The East to West Migration of Steppe Eagles Aquila nipalensis and other Raptors in Nepal

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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 raptor species also using this route. Much remains to be discovered about trans-Himalayan migration that this study will address.


Official Lookout Selection

In 2011 we did preliminary study from Paudur Hill and felt we missed some birds that passes near to the Himalayan range. Therefore we have tried to find out the best spot for the Raptor Migration count. Therefore one day visit was conducted around Dhampus Hill. Finally we decided to established one of the Official Lookout at Karanse Hill, which is about 2 km north from Dhampus Hill. Karanse Hill is the best spot from where we can see the Paudur Hill as a mirror image towards south so that it is possible to have a radio communication from these two spots. We can also have a long view of migration from the count point. North view is also good.  We will also set up another Lookout at Paudur Hill. Round view from the spot is shown in the picture.




Comments

  1. NRCPJune 2, 2012 at 10:26 PM

    You can have a very good view of Annapurna Himalaya range if there is no cloud.

    ReplyDelete

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