Bengal Florican (Khar Majur) in Nepal

A survey of Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis was carried out in April–May 2007 in Bardia and Chitwan National Parks and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve of Nepal aiming to determine status, distribution and population change. A total of 8–9 males and 2 females at Suklaphanta, 1–2 males at Bardia and 5–7 males at Chitwan were recorded. Compared to past studies, the population has declined by 56% since 1982 and by 30% since 2001. Probable threats include loss of short grassland due to anthropogenic and natural causes, inappropriate grassland management practices, disturbance and susceptibility to predators. Our main management recommendations for the long-term conservation of this endangered bird are better management of the grasslands (improved timing of burning/cutting) and clearance of unfavourable vegetation, coupled with a mass conservation awareness programme.