An Ornithological Survey of Manaslu Conservation Area.

Report Submitted to: Oriental Club, UK.

Submitted by: Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri Bird Conservation , Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal

[email protected] & [email protected]

2013

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Summary Bird surveys of Manaslu Conservation Area were conducted on December 2012 and April-May 2013 to cover both winter and summer visitor and breeding . The surveys started at Jagat, Gorkha and covered two major Valleys, the Tshum and Nubri. The overall objective of the study was to determine the seasonal and overall bird diversity and richness of the Manaslu Conservation Area and identify the bird rich areas within the Manaslu Conservation Area. Mackinnon’s list and direct count methods were used to survey the birds. The purpose of this study is also to recommend Manaslu Conservation Area to be declared as new IBA site. A total of 191 bird species were recorded from 77 Mackinnon’s lists spending 31 days field survey. The December survey produced a total of 121 species and the April May survey 151 species independently. The April survey was able to add 70 more species in December list.

The most significant bird species recorded during the survey were globally threatened Red-headed Vulture (critically endangered), Satyr Tragopan (near threatened), River Lapwing (near threatened) and nationally threatened Ibisbill (endangered), Lammergeier (vulnerable) and Himalayan Griffon (vulnerable) . is the important habitat for the birds in MCA which is reflected by the recording of 116 Forest, 17 Wetland, 13 Forest and agriculture, 14 Forest and Mountain, 20 Mountain and open area, 3 Mountain and agriculture, 3 and agriculture, 3Human settlements and 2 Agriculture - human settlements dependent bird species.

The major threats detected during the survey were deforestation, forest fires and grazing. The major recommendation in this area were conservation awareness, placement of informative signs about MCA, further research on ecology, distribution and population on Satyr Tragopan and Ibisbill and monitoring of migratory waterfowls in Kaltal, birdwatching tourism promotion, Adopt a bird as an Indicator species for forest management, alternate energy promotion and income generating activities for effective conservation of the area as well as the birds.

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Acknowledgement

This project was funded by Oriental Bird Club, UK, I would like to thank to Conservation Officer, Dr. David Buckingham and Treasure, Graeme Spink for providing this opportunity. Sincere thanks goes to Dr, Santa Raj Janawali for providing additional fund under the WWF Nepal’s USAID funded Hariyo Ban Program.

I express thanks to Madhu Chetri, Hira Chetri, Yubraj Basnet and Seejan Gyawali for their hard work during the field survey.

I am thankful to Tim Inskipp and Carol Inskipp for reviewing the checklist of birds prepared after the survey.

All the local peoples and hotel owner of MCA and Manang deserve our sincere thanks for their support and providing logistic during the period of this project.

Dr. Sushila C. Nepali provided technical guidance in the report.

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Contents Summary ...... i

Acknowledgement...... ii

Background ...... 1

Objectives ...... 2

Study Area ...... 3

Methodology ...... 6

Data collection ...... 6

Results ...... 8

Bird diversity, species richness and abundance ...... 8

Seasonal bird diversity ...... 11

Important birds and bird rich areas ...... 12

Bird habitat ...... 13

Birds under IBA Criteria and category ...... 16

Threats ...... 19

Discussion ...... 21

Recommendations ...... 23

References ...... 24

Annexes ...... 27

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Background The great diversity of Nepalese fauna is revealed by the recording of 871 species of birds (BCN and DNPWC, 2012). This is a reflection of Nepal’s unique geographical position, altitudinal variation and climatic differences (Grimmett et al., 2000). These factors create a remarkable diversity of habitats ranging from bare rock and scrub in the alpine zone to tropical rainforest in the lowlands, the exception being any marine habitat. Alpine habitat, forest and scrub, wetlands, grassland, agricultural land and human settlements are the key habitats found in Nepal (Grimmett et al., 2000 and Baral and Inskipp, 2005).

Due to Nepal’s unique geographical position, altitudinal variation and climatic differences here is unique distribution of different bird species in different areas. Birds found in western part do not occur in eastern part of Nepal. For example Sarus Crane Grus antigone is recorded west to Chitwan National park, Cheer Pheasant is recorded west to Kaligandaki valley, Koklass Pheasant found from central to western Nepal, Sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea is found only east from central Nepal and Rusty- fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni is found in eastern Nepal. Due to altitudinal variations and geographical setting here are created many remote areas which are not explored for the birds they occur. Therefore it is necessary to conduct bird surveys in unexplored areas to update biodiversity profile of Nepal and any particular areas for the implementation of conservation management. It helps to know the east-west and north- south distribution of birds in Nepal in different seasons. Regular monitoring of bird diversity helps to know the impact of climate change for their home range shift and distribution.

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are places of international significance for the conservation of birds at the global level. The IBA criteria are internationally agreed, standardised, quantitative and scientifically defensible. Any area to be included under the IBA initiative should qualify under one or more of the following criterion/categories; A1: Globally threatened species, A2: Restricted-range species, A3: Biome-restricted assemblage, and A4: Congregations (Baral and Inskipp, 2005). BCN has identified a total of 27 IBAs in Nepal, covering about 18% of the country’s land area. Including Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) five sites are listed as potential IBAs which may qualify for IBA (Baral and Inskipp, 2005).

Manaslu Conservation Area is one of the under surveyed area for the bird species though it holds long history of conservation management as a conservation area. Although 110 species of birds is estimated to occur in the area (KMTNC 2002 in Baral and Inskipp, 2005) it can support many birds in the area including globally threatened birds like Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra, Wood Snipe Gallinago nemoricola and other

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restricted-range species. Hence it was identified as one of the potential IBA in Nepal by BirdLife International and Bird conservation Nepal in 2005 (Baral and inskipp, 2005).

Protected areas (PAs) and IBAs are key sites for Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) to conduct research and practise the conservation of birds. BCN has already published bird checklists for Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Sagarmatha National Park, Chitwan National Park, Shivapuri National Park, and Rara National Park. Detailed bird surveys have also been conducted in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Api Nampa Conservation Area and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.

Objectives The anticipated aim and objectives of the proposed project are as follow,

1. To determine the seasonal and overall bird diversity and species richness of the MCA. 2. To identify the bird rich areas within the MCA. 3. To assess the habitat structure of the MCA. 4. To establish the recommendation to upgraded the MCA to IBA

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Study Area

Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), map 1, was gazetted by government of Nepal in 1998. It covers an area of 1,663 km2 and includes seven VDCs of in the Western Development Region of Nepal, viz Samagaon, , Prok, , , Chhekampar and . On December 28, 2008 it was extended for another ten years i.e. till 2018. MCA lies between 28º 20' - 28º 45' latitude and 84º 29' - 85º 11' longitude. All VDCs, except Sirdibas, border Autonomous Region of to the north. Traditionally the 7 VDCs were divided into Kutang, Tsum and Nubri Valleys.

