Black-shouldered Kite Let me introduce briefly about the raptors of Nepal. Nepal is rich in biodiversity that supports 59 species of diurnal raptors and 20 species of owls. They play vital role in sustaining livelihoods in Nepalese village life having societies dependent on agriculture by helping to control agricultural vermin so they act as 'farmers friends'. They are vital indicator species sitting at the top of food chain and play a large role in indicating the health of ecosystems and services they provide. World population of 14 % of all diurnal raptors are globally endangered or vulnerable. The severe decline in raptor population is due to a number of factors including pesticide poisoning, shooting, nest site destruction, habitat alteration and direct persecution by humans. These are the most common reasons for the globally endangered status of raptors. In Nepal, threats to raptors are severe. Pesticides are heavily used in agriculture dominated landscape w...

Steppe Eagle (Sub Adult) We propose to do the first full season study of migrating Steppe Eagles and other raptors, including several critically endangered vulture species, in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in central Nepal. This Project has been awarded by Nagao Natural Environmental Foundation, Japan. Also we received Equipment support from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, USA and Idea Wild. Dr Robert DeCandido- a senior raptor biologist is helping and supervises this project. Monitoring of regional populations from a “watch site” is an effective means to assess population trends for a number of species. We will identify, count, and whenever possible, age and sex migrants on an hourly basis beginning in September through December for five (2012-2016). Since the early 1980s, only a handful of partial season counts have been completed at this location, and estimates have ranged from 10,000 to 40,000 Steppe Eagles migrating here each autumn, as well as 15 to 30 different rapto...