International Journal of Zoology Studies

Authors
Milan Kharel

Abstract
Nepal supports 886 bird species, 42 of them globally threatened. The present study was conducted in Chauni wetland locally known as ‘Jagudaha Pokhari’, which is one of the oldest wetland pond of Korobari VDC, ward no. 2 in South - East Jhapa. The information regarding bird diversity of the Chauni wetland is lacking. Therefore, the present study was conducted to access the preliminary data on checklist of birds from the study area and to suggest some conservation measures for its restoration. The primary data was collected by direct observation on the species once a week for three months from 2018 January to March 2018. In the present study, based on direct observation, a total of 39 species of birds belonging to 15 orders and 25 families have been reported from Chauni wetland and its vicinities. Among them, 30 species (76.92%) of birds were of the resident type. The maximum number of bird species found, belong to the order Passeriformes and family Passeridae. Species richness was higher in winter season than summer. However, human encroachment, lack of proper wetland management, overgrazing, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, random cutting of grass, killing of birds by using catapult were found to be great threats to the birdlife. Conducting awareness program and fencing around the wetland area was suggested which will help to restore the wetland ecosystem to some extent.