Total population in MCA is 8,929 scattered over 1,952 households (NTNC, 2013).The major ethnic group in all VDCs, except Sirdibas, is Bhotia (also known as Lama). Gumbas are important socio-religious institutions in MCA. Most of the people are Buddhist. Gumbas and their Lamas are very influential in promoting social values by developing and enforcing social norms as evidenced by restrictions in hunting. Agriculture and husbandry is the main occupation of the local people. Trade is a seasonal activity for people living in the area. An important trading activity is the sale of medicinal plants. Most of the able members from all VDCs, except from Sirdibas, temporarily migrate during the winter season from Magh (November-December) to Chaitra (March-April).

Elevation of MCA ranges from 1,239m to 8,163m. Major peaks include Manaslu (8,163m), the 8th highest peak in the world, Himalchuli (7,893m) and Shringi (7,187m). Important high passes include Larke La (5,205m) and Gya La (5,375m). Major rivers in MCA are Budhi Gandaki and Syar Khola, while Kalchuvan Lake (Kal Tal) and Birendra Lake are important lakes and wetland habitats found in the area.

The MCA has five climatic zones: sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine, alpine and nival. The sub-tropical zone lies between 1,000m and 2,000m with average summer and winter temperatures between 31 to 34ºC and 8 to 13ºC, respectively. The temperate zone occurs in the higher hills above 2,000m and below 3,000m. In this zone, average summer temperatures range from 22 to 25ºC while winter temperatures range from 2 to 6ºC. Frost and snowfall is common during winter (January and February).The sub- alpine zone lies between 3,000m and 4,000m with snowfall occurring for about four to six months (December to May). In this zone, winter is very cold and annual summer temperatures average between 6 and 10oC. The alpine zone, between 4,000m and 5,000m, is mostly open meadows. The nival zone occurs at elevations above 4,500m (DNPWC, 2013).

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Map1: Manaslu Conservation Area

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Precipitation is in the form of summer monsoon rain usually lasting from June to September. Average annual rainfall is around 1,900mm. A significant portion of MCA is surrounded by high mountains, thus protecting it from the southern monsoon clouds and creating partial rain-shadow areas. However, because monsoon clouds reach the end of the Budi Gandaki and Syar Khola valleys, the valley floor is wet in comparison to corresponding slopes and side valleys.

A variety of flora is found in MCA. Altitudinal variations within short distances create different types of habitats and micro-climatic conditions in the MCA. Although very little is known about the flora of the MCA, some 756 species of plants were recorded during a sample survey in 1998 and 2010. Of the total plant species, 115 families (696 species) belong to Angiosperms, 4 (13 species) belong to Gymnosperms, 18 (37 species) belong to Pteridophytes, 2 (3 species) belong to Lichen and 2 (7 species) belong to Mycophyta group.

Nineteen vegetation types have been recorded in MCA (KMTNC, 2008). These area: Pinus roxburghii forest, Schima-Castanopsis forest, Alnus nepalensis forest, Quercus floribunda forest, Mixed Quercus forest, Pinus wallichiana forest, Picea smithiana - Tsuga dumosa forest, Quercus semecarpifolia forest, Mixed hardwood forest, Populus ciliata forest, Larix griffithiana forest, Larix himalaica forest, Mixed Larix forest, Abies spectabilis forest, Juniperus recurva scrub, Betula utilis forest, Rhododendron-Juniper- Betula bushes, Moist alpine scrub and Dry alpine scrub.

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Methodology

Data collection

Bird survey was carried out on 12-23 December 2012 and 28 April to May 2013 to cover both winter and summer visitor birds. Survey was carried out along the two main valleys, the Tshum Valley and Nubri Valley. Followed routes are shown in map and detail itinerary is given in Annex II.

Mackinnon’s listing method

As a means of establishing avifaunal diversity, Mackinnon and Phillips (1993) put forth the Mackinnon’s species richness counting method, and this was followed as described by Bibby et. al. (2000) to estimate the species richness of MCA. The resultant species richness curve is a measure of species diversity. Species richness, abundance, seasonal diversity and distribution can all be assessed by this method.

Species richness counting method was as follows:

1. Each new encountered (seen and heard) species was recorded until a list of 20 species reach. 2. Then a new list (number 2) was started and another 20 species were recorded. Each list contained 20 different species, but subsequent lists could include species previously listed. During the survey much care was taken not to repeat same species in the same list, but to list the species in subsequent lists. 3. Then list number 3 was recorded. 4. A final running species total was obtained by extracting the number of species in list 2 that were not in list 1 and so on throughout all the recorded for that area. 5. Same process, 1-4 was repeated for two visits separately and collectively.

By plotting the cumulative total of species detected against the number of lists, a species richness curve was produced. This species richness curve is a measure of species diversity

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The number of time a species reappears in subsequent lists can be converted into a frequency of occurrence, which gives some idea about relative abundance of that species when compared with other species.

Direct observation Method Direct counting of each species was also used as secondary method during bird survey. A recording of the names of all encountered birds with the number was made throughout the survey on a daily basis. This method ensured the recording of bird species that were excluded in Mackinnon’s listing method. For raptors flying long distances or having big home ranges, the highest number counted in one day was assumed to be the population. For birds making indistinct calls in a flock e.g. Black- chinned Babbler the number of birds was estimated as 1 for every recording. For other birds the number from all sites was summed.

Grimmett et al. (2000, 2009 and 1998), Inskipp and Inskipp (1991) and Rasmussen and Anderton (2012) were used as field guides to identify birds in the field and as reference book.

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Results

Bird diversity, species richness and abundance

A total of 191 bird species (approx. 22% of Nepalese bird diversity) were recorded and 77 Mackinnon’s lists made spending 31 days of survey work during December 2012 and April/ May 2013. In total, 121 species were recorded during the December survey with 70 species added during April/May. Detail in Annex I.

Most notable bird species, globally and nationally threatened include Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus, Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra and River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii. Nationally threatened species were Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis, Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii and Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus.

Top 10 most counted birds during separate seasons finding includes House Apus affinis (135), leuconota (84), Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis (81), Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (185), Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos (193), Grandala Grandala coelicolor (175), Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus (99), Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos (108), Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus (83) and Rufous Sibia

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capistrata (82). Similarly, 10 most common birds with highest frequency of occurrence in separate season include Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos (42), Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus (34), Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos (28), Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis (25), Rock Pigeon Columba livia (23), Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea (22), Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus (22), Striated Prinia Prinia criniger (21), Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata (21) and Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus (21). Detail is provided in Annex I.

