Nepal occupying only 0.01% of world shelters 10% of world’s bird population. Probably, more than 5% of international tourist visit Nepal just for Bird Watching. Kapilvastu district of western Nepal is homeland to more than 168 species of birds. Jagadishpur reservoir and its significant farmland is one of the best destination for bird lovers to sight tremendous number of beauty of nature the birds in the season of winter. Illiteracy, unemployment and poverty has barred the people’s participation in these lowlands. Two community based bird conservation Unit (CBBCU) is formed in Jagadishpur reservoir and Kudan of Southern Kapilvastu. These committee are formed to act as like Community based anti-poaching unit (CBAPU) in protected areas. The main function of these committee is Bird Patrolling, which is initiated in both place. Each committee consist 7 members and 23 Volunteers. Members include teachers, social worker, homestay owners, and women. Volunteers were trained vis-à-vis two days intensive field based bird guide training. “This training could uplift local economy and conservation mutually” said trainer Mr. Manshanta Ghimire who is founder president of Pokhara Bird Society. Conservationist Chiranjeevi khanal added “If these committee work effectively, Bird conservation in Nepal could reach new pinnacle”. These committee were formed under the support of Rufford foundation, UK. Bird conservation Nepal, District forest office Kapilvastu, Pokhara Bird Society, Niglihawa youth club and Jagadishpur jalasaye Bahusarrokar manch had welcomed this initiation. Researcher Prashant Ghimire, who has been exploring vulnerable Asian woolly Neck in western Lowlands talked about the functioning and administration of CBBCU. Ghimire added “Kapilvastu needs more attention from the governmental and non-governmental sector. The chief guest of program DFO, Kapilvastu Mr. Krishna Dutta Bhatta promised to promote and encourage CBBCU.
The program was conducted under the project entitled “Population status, Distribution and conservation initiation of Asian woolly Neck in Western Lowlands”.
