MORANG: The number of birds in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has increased this year.

A recent bird count conducted in and around the reserve has revealed a rise in bird numbers.

According to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Office, a total of 9,250 birds from 76 species were recorded during the Midwinter Waterfowl Census 2025.

In comparison, last year’s census recorded 5,527 birds from 53 species.

During this year’s count, the highest number of birds was 1,068 from the Chakhewa species, while the lowest numbers were found for white eagles, panichaha, chitrangada, and tiktike, said Ramdev Chaudhary, Senior Conservation Officer at the Reserve.

Birendra Gautam, Chief of the National Trust for Conservation of Nature Koshi Conservation Centre, emphasized that the number of birds visiting the wetlands will continue to rise with improvements in habitat safety, availability of food, wetland conservation, and reduced human activity.

He added that the influx of migratory birds to the wetlands typically occurs from mid-September to mid-December, with birds generally returning after mid-April.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, located across Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur, has become a key habitat for birds.