Likewise, 33 species were recorded only once with single individual which were considered very rare in MCA. Some examples include, Tibetan Partridge Perdix hodgsoniae, Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii, River Lapwing, Black Kite Milvus migrans, Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus, Red-headed Vulture, Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii, Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius, Dark-rumped Carpodacus edwardsii.

Figure 2: Number of species represented by family 35

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25

20

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10 Number of birdspecies 5

0 Picidae Paridae Sittidae Laniidae Sylviidae Strigidae Corvidae Anatidae Ardeidae Cinclidae Cerylidae Cuculidae Alaudidae Apodidae Certhiidae Passeridae Falconidae Fringillidae Cisticolidae Accipitridae Phasianidae Aegithalidae Charadriidae Hirundinidae Scolopacidae Zosteropidae Nectariniidae Pycnonotidae Muscicapidae Megalaimidae Caprimulgidae Family name

Recorded 191 bird species were represented by 32 families, family Muscicapidae was best represented by 32 species of thrushes, Flycatchers, Robins, , Forktails and Chats. Sylviidae was following Muscicapidae with 31 species of Warblers, , Babblers, Fulvettas and Yuhinas. Similarly, Corvidae was representd with 13, Accipitridae with 13, Passeridae with 11 species and other families were with 1 to 7 species.

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River Lapwing ©Jyotendra Thakuri

Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird ©Madhu Chetri

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Seasonal bird diversity Species richness curves figure 3 shows that more birds were recorded during April-May survey in comparison to December survey. Total 121 bird species were from 30 Mackinnon’s lists from December, whereas 151 species were produced from 47 Mackinnon’s lists from May survey. Globally threatened River lapwing and Red-headed Vulture were seen during December visit from Jagat and Nyak Phedi respectively. Similarly, globally threatened Satyr Tragopan was seen during April-may visit at Prok area.

Total 40 birds were recorded only from winter season, 69 species during summer season and remaining 82 bird species were seen in both season and visit.

Number of winter visitor bird species to Nepal, recorded in December is 11. Resident birds which spend throughout the year in same range are 54. Total 9 species of summer visitor birds were recorded. Similarly, 117 bird species which are resident within Nepal but makes altitudinal movements during different season were also recorded

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Important birds and bird rich areas On the basis of the presence of the following globally and nationally threatened birds, the following locations are identified as important sites.

Table 1: threatened birds of MCA

SN Species IUCN National No. Date Locations name status Status obser ved 1 Red- CR CR 1 18 Dec Nyac Phedi headed Vulture

2 Satyr NT VU 1 18 May Prok Tragopan

3 River NT 1 12 Dec Jagat Lapwing 4 Himalayan VU 79 Dec Eklebhatti, Nyak, Lokpa, Rinjam, Griffon Yakkharka, Chekkam, Dyang, Behi, Prok, Namrung and

63 April Eklebhatti, Lokpa, Yakkharka, May Gompa, Chekkam, Nyak Phedi, Pewa, Dyang, Prok, Kaltal, Kharka, Namrung, Lhi, Shayala, Sama, Birendra Tal, Samdo and Dharamsala.

5 Ibisbill EN 10 May Birendra Tal 6 Lammergei VU 19 Decem Eklebhatti, Rinjam, Yakkharka, er ber Chekkam

12 April Lokpa, Birendra Tal, Samdo and May Dharamsala

The following tables (Table 2) show the bird rich areas of MCA during both surveys, determined by the number of Mackinnon’s lists prepared each day and number of bird

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species recorded from those lists in particular areas. Areas with high number of list or bird species are determined as bird rich areas. Bird rich areas are also shown in Map 1.

Table 2: Distribution of Mackinnon's Lists and bird species Area/Day List/bird Area/Day List/bird species species Jagat-Philim 2/30 Jagat-Philim 1/20 Philim-Lokpa 3/42 Philim-Eklebhatti 1/20 Lokpa-Chumling 4/42 Eklebhatti-Lokpa 2/31 Chumling-Chekkam 4/44 Lokpa - Chumling 4/48 Chekkam-Nele 1/20 Chumling Yakkharka 4/44 Nele-Lokpa 4/41 Chekkam-Gompa 2/32 Lokpa-Dyang 2/31 Chekkam-Domje 3/37 Dyang-Prok 2/32 Rinjam-Lokpa 4/45 Prok-Kaltal-Prok 2/25 Lokpa-Dyang 4/41 Prok-Namrung 3/35 Dyang -Prok 4/46 Namrung-Sammagaun 3/33 Prok-Kharka 2/38 Sammagaun 1/33 Kaltal-Gumba 3/46 Prok-Namrung 3/40 Namrung-Shayala 3/40 Sama-Birendra Tal 2/34 Kharka-Samdo 2/29 Samdo 1/20 Samdo 1/20 Dharamsala 1/20

Bird habitat Habitat requirement of recorded birds shows forest is the most important habitat in MCA and wetland, rocky mountain and stony grounds, hill grassland, settlements and agricultural lands are the other major habitats.

Table 3: Major habitats in MCA represented by number of bird species.

SN Major Habitats used by birds Number of Species 1 Forest 116 2 Wetland 17 3 Forest and agriculture 13 4 Forest and Mountain 14 5 Mountain and open area 20 6 Mountain and agriculture 3 7 Grassland and agriculture 3

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8 Human settlements 3 9 Agriculture - human settlements 2

Total 116 bird species primarily dependent on forest were recorded. Different condition of forest like Mature, degraded, scrubs and secondary are broadly categorized as forest. Major forest type seen in MCA were Pinus roxburghii, Pinus wallichiana, Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis, Alnus nipalensis, Castonopsis indida, Schima wallichi and Rododendron spp. Satyr Tragopan Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus are the Pheasant species inhibits in dense broadleaved forest with sufficient undergrowth. Rufous-vented Tit Parus rubidiventris, Spot-winged Tit Parus melanolophus, Coal Tit Parus ater, Grey-crested Tit Parus dichrous and Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus were the species of tits found in both broadleaved and pine forest. Tree trunk feeders birds like Darjeeling darjellensis, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus and Rusty-flanked Tree-creeper Certhia nipalensis found in mature broadleaved forest.

Another major habitat is mountain which broadly covers the steep rocky cliff stony ground in highlands and alpine habitat. Tibetain Snowcock, Grandala, Rock Pigeon, , Snow Pigeon, Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Alpine , Altai Accentor, Rock Bunting are some bird species inhibits in mountain habitat.

