Gulmi’s Resunga and Madane forest areas: Key habitats for rare birds

October 16, Kathmandu: The forest conservation areas of Resunga and Madane in Gulmi are emerging as vital habitats for rare bird species. Among the globally rare birds, six distinct species have been identified in Gulmi. Shambhu Bhattarai, a project officer with Bird Conservation Nepal, emphasised that these areas serve as essential sanctuaries for these unique birds.

The Resunga Forest Conservation Area is particularly notable for housing species such as the Chirkalij (Cheer pheasant), Ranmatta Mahachil (Eastern Imperial Eagle), Dangar Giddha (Red-headed Vulture), Seto Giddha (White-rumped Vulture), Sun Giddha (Egyptian Vulture), and Gomayo Mahachil (Steppe Eagle). Additionally, the Kande Bhyakur (Spiny babbler), which is exclusive to Nepal, can also be found in the Resunga and Madane regions.

Of the 902 bird species recorded in Nepal, over 35 per cent have been spotted in Gulmi, according to Bhattarai. Various bird surveys conducted by Bird Conservation Nepal at different intervals have revealed that 276 species are found in the Resunga forest area, while 289 species are present in the Madane forest conservation area.