The number of birds in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has increased this year, according to a recent bird count conducted in and around the reserve.

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Office reported that a total of 9,250 birds of 76 species were recorded in the Midwinter Waterbird Census 2025. This marks a significant rise from last year’s count of 5,527 birds of 53 species.

Senior Conservation Officer Ramdev Chaudhary stated that the highest recorded population was 1,068 birds of the Chakhewa (ruddy shelduck) species, while species such as white eagles were found in the lowest numbers.

Birendra Gautam, chief of the National Trust for Nature Conservation's Koshi Conservation Centre, emphasized that the number of birds visiting the wetlands would increase with the provision of safe habitats, sufficient food, wetland conservation, and restricted human movement.

He noted that migratory birds typically arrive in the wetlands between mid-September and mid-December, and return back after mid-April.

Spanning Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur districts, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has established itself as a crucial habitat for birds. -- RSS