Budi Gandaki in Nubri valley and Shyar Khola in Tsum valley Kaltal and Birendra Tal are the wetland habitat for the 17 birds e.g. Forktails, Ibisbill, species, Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii, Common Merganser Mergus merganser, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Ruddyshel Duck Tadorna ferruginea.

However only 5 species of birds primarily depend on human settlements and agricultural–human settlements were recorded, these habitat were attracting many forest bird species like Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus, Chestnut- crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus, Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos, Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus, White-throated Redstart schisticeps and Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens. Similarly, flocks of Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota and Grandala Grandala coelicolor were also seen along the forest edge in agriculture land above 2400m during December survey.

Major habitat used by birds is shown in Annex I.

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Habitat near Sammagaun ©Jyotendra Thakuri

Habitat at Kaal Tal ©Madhu Chetri

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Birds under IBA Criteria and category A1: Globally threatened species  Red-headed Vulture IUCN status: Critically Endangered One was seen soaring at Nyac Phedi on 18 December.  Satyr Tragopan One was heard at Pork forest on 18 May.  River Lapwing IUCN status: Near Threatened One was seen at Jagat on 12 Dec A2: Restricted-range species

Only one species, Kashmir Nuthatch was recorded.

A3: Biome-restricted assemblage

A total of 74 bird species belonging to 4 biomes was seen. Among them highest numbers of birds, 46 species were recorded belonging to Biome 07: Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forest followed by 19 species from Biome 05: Eurasian High Montane, 8 species from Biome 08: Sino-Himalayan Subtropical Forest and lease birds i.e. 1 species were from Biome 09: Indochinese Tropical Moist Forest. Detail is given below.

B05: EURASIAN HIGH MONTANE (ALPINE AND TIBETIAN) 1. Tibetan Snowcock 2. Tibetan Partridge 3. Snow Pigeon 4. Himalayan Griffon 5. Ibisbill 6. Yellow-billed Chough 7. Grey-backed Shrike 8. Hodgson's Redstart 9. White-winged Redstart 10. Grandala 11. Wallcreeper 12. Tickell's Leaf Warbler 13. Brown Accentor 14. 15. Great Rosefinch

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Brown Accentor ©Jyotendra Thakuri

Ibisbill ©Madhu Chetri

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16. Plain Mountain 17. Beautiful Rosefinch 18. Streaked Rosefinch 19. Red-fronted Rosefinch

B07: SINO-HIMALAYAN TEMPERATE FOREST 20. Blood Pheasant 21. Satyr Tragopan 22. Himalayan Monal 23. Darjeeling Woodpecker 24. Speckled Wood Pigeon 25. Yellow-billed Blue Magpie 26. White-collared Blackbird 27. Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher 28. Ultramarine Flycatcher 29. Slaty-blue Flycatcher 30. Rufous-bellied 31. Golden Bush Robin 32. White-browed Bush Robin 33. Blue-capped Redstart 34. White-throated Redstart 35. White-bellied Redstart 36. White-tailed Nuthatch 37. Bar-tailed Tree-creeper 38. Rusty-flanked Tree-creeper 39. Rufous-vented Tit 40. Grey-crested Tit 41. Green-backed Tit 42. Yellow-browed Tit 43. Chestnut-headed Tesia 44. Grey-bellied Tesia 45. Aberrant Bush Warbler 46. Grey-sided Bush Warbler 47. Ashy-throated Warbler 48. Western Crowned Warbler 49. White-throated Laughingthrush 50. Streaked Laughingthrush 51. Black-faced Laughingthrush 52. Green Shrike Babbler 53. Chestnut-tailed Minla 54. Rufous Sibia 55. Stripe-throated Yuhina 56. Fire-tailed Sunbird 57. Rufous-breasted Accentor 58. Yellow-breasted Greenfinch

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59. Pink-browed Rosefinch 60. Dark-rumped Rosefinch 61. Spot-winged Rosefinch 62. White-browed Rosefinch 63. Brown Bullfinch 64. Red-headed Bullfinch 65. White-winged Grosbeak

B08: SINO-HIMALAYAN SUBTROPICAL FOREST 66. Golden-throated Barbet 67. Blue-capped Rock Thrush 68. Small Niltava 69. Black-throated Tit 70. Black Bulbul 71. Grey-hooded Warbler 72. Black-chinned Babbler 73. Black-throated Sunbird

B09: INDOCHINESE TROPICAL MOIST FOREST 74. Red-headed Vulture

Threats Deforestation Wood is the primary material for construction of homes, cattle-sheds and their roofing. Firewood is the major source of energy for cooking and heating. As a result, forests adjoining villages and pastures have been heavily destroyed. This show the forest birds of MCA are under serious threats. Clearance of undergrowth affects the bush dwelling birds like babblers and warblers. Due to scarcity of wood and timber in the upper parts of MCA, a significant amount of wood and timber is being supplied by adjoining lower areas that are rich in forests. Apart from this, a considerable amount of wood and timber is regularly supplied to Tibet and is bartered for items such as salt, wool, and other consumables. Previously recorded nationally threatened bird, Golden Babbler was not seen during our survey. Further Satyr Tragopan was also recorded from only one location. This implies many forest dwelling birds are facing threat due to deforestation.

Forest Fire Local herders were found intentionally set on forest fire to grow new grass and to get fire wood. Forest fire was seen in surrounding hills of Philim area during the December visit this more intense near the Kaltal in December and April where the regular patrolling

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was not underway. Forest fire of summer season on steep slopes primarily affects the breeding of ground dwelling and tree nesting birds.

Livestock Grazing Livestock population in the area exceeds human population. Shortage of livestock feed and fodder in most parts of MCA has resulted in overgrazing of pastures and over- harvesting of fodder trees in forests. Overgrazing especially threats for the breeding and feeding of ground dwelling birds, Satyr Tragopan and Blood Pheasant. Grazing in alpine pasture mainly threats the birds like Grandala, Ibisbill, Himalayan Monal, Tibetan Snowcock and Tibetai Partridge.Pheasants. Cattle grazing was found associated with hunting of birds like Himalayan Monal in southern MCA, MCAP staff were found sneers targeting the Himalayan Monal in south of kaltal.

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Discussion Manaslu Conservation Area is managing by NTNT as MCAP since its establishment in 1998. For the conservation of birds and biodiversity in Nepal, BCN is working in Nepal identifying 27 IBAs and five potential IBAs. MCA is also one of the fifth potential IBA of Nepal. Though MCA holds long history of conservation management and listed as potential IBA in 2005 it was necessary to prepare the birdlife profile for the proper conservation management.

