The Ditible
A recent study by researchers in Shuklaphanta National Park has shed light on the population of the endangered Bengal florican. The Bengal florican is a ground-dwelling bird found in grasslands and agricultural lands in Nepal, India, and Cambodia.
The study aimed to determine the most effective methods for counting these elusive birds. The researchers employed a combination of point-count surveys and transect surveys to estimate the Bengal florican population within the park.
The Bengal florican is classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The total global population is estimated to be between 250 and 999 individuals. Habitat loss, poor habitat management, hunting, and predation by feral dogs and foxes are all significant threats to the Bengal florican’s survival.
The Bengal florican plays a vital role in the health of grasslands. Their diet consists primarily of insects, which helps to control insect populations. Their presence is also considered an indicator of healthy grasslands.
Researchers hope that the data collected during this study will be used to develop more effective conservation strategies for the Bengal florican.
