White-bellied heron survey in Eastern Bhutan
Searching for one of the world’s rarest birds – the critically endangered white-bellied heron
Partner
Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, Bhutan (RSPN)
Location
The Jomori River Basin, located in a remote section of Eastern Bhutan
Priority species/habitats
White-bellied heron (Ardea insignis)
The white-bellied heron is one of the rarest bird species in the world. The RSPN estimates the population at fewer than 60 mature individuals (source: 2015 International White-bellied Heron Conference held in Bhutan), while Birdlife International states the population size is 49 – 250 mature individuals.
The white-bellied heron – the second largest heron species in the world – is listed as Critically Endangered. Although the species was historically present throughout South Asia, it is now restricted only to Bhutan, Northeast India and Northern Myanmar. It is likely extinct in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Bhutan is home to around 45% of the world’s known population with latest annual population count reporting the presence of 25 birds in the country. It is estimated there may be as few as 6-10 individuals each in Northeast India and Myanmar.
Key success measure
The project will undertake the first systematic survey for white-bellied herons along 50 kilometres of the Jomori River Basin to identify:
- Whether there are white-bellied herons in the basin
- Whether the basin is a good site for reintroduction of captive-bred herons.
400 households will be surveyed to assess local knowledge of the heron.
Two reports will be published:
- The biodiversity status and potential habitat for white-bellied heron in Jomori; and
- Socio-economic status of the communities along Jomori River Basin.
White-bellied heron in Bhutan
White-bellied heron habitat in Bhutan
White-bellied heron in Bhutan
Project description
The project location is the Jomori River Basin in a remote section of Eastern Bhutan in the Samdrup Jongkhar district (see map). The district shares a boundary with India. The Jomori River is one of the few major rivers in Bhutan that supports potential habitat for white-bellied heron.
One quarter of the area falls within the Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary. The project area ranges from 200m to 2,200m altitude.
The Jomori River has never been systematically surveyed for white-bellied heron. However, incidental sightings have been made further north of the Jomori River Basin in Eastern Bhutan. The basin is considered potentially excellent habitat for the species and also likely the migratory corridor if the population moves between India and Bhutan.
Given the pristine habitat in the Jomoroi Basin, the RSPN is also considering it as a future release site for captive-bred heron.
The proposed survey will gather baseline data on any existing birds along 50 kilometres of the Jomori River, documenting vegetation cover and mapping potential foraging and nesting sites, as well as recording threats.
The survey will also inform planning for a hydropower project in the region including identifying critical habitat that needs to be maintained along with mitigation measures.
The survey will gather information about the socio-economic condition of settlements along the river. 400 households will be surveyed to collate historical knowledge of the white-bellied heron and to build local support for its conservation.
Costs
Risk mitigation
Other information
The project is part of an integrated strategy developed by the RSPN for the white-bellied heron including:
- Establishment of a captive breeding centre including breeding and training aviaries
- Conducting an annual population count and nest census in Bhutan
- Regional collaboration with India and Myanmar
- Supporting research
- Engagement with schools and community groups
Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, Bhutan (RSPN)
Map of the Jomori Survey Area