Unlike the other hilly protected areas MCA was found to be least visited by ornithologists. MCAP has compiled the all previous bird watching list (KMTNC, 1998, Groot and Steenhof, 2008, Chetri, 2009, and Chetri and Nepal 2010) which totals 201 bird species. This survey was unable to re-record some 75 species included in this list. But the current survey was successful to record total 57 new species to MCA. Another study on the bird of MCA was Katuwal (2013). He was studying land use gradient and distribution of birds in MCA using predetermined point count and recorded 93 species from three seasons. Probably he surveyed less area and habitat than this study did. Compiling bird list from all surveys total bird species recorded in MCA is to be 266, though reviewing older lists there are some species which are unlikely to occur because these species have different range of distribution in Nepal. This shows MCA is as rich as other protected hilly areas for the avian diversity, such as Gaurishankar Conservation Area which supports 235 species of birds and Shey-Phoksundo National Park which supports 178 species of birds where bird surveys have also been made (Bajracharya et. al. 2011, Prieme and Oksnebjerg 1995). Other, more thoroughly explored protected areas have a higher diversity of species in comparison to MCA, 330 species in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, 347 in Langtang National Park, 486 in Annapurna Conservation Area, 235 in Rara National Park, and 243 in Khaptad National Park. (Acharya 2004, Giri 2005, Halliday 1994, Inskipp and Inskipp 2003, Inskipp et al., 2008, Inskipp 1989a, b, 1992, Karki and Thapa 2001, Giri and Choudhary 2003, Giri and Choudhary 1996, Khadka 1996a,b, Regmi and Khadka 1996).

Of the 149 nationally threatened birds of Nepal (BCN and DNPWC, 2011) only five species were recorded in MCA among them only three species are globally threatened, listed in critically endangered and near threatened category. The altitudinal distribution of birds in Nepal and availability of habitat shows very few globally threatened birds species can be expected at the MCA. But about half of the threatened birds depend on the forest habitat and the high proportion of 77 % of Nepal’s breeding birds utilises forest or shrub (BCN and DNPWC 2011Inskipp1989). The existing forest at Prok, where Satyr Tragopan was heard and Rinjam area is still very important for threatened birds.

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NTNC (1998) has recorded Golden Babbler Stachyridopsis chrysaea from the forest of Prok. Probably, the Golden Babbler lost from this area due to loss of and degradation of bamboo thickets and dense undergrowth in broadleaved forest which are the major threats (BCN and DNPWC, 2011). Among the few globally threatened birds found in high altitude, Vulnerable Wood Snipe was expected to breed here (Baral and Inskipp, 2005) which was searched in marshy alpine areas in Kaltal and Birendra Tal playing tapped call but it did not recorded. Probably we were unable to locate the proper site or it is facing threats from excess cattle during breeding season or shifted their breeding range due to climate change. Comparing the present species list with previous, this study was unable to record 75 species most of them are from first survey carried out1998. Some species may have changed their range possibly due to climate change, because there is large gap from the first survey which is sufficient to observe the possible climate change impact on the altitudinal distribution and occurrence of birds in MCA.

Nepal provides very good wintering ground for birds which breeds in northern region. Many of them are waterfowls; they use high altitude wetlands as the sopping over during north-south migration. We record flock of Mallard and one Ruddy Shelduck at Kaltal. Probably we were late to find the waterfowls at Kaltal and Birenddra Tal; they start their migration on September and return to breeding ground on March-April. We also observed the altitudinal migration of many , warblers and flycatchers which were already moved down on December and later we found them on April May, e.g. Ibisbill, Rosy Pipit, Grey wagtail and Golden-spectacled Warbler. Therefore the species diversity is higher in April may in comparison to December. In December altitudinal migrants were augmented with the summer visitors like Blue-capped Rock Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus, Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris, Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides, Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus canorus and Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Recording of high number bird species in both seasons from Lokpa-Chekkam and Dyang-Prok-Kaltal shows these areas are bird rich areas in MCA. These areas supports forest in good condition but existing pressure on forest habitat and recording of less number of forest dependent threatened birds shows birds still facing serious threats.

Of the four category and criteria of IBA, birds of three category, A1, A2 and A3 are recorded. Among them significant number of birds under A3 are recorded. Considering its richness in biodiversity this area can be included in new IBA of Nepal.

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Recommendations

Listing as an IBA: Considering the number of bird species belonging to Biome- restricted assemblage and presence of globally threatened species, BCN can assess MCA for the new IBA of Nepal.

Awareness education: At lower part of MCA the birds are under threats by hunting and forest fire. There is need of conservation awareness education programs among the local people and school students. In Tshum and Nubri valley hunting was not seen primarily due to religious reason. But people have very little knowledge on the birds and their importance. So in these valleys there is needed to make them aware about the importance of birds.

Birdwatching tourism promotion: MCA is already renowned trekking and cultural tourism destination but easily seen beautiful birds are still overlooked for birdwatching tourism. Branding the MCA as a birdwatching destination can help to attract more tourists in MCA. Other easily sighting mammals like Himalayan Thar, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer and Ghoral are other major attraction of ecotourism. For this, tourism infrastructures like good hotels, tourist signage and walking trails should be developed. Relevant organisation at national and international level and local people at local level should coordinate to add the ecotourism, especially birdwatching tourism product in their areas.

Further research: this survey was the first systematic bird survey in MCA. There is need of further research of population density and distribution on Satyr Tragopan and Ibisbill. This helps to update the bird lists of MCA. Further Kal Tal can be very good stop over for migratory waterfowls so there is need of timely monitoring of them.

Adopt bird as an Indicator species for forest management: Since birds can be easily seen and uses various type of habitat, their regular monitoring in any particular forest help to know the forest health. This can be used for forest management. For this local people should be trained for bird monitoring, single species to diversity techniques.

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References

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Bagchi, R., Crosby, M. , Huntley, B., Hole, D., Butchart, B. Collingham, Y., Kalra, M., Rajkumar, J., Rahmani, A., Pandey, M., Gurung, H., Trai, L., Quang, L. and Willis, S. 2013. Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation site networks under climate change: accounting for uncertainty. Global Change Biology. doi: 10.1111/gcb.12123.

Bajracharya, S. B., Basnet, G., Kharel, F., Shah, K. B. , Baral, H. S. , and Charmakar, R. 2011. Gaurishankar Conservation Area: A Treasure House of Himalayan Biodiversity. NTNC, Nepal.

