Table 1). BIRD CONSERVATION NEPALEPAL - NEWSLETTER 3 birds recorded were Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus, White– browed Piculet Sasia ochracea, Slender–billed Scimitar Babbler Tune in to Xiphirhynchus superciliaris, Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea, Cutia Cutia nipalensis, Great Parrotbill Conostoma oemodium and Satyr Tragopan (BCN and DNPWC 2011). White browed Piculet was identified as new bird for Annapurna Conservation Area. The Satyr Tragopan is Near-threatened in the IUCN red on IMAGE FM 97.9 list category (BirdLife International 2011). The globally and at 7.45 am nationally Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis and Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus which Second and Fourth Saturday were recorded in the past were not recorded in this survey. of Nepali Month We were unable to record the nationally threatened Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus, Grey-sided Laughingthrush of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Report to UNEP-WCMC/ Garrulax caerulatus, Blue-winged Laughingthrush Garrulax King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation/Annapurna squamatus, Golden-breasted Fulvetta Alcippe chrysotis and Conservation Area Project, Nepal. Gold-naped Finch Pyrrhoplectes epaulette which were recorded BirdLife International. (2011) IUCN Red List for birds. in the past. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 22/12/2011. Kaul, R. and Shakya, S. 1998. A Wildlife survey of the Pipar Three restricted range species Hoary–throated Barwing Sanctuary, Central Nepal, 28 April – 5 May 1998. WPA- SARO and Actinodura nipalensis, White–throated Tit Aegithalos niveogularis BCN. A report to the World Pheasant Association (UK). and Spiny Babbler Turdoides nipalensis which is also an endemic Kaul, R. and Shakya, S. 2001. Spring call counts of some bird of Nepal were recorded during this survey. Galliformes in the Pipar Reserve, Nepal. Forktail (17):75-80. Lelliott, A.D. and Yonzon, P.B. 1980. Studies of Himalayan Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus, Green-tailed Sunbird pheasants in Nepal. Journal of the World Pheasant Association Aethopyga nipalensis and Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus (5): 11-30. frontalis were seen with nesting materials. Eurasian Woodcock Mahato, N.K., Poudyal, L.P., Subedi, P. and Sing, P.B. 2006. 2005 Scolopax rusticola was seen incubating in a nest at Pipar and spring survey of Galliformes in the Pipar Reserve and of Santel, Large-billed Crows Corvus macrorhynchos were seen rearing Annapurna Conservation Area, Central Nepal: a World Pheasant their nestlings at Khumai. Association Report. World Pheasant Association, Fordingbridge, UK Acknowledgements Picozzi, N. 1984. An ecological survey of a proposed reserve for We would like to thank WPA for providing funds for the research Himalayan pheasants at Pipar, Nepal in November 1983. A report expedition. We would like to thank Dr. Philip McGowan for his to the World Pheasant Association (UK). Unpublished. kind support from the very inception of the project. Thanks go Picozzi, N. 1987. Pipar pheasant trek, April (1987) Unpublished to other team members Simon Poulton, Suman Sharma, Willow report to WPA, Reading, UK. Outhwaite, Lina Chalise and Sobhit Koirala. Map credit goes Poudyal, L.P., Outhwaite, W., Poulton, S., Sharma, S., Thakuri, to Suman Sharma. Hari K.C. provided great supports before J.J. 2011. Monitoring Pheasants in the Pipar Area of Nepal: the and after the field trip. All our crew members arranged the 2011 Expedition. A report for The World Pheasant Association, camping in a very good manner in the remote fields even there Kathmandu, Nepal and Norwich, UK. were very difficult situations and hurricane days. Carol and Tim Poudyal, L. P. 2005. A study of floral diversity and grazing impacts Inskipp, and Dr Hem Sagar Baral always provided guidance and in Pipar Pheasant Sanctuary, Nepal. BSc Thesis, Tribhuvan suggestions. We are very grateful to them. Special thanks go to University – Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal. Unpublished. Ishana Thapa for her generous encouragement for this article. Poudyal, L.P. 2008. Distribution and Habitat Use of Pheasants in the Headwater Forests of Setikhola, Annapurna Conservation References Area, Nepal. Masters Thesis to the Tribhuvan University- BCN and DNPWC. 2011. The State of Nepal’s Birds 2010. Bird Institute of Forestry, Nepal Conservation Nepal and Department of National Parks and Poudyal, L.P., Baral, H.S. and Mcgowan, P. 2007. Study of Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal. Vegetation and grazing impacts on pheasants in Pipar Reserve Bibby, C., Jones, M. and Marsden, S. 2000. Expedition Field Nepal. Tigerpaper 34(1):12-17 Techniques: Bird Surveys. BirdLife International. Poudyal, L.P., Mahato, N.K., Singh, P.B. Subedi, P., Baral, H.S. & Emmanuel, M., Robert, C. and Marc, M. 1997. Nepal Trip in Mcgowan P.J.K. 2009. Status of Galliformes in Pipar Pheasant the Pheasant Study Area, Pipar, 15 April 1997 –2 May 1997. Reserve and Santel, Annapurna, Nepal. International Journal of Unpublished manuscript. Galliformes Conservation (1) 49–55 Fleming, R.L. Sr., Fleming, R.L. Jr. and Bangdel, L.S. 1984. Birds Tamrakar, J.K. & Lelliott, A.D.
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  • Bhutan March 26–April 14, 2019

    Bhutan March 26–April 14, 2019

    BHUTAN MARCH 26–APRIL 14, 2019 The Satyr Tragopan is one of the best pheasants on our planet! Photo by M. Valkenburg LEADER: MACHIEL VALKENBURG LIST COMPILED BY: MACHIEL VALKENBURG VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM BHUTAN March 26–April 14, 2019 By Machiel Valkenburg Our annual adventure to Bhutan started in Delhi, where we all came together for the flight to Paro in Bhutan. The birding here started immediately outside of the airport parking lot, finding the wonderful Ibisbill, which we quickly located in the wide stream along the airport road. It seemed to be a cold spring, with quite an amount of snow still on the surrounding peaks. Our visit to the Cheli La (La means pass) was good for some new surprises like Snow Pigeon and Alpine Accentor. We found Himalayan White- browed Rosefinch feeding in an alpine meadow, and then suddenly two Himalayan Monals appeared and showed very well. Here we were happy with extra sightings of Blood Pheasant, Black Eagle, Blue-fronted Redstart, and Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie. After Paro, we started our journey east with a drive to Thimphu and Punakha, visiting Dochu La and Tashitang along the way. The birding in these places is nothing but spectacular with great sightings constantly. These lush green valleys are very photogenic, and many stops were made to take in all the landscapes. The birding was good here with excellent sightings of a crossing Hill Partridge, some exquisite Ultramarine Flycatchers, a close overhead Rufous-bellied Eagle, a surprise sighting of a day- roosting Tawny Fish-Owl, and some wonderful scope views of a party of Gray Treepies.