Swan population rises while waterfowl declines in Ghodaghodi wetland

Ghodaghodi: The number of swans has increased in Nepal’s first bird sanctuary, the Ghodaghodi Wetland, while waterfowl populations have declined, according to a recent census conducted by the Bird Conservation Network Kailali from Poush 19 to 21.

Ram Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary of the Bird Conservation Network, reported that the indicator species of the wetland, Swans, has shown a gradual increase over the years. While there were 394 Swans in 2022, the population rose to 316 in 2023, 411 in 2024, 372 in 2025, and reached 429 this year.

Conversely, waterfowl numbers have decreased significantly. Dayaram Chaudhary, chairman of the Bird Conservation Network, stated that the waterfowl population, which was 1,685 in 2022, declined to 1,221 in 2023, 1,437 in 2024, 1,316 in 2025, and 1,168 this year. He noted that the overall number of waterfowl in the Ghodaghodi area has fallen from around 2,200 to approximately 1,100.

Chaudhary attributed the decline to unsafe nesting areas, reduced food availability, and adverse weather conditions.

Kailali district, home to the largest number of lakes in the region, hosts Ghodaghodi Lake, the largest natural lake in the Terai, along with 23 other lakes that serve as critical habitats for birds. In total, 381 bird species, both native and migratory, are found in the area.

The Sudurpaschim Provincial Government declared the Ghodaghodi area as Nepal’s first ‘Bird Sanctuary Forest’ on Falgun 27, 2078, recognizing its importance as a habitat for diverse bird species.