Baral, H.S. and Inskipp, C. 2005. Important Bird Areas in Nepal: key sites for conservation. Bird Conservation Nepal and BirdLife International, Kathmandu and Cambridge.

BCN and DNPWC, 2011. The State of Nepal’s Bird’s. Bird Conservation Nepal and Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu.

Bibby, C.; Jones, M. and Marsden, S. 2000. Expedition Field Techniques: Bird Surveys. BirdLife International.

Bird Conservation Nepal and Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, 2012. Birds of Nepal: An Official Checklist. Kathmandu, Nepal.

Chandler, D. and Couzens, D (2008). 100 Birds to See Before You Die: The Ultimate Wish List for Birders Everywhere. Thunder Bay Press.

Chetri and Nepal, 2010. An annotated check of Manaslu Conservation Area, cited from Management Plan of Manaslu Conservation Area Project (Draft).

Chetri, M.2009.An annotated checklist of birds of Manaslu Conservation Area, cited from Management Plan of Manaslu Conservation Area Project (Draft)

DNPWC, 2013. Protected areas of Nepal. Retrieved from www.dnpwc.gov.np, 13 July, 2013.

Giri, T. (2005) Birds of Rara.Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, IUCN Nepal and Bird Conservation Nepal, Kathmandu.

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Giri, T. and Choudhary, H. 1996. Additional sightings! Bird Conservation Nepal Newsletter 5(3): 2–3.

Giri, T. and Choudhary, H. 2003. Additional sightings! Danphe 12 (3/4):2.

Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. 1998. Birds of the . Christopher Helm, London.

Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T. & Baral, H.S. 2003: Birds of Nepal. Helms Field Guide. (Nepali Version).

Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T. & Baral, H.S. 2009: Birds of Nepal. Helms Field Guide.

Grimmett, R. Inskipp, C. Inskipp, T. 2012. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Helm Field Guide.

Groot and Steenhof, 2008. An annotated checklist of the Birds of Manaslu Conservation Area, cited from Management Plan of Manaslu Conservation Area Management Plan (Draft).

Halliday, J. 1994. Avifaunal survey of Khaptad National Park, 1993. Nepal Bird Watching Club Bulletin 3(2): 1–2.

Inskipp, C. 1989a. Nepal’s forest birds: their status and conservation. ICBP Monograph No 4. International Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge, UK.

Inskipp, C. 1989b. The ornithological importance of Khaptad National Park. Forktail 5: 49–60.

Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. 2003. Bird conservation priorities of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Unpublished report to UNEP-WCMC, King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, Annapurna Conservation Area Project.

Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T., Winspear, R., Collin, P., Robin, A., Thakuri, J. and Pandey, M. 2008. Bird survey of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, April 2008. Bird Conservation Nepal and Royal Society for the protection of Birds, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Karki, J. and Thapa, B. 2001. Birds of Langtang. Kathmandu: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Bird Conservation Nepal. Kathmandu.

Katuwal, H. 2013. Land use gradients and distribution of birds in Manaslu conservation area, Nepal. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of masters of Science in zoology with special paper

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“ecology and environment”. Submitted to central department of zoology institute of science and technology tribhuvan university kirtipur, Kathmandu.

Khadka, B. B. 1996b, Birds recorded in Khaptad Dah (3150m) of Khaptad National Park. Unpublished.

Khadka, B.B. 1996a. Bird checklist of Khaptad National Park. Unpublished.

KMTNC, 1998. Manaslu Conservation Area Project Proposal. King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.

KMTNC, 2002. Annual Report. King mahendra Trust for nature Conservation, Lalitpur. In Baral, H.S. and Inskipp, C. 2005. Important Bird Areas in Nepal: key sites for conservation. Bird Conservation Nepal and BirdLife International, Kathmandu and Cambridge.

NTNC, 2013. National Trust for Nature Conservation-Manaslu Conservation Area Management Plan (Draft).

Mackinnon, J. and Philips, K. 1993. A Field Guide to the Birds of Summatra, Java and Bali. Oxford University Press.

Prieme, A. and Oksnebjerg, B. 1995. The avifauna and conservation value of Shey- Phoksundo National Park, Nepal. Forktail 10: 33–47.

Rasmussen, P.C. and Anderton, J. C. 2012. Birds of . The Ripley Guide. Vols 1 and 2. Second Edition. National Museum of Natural History- Smithsonian Institution, Michigan State University and Lynx Edicion, Washington, D.C., Michigan and Barcelona.

Regmi, U. R. and Khadka, B. B. 1996. New Birds for khaptad, Unpublished.

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Annexes Annex 1: Checklist of birds

December April May Migratory Habitat Order/Family/Common name Scientific Name A N A N status GALLIFORMES Phasianidae Tibetan Snowcock B05 Tetraogallus tibetanus 1 4 R, AL M Tibetan Partridge B05 Perdix hodgsoniae 1 1 R, AL F, M Blood Pheasant B07 Ithaginis cruentus 2 37 1 13 R F Satyr Tragopan B07 Tragopan satyra 1 1 R, AL F Himalayan Monal B07 Lophophorus impejanus 4 6 13 14 R, AL F, M Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos 7 23 8 24 R F ANSERIFORMES Anatidae Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea 1 1 W W Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 1 12 W W Common Merganser Mergus merganser 1 2 W W Picidae Speckled innominatus 1 1 R F Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei 1 1 R F Darjeeling Woodpecker B07 Dendrocopos darjellensis 1 1 2 2 R F Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus 1 1 5 7 R F Megalaimidae Great Barbet Megalaima virens 2 2 8 22 R F Golden-throated Barbet B08 Megalaima franklinii 1 1 3 3 R F CORACIIFORMES

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Cerylidae Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris 1 2 R W CUCULIFORMES Cuculidae Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides 14 19 S F Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 4 6 S F Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus 5 6 S F Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii 1 1 R F Apodidae Himalayan brevirostris 2 9 R, AL F Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba 1 7 R, AL M, O Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus 1 14 R, AL M, O House Swift Apus affinis 1 13 17 135 R, AL H STRIGIFORMES Strigidae Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo 1 1 R F, M Caprimulgidae Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus 1 1 R, AL F, M COLUMBIFORMES Columbidae Rock Pigeon Columba livia 13 69 23 80 R, AL M Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris 4 27 R, AL M Snow Pigeon B05 Columba leuconota 10 98 9 84 R, AL M Speckled Wood Pigeon B07 Columba hodgsonii 10 60 R F Ashy Wood Pigeon Columba pulchricollis 3 3 R F Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis 25 81 R, AL F Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis 2 3 R F, A Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura 4 10 R F CICONIIFORMES

