Introducing Raptors of Nepal !!!

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 which creates significant threats to raptors at the top of food chain where toxicity of pesticides and other poisons are concentrated.  Recent study indicates currently 41% of raptors in Nepal are threatened. The impact of the veterinary drug Diclofenac on vulture populations is well documented. Since a banned of veterinary Diclofenac production and use in 2006 and replacement with Meloxicam the decline rate in vulture numbers has slightly lowered. However, illegal use of human diclofenac for veterinary purpose is still a big problem. Deliberately and accidental use of poison is also associated with mortality of many raptor species. Due to the cumulative impact, number of individual bird frequenting Nepal is declining rapidly with the status of 15 species of diurnal raptors critical, three endangered and six vulnerable, and similarly three species of owls critical, one endangered and four species vulnerable in national threatened category. At least seven species of owls are vulnerable to illegal hunting/trade.