White-bellied Herons are at a high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and degradation. According to the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, RSPN, the conservation of the critically endangered bird is constrained by the impacts of climate change, natural calamities, diminishing food resources and limited knowledge about its ecology and biology. According to RSPN’s annual White-bellied Heron population survey report, there are some levels of threats to the bird across the country’s river systems. The survey found that Bhutan is home to 25 White-bellied Herons.
22 White-bellied herons were observed in the wild and three at the Changchey White-bellied Heron conservation centre in Tsirang.
As per the report, the wild population of White-bellied Herons were found distributed across the major river basins of Punatshangchhu, Mangdechhu, and Wangchhu.
The highest number of White-bellied Herons was observed in Punatshangchhu at 12, five in Mangdechhu and three in Wangchhu. Likewise, two were recorded at Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary.
The population has dropped by two this year compared to last year. The RSPN said this is due to failure of nests.
In 2023, three active nests were recorded. However, the RSPN said they did not see any chicks growing up into adult birds.
Moreover, Tshering Tobgay, at the RSPN added that casualties were observed as the breeding season coincides with the peak monsoon in the country.
“So, when we have chicks that are coming out from the nest, so actually it, so it’s also peak season in our country and White Bellied Heron being only feeding on a fish. So it is very hard because the rivers get swollen, the rivers get muddy. So then many of the chicks are actually, they are not able to get the food,” said research officer of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature.
White-bellied Heron is one of the rarest birds in the world with only 50 estimated individuals globally.
It was first spotted in Bhutan by His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo in 1975.
According to the RSPN, lack of awareness and knowledge, and negligence are driving the species to extinction.
According to RSPN officials, to protect the bird they have been conserving the habitats while ensuring the community livelihoods are not affected by their conservation efforts.
“When we conserve White-bellied Herons, we also conserve the associated species: the community engagement, and lots of livelihood activities are carried out by RSPN. So, when we conserve White Bellied Herons, the project includes the community, the livelihood activities, and the enhancement of the community’s livelihood activities,” said Tshering Tobgay, research officer of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature.
RSPN supports fishery for people to avoid illegal fishing. This is because the White-bellied Herons solely feed on fish along the river basins.
Communities residing along White-bellied Heron habitat are also provide with environmental education encompassing land management, water management, species conservation and habitat conservation.
The officials said the number of White-bellied Herons in the country is also an indicator of the river ecosystem as the species is completely associated with the riverine ecosystem.
“If we let the white-billed heron go extinct, it indicates that our whole river ecosystem and environment are also degrading. So it is very important. So, I always feel like when we conserve white-billed herons, we are conserving the environment. So they are the indicator of the whole ecosystem,” said Tshering Tobgay, the research officer.
The White-bellied Heron population survey was first initiated in 2003. Ever since it has been an ongoing annual event coordinated by the RSPN with the support of the Department of Forest and Park Services and Local Conservation support group members.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Phub Gyem
