KATHMANDU, JANUARY 20 The waterbird census conducted this year indicates the presence of 42 bird species in the Narayani River area. Last year, the census recorded 41 species, while this year the number has risen to 42, said DB Chaudhary, Bird Census Coordinator for the Chitwan National Park's western sector. A higher number of birds has been observed in the Narayani River and the surrounding wetlands of the western sector of Chitwan National Park compared to the previous year. According to integrated data from a team of experts conducting the survey in the Narayani River and adjacent areas, a total of 12,887 birds representing 42 species were recorded this year. In comparison, 9,548 birds of 41 species were counted in 2024, and 10,257 birds of 41 species were counted in 2023. This year, one additional species has been recorded, and the overall bird population has also increased. It may be noted that Nepal is home to 903 recorded bird species, of which 162 are found in aquatic habitats. The census covered five survey routes: from Sighrauli to Amaltari, Sighrauli to Pithauli, Pithauli to Amaltari, and Amaltari to the Triveni Gandak Barrage. Coordinator Chaudhary said the preliminary estimate shows an increase of 3,339 birds this year compared to last year. He also noted that the largest number of migratory birds observed here arrive from Siberia and other northern regions to escape the winter cold.