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Scolopacidae Common Actitis hypoleucos 1 2 W W Charadriidae Ibisbill B05 Ibidorhyncha struthersii 1 10 R, AL W River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii 1 1 R W Accipitridae Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus 2 2 R F Black Kite Milvus migrans 1 1 R, AL M Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus 6 19 5 12 R M Himalayan Griffon B05 Gyps himalayensis 18 79 20 63 R, AL F, M Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus 1 1 R M Red-headed Vulture B09 Sarcogyps calvus 1 1 R F, M Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus 1 1 R F Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1 1 R, Al F Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1 1 R F Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 2 3 W F Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius 1 1 2 2 W F Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 3 7 2 3 R M Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 1 1 1 1 R F Falconidae Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 6 8 10 10 R F Ardeidae Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii 1 1 R W PASSERIFORMES Laniidae Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach 1 1 2 2 R, AL F, A Grey-backed Shrike B05 Lanius tephronotus 3 3 17 33 R, AL F, A Corvidae Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 1 R F Yellow-billed Blue Magpie B07 Urocissa flavirostris 4 7 1 2 R, AL F

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Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes 10 25 8 31 R, AL F Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 3 185 10 119 R, AL M, A Yellow-billed Chough B05 Pyrrhocorax graculus 3 54 R, AL M, A House Crow Corvus splendens 3 5 R H Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos 25 57 42 193 R F Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei 1 1 R, AL F Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris 2 3 R F Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus 1 1 11 35 R, AL F Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus 2 3 R F Yellow-bellied Fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha 12 45 4 17 R, AL F White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis 1 1 R F Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus 3 4 R A, H Cinclidae Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii 5 8 3 4 R, AL W Muscicapidae Blue-capped Rock Thrush B08 Monticola cinclorhynchus 1 1 S F Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 2 2 R, AL M Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus 17 36 34 74 R W Plain-backed Thrush Zoothera mollissima 1 3 R, AL F, M White-collared Blackbird B07 Turdus albocinctus 1 2 R, AL F Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica 4 8 S F Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher B07 Ficedula strophiata 4 7 5 22 R, AL F Ultramarine Flycatcher B07 Ficedula superciliaris 4 5 S F Slaty-blue Flycatcher B07 Ficedula tricolor 6 9 R, AL F Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina 13 18 R, AL F Small Niltava B08 Niltava macgrigoriae 3 4 R, AL F Rufous-bellied Niltava B07 Niltava sundara 2 2 7 7 R, AL F Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis 17 38 R F Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea 3 6 S F

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Orange-flanked Bush Robin cyanurus 7 10 7 46 F R, AL Golden Bush Robin B07 Tarsiger chrysaeus 2 3 2 10 R, AL F White-browed Bush Robin B07 Tarsiger indicus 2 2 2 5 R, AL F Rufous-breasted Bush Robin Tarsiger hyperythrus 1 1 R, AL F Blue-capped Redstart B07 Phoenicurus coeruleocephalus 6 12 1 1 R F, M Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 2 2 3 3 R, AL F, A Hodgson's Redstart B05 Phoenicurus hodgsoni 5 12 w F, A White-throated Redstart B07 Phoenicurus schisticeps 5 14 2 8 R, AL F, A White-winged Redstart B05 Phoenicurus erythrogaster 4 4 R, AL F,M Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis 17 24 9 27 R, AL F White-capped Water Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus 10 27 13 25 R, AL W Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus 7 22 18 41 R, AL W White-bellied Redstart B07 Hodgsonius phaenicuroides 1 2 S F Grandala B05 Grandala coelicolor 2 175 1 3 R, AL M Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri 3 3 2 3 R, AL W Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus 1 1 R, AL W Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata 2 2 R, AL F, A Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferrea 22 57 R, AL F Sittidae Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis 1 1 R F White-tailed Nuthatch B07 Sitta himalayensis 11 19 7 18 R F Wallcreeper B05 Tichodroma muraria 3 5 1 1 R, AL M Certhiidae Eurasian Tree-creeper Certhia familiaris 1 1 R, AL F Bar-tailed Tree-creeper B07 Certhia himalayana 1 1 R, AL F Rusty-flanked Tree-creeper B07 Certhia nipalensis 4 4 1 1 R, AL F Brown-throated Tree-creeper Certhia discolor 2 2 R, AL F Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 6 10 R F, M Paridae

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Rufous-vented Tit B07 Parus rubidiventris 1 1 6 37 R, AL F Spot-winged Tit Parus melanolophus 1 1 2 2 R F Coal Tit Parus ater 8 14 5 20 R, AL F Grey-crested Tit B07 Parus dichrous 4 15 5 35 R, AL F Great Tit Parus major 1 1 R F Green-backed Tit B07 Parus monticolus 21 45 22 62 R, AL F Yellow-browed Tit B07 Sylviparus modestus 5 14 R, AL F Aegithalidae Black-throated Tit B08 Aegithalos concinnus 14 52 10 75 R F Hirundinidae Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus 1 8 R H Pycnonotidae Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys 10 76 13 34 R F Black Bulbul B08 Hypsipetes leucocephalus 3 16 20 99 R F Cisticolidae Striated Prinia Prinia criniger 14 20 21 52 R, AL G, A Zosteropidae Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus 1 5 8 30 R, AL F Sylviidae Chestnut-headed Tesia B07 Tesia castaneocoronata 1 1 5 6 R, AL F Grey-bellied Tesia B07 Tesia cyaniventer 6 19 R, AL F Aberrant Bush Warbler B07 Cettia flavolivacea 1 1 4 4 R, AL F Grey-sided Bush Warbler B07 Cettia brunnifrons 2 2 R, AL F Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 2 2 W F Smoky Warbler Phylloscopus fuligiventer 1 1 R, AL F Tickell's Leaf Warbler B05 Phylloscopus affinis 5 25 R, AL F Ashy-throated Warbler B07 Phylloscopus maculipennis 14 35 1 4 R, AL F Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus 5 13 R, AL F Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus humei 7 46 R, AL F Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides 3 8 11 32 R, AL F

