KANCHANPUR: A total of 3,641 waterbirds of 58 species have been recorded in the Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur district.

The census of birds was conducted through a direct observation method and with the help of binoculars, according to Park conservation officer Gopal Bahadur Ghimire.

The records show that the number of water birds in Shuklaphanta is on the rise every year, as it has wetland areas and offers appropriate and safe habitats and food for them.

Water birds migrate from the North Pole and Siberia in winter to avoid cold, arrive in wetland areas, ponds, lakes and riverbanks here. Some of them fly to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka via this route.

Movements of water birds have significantly increased in Rani Pond, Salgaudi Pond, Kalikich Pond and Tara Pond areas these days. The sighting of migratory birds begins here since mid-October. They remain until March-April and fly back home following the breeding.

People involved in the counting said that proper management of natural ponds and construction of artificial ponds have attracted waterbirds in the recent years. Birds of 30-150 species have been found in a single pond this season.

Representatives from the park, National Trust for Nature Conservation, Zoological Society of London, and ornithologist Hem Sagar Baral were in the counting team.