Changing farming practices threaten food and habitats of migratory birds
Summary
Changing farming practices, shrinking wetlands, and pesticide use are reducing the feeding and resting grounds of migratory birds in Chitwan. Conservationists warn that without urgent habitat protection, winter visitors such as ruddy shelducks and bar-headed geese could lose their key stopovers.
Key Points
- Changing cropping patterns and pesticide use are cutting off shallow feeding grounds that migratory birds depend on in Chitwan.
- WWF Nepal’s Rajendra Suwal says wetlands and damp paddy fields are critical habitats, not just open water or ponds.
- Bird counts have shown large wintering populations, but conservationists fear the trend will worsen as fields are converted to housing and wetlands silt up.
- Local communities and volunteers are restoring wetlands, but experts say stronger action is needed to protect bird habitats before they disappear.