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Western Crowned Warbler B07 Phylloscopus occipitalis 13 56 W F Golden-spectacled Warbler or Seicercus burkii 3 7 F Green-crowned warbler R, AL Whistler's Warbler Seicerus whistleri 3 17 8 31 R, AL F Grey-hooded Warbler B08 Seicercus xanthoschistos 16 56 28 108 R, AL F Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps 4 7 R, AL F Black-faced Warbler Abroscopus schisticeps 2 5 R F White-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax albogularis 1 7 F B07 R, AL Streaked Laughingthrush B07 Garrulax lineatus 21 52 19 43 R, AL F, A Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus 16 83 16 67 R F, Black-faced Laughingthrush B07 Garrulax affinis 1 1 R, AL F Chestnut-crowned Garrulax erythrocephalus 12 45 9 47 F Laughingthrush R, AL Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer 1 1 3 3 R, AL F Black-chinned Babbler B08 Stachyris pyrrhops 8 32 3 26 R F Green Shrike Babbler B07 Pteruthius xanthochlorus 5 16 1 4 R F Chestnut-tailed Minla B07 Minla strigula 4 22 1 5 R, AL F Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps 1 4 R, AL F White-browed Fulvetta Alcippe vinipectus 12 49 6 15 R, AL F Rufous Sibia B07 Heterophasia capistrata 16 54 21 82 R, AL F Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis 17 76 12 25 R, AL F Stripe-throated Yuhina B07 Yuhina gularis 3 74 5 11 R, AL F Alaudidae Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 1 1 W G, A Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula 1 1 R, AL G, A Nectariniidae Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus 2 2 21 38 R, AL F Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica 1 1 R, AL F Mrs Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae 10 15 R, AL F

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Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis 8 13 6 14 R, AL Black-throated Sunbird B08 Aethopyga saturata 2 3 3 4 R F Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja 6 7 R F Fire-tailed Sunbird B07 Aethopyga ignicauda 3 7 1 5 R, AL F Passeridae Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 1 5 2 17 R A, H White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2 3 R, AL W Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola 1 1 R, AL W Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 5 6 R, AL W Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni 3 16 R, AL F, A Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus 1 33 R, AL F, A Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus 7 7 1 1 R, AL M Alpine Accentor B05 Prunella collaris 1 5 R, AL M Altai Accentor Prunella himalayana 1 8 R M Rufous-breasted Accentor B07 Prunella strophiata 4 12 3 10 R, AL M, A Brown Accentor B05 Prunella fulvescens 5 15 1 3 R, AL M Fringillidae Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 23 W F, A Fire-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus 1 4 R, AL F, M Yellow-breasted Greenfinch B07 Carduelis spinoides 3 11 R, AL F, M Plain B05 Leucosticte nemoricola 2 6 4 22 R, AL F, M Brandt's Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti 1 30 R, AL M Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus 6 38 R, AL F, A Beautiful Rosefinch B05 Carpodacus pulcherrimus 9 11 11 42 R, AL F, A Pink-browed Rosefinch B07 Carpodacus rodochrous 2 2 R, AL F Dark-rumped Rosefinch B07 Carpodacus edwardsii 1 1 S F Spot-winged Rosefinch B07 Carpodacus rodopeplus 5 7 2 2 R, AL F White-browed Rosefinch B07 Carpodacus thura 2 4 R, AL F Streaked Rosefinch B05 Carpodacus rubicilloides 2 4 1 1 R, AL F Great Rosefinch B05 Carpodacus rubicilla 3 5 R F, M

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Red-fronted Rosefinch B05 Carpodacus puniceus 3 8 R, AL M Brown Bullfinch B07 nipalensis 1 6 R, AL F Red-headed Bullfinch B07 Pyrrhula erythrocephala 2 2 R, AL F White-winged Grosbeak B07 Mycerobas carnipes 1 7 5 16 R, AL F Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 1 1 R, AL M

Key A: Abundance or frequency of occurrence N: Number of counted birds Migration S: summer visitor W: Winter visitor AL: Altitudinal migrants Habitat F: Forest M: Mountain, Rocky Cliffs, Stony ground G: Grassland W: Wetland A: Agriculture land H: Human settlements

BIOME

B05: EURASIAN HIGH MONTANE (ALPINE AND TIBETIAN) B07: SINO-HIMALAYAN TEMPERATE FOREST B08: SINO-HIMALAYAN SUBTROPICAL FOREST B09: INDOCHINESE TROPICAL MOIST FOREST

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Annex II: Itinerary of field visit

December Visit

Day Places Date Activities Day 1 Kathmandu-Gorkha 8-Dec- 2012 Travel Day2 Gorkha-Aarkhet 9-Dec- 2012 Travel Day 3 Aarkhet-Machhakhola 10-Dec- 2012 Travel Day 4 Machhakhola-Jagat 11-Dec- 2012 Travel Day 5 Jagat-Philim 12-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 6 Philim-Lokpa 13-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 7 Lokpa-Chumling 14-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 8 Chumling-Chhekkam 15-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 9 Chhekkam-Neele-Chekkam 16-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 10 Chekkam-Lokpa 17-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 11 Lokpa-Dyang 18-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 12 Dyang-Prok 19-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 13 Prok-Kaltal-Prok 20-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 14 Prok-Namrung 21-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 15 Namrung-Samma 22-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 16 Samma-Gap 23-Dec- 2012 Survey Day 17 Gap-Philim 24-Dec- 2012 Travel back Day 18 Philim-Machhakhola 25-Dec- 2012 Travel back Day 19 Machhakhola- 26-Dec- 2012 Travel back Day 20 Thumi-Gorkha 27-Dec- 2012 Travel back Day 21 Gorkha-Kathmandu 28-Dec- 2012 Travel back

April May visit

Day Location Date Activities 1 Kathmandu- Gorkha 25-Apr-13 Travel 2 Gorkha-Lapubesi 26-Apr-13 Travel 3 Lapubesi- Dovan 27-Apr-13 Travel 4 Dovan-Philim 28-Apr-13 survey 5 Philim-Philim 29-Apr-13 survey 6 Philim-Lokpa 30-Apr-13 survey 7 Lokpa-Chumling 1-May-13 survey 8 Chumling-Chhekkam 2-May-13 survey 9 Chhekum Nile half-Chhkkam 3-May-13 survey

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10 Chhekum-Rinjam 4-May-13 survey 11 Rinjam-Lokpa 5-May-13 survey 12 Lokpa-Dyan 6-May-13 survey 13 Dyan-Prok 7-May-13 survey 14 Prok-Kal Tal 8-May-13 survey 15 Kalmochan tal-Prok 9-May-13 survey 16 Prok 10-May-13 survey 17 Namrung-Sama Gaun 11-May-13 survey 18 Samagaun-Birendratal- 12-May-13 survey Samagaun 19 Sama gaun-Samdo 13-May-13 survey 20 Samdo Lekh-Samdo 14-May-13 survey 21 Samdo-Dharamsala 15-May-13 survey 22 Dharmasala-Pass-Bhimtang 16-May-13 survey

23 Bhimtang Tilche 17-May-13 Travel back 24 Tilche-Gorkha 18-May-13 Travel back 25 Gorkha-Kathmandu 19-May-13 Travel back

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