Abstract
Barekot rural municipality of Jajarkot district is an Important Bird
Areas (IBAs) in Western Nepal. In recent years, illegal hunting and
trapping-related cases have increased in this area. Additionally, a
hydropower project with a capacity of 410 MW is being constructed within
Barekot. The present study aims to update the preliminary checklist of
birds and identify the underlying threats to the bird population in this
region. Bird survey was conducted in four monitoring blocks of Barekot
during the late winter of 2021. Also, a series of consultation meetings
and interviews with the local stakeholders were organized to collect
information regarding the extant threats. This study revealed
eighty-seven bird species of 10 orders and 34 families. Birds most
commonly recorded from the family Muscicapidae and order Passeriformes.
Among the total recorded species, two species are listed in the IUCN Red
List of Nationally Vulnerable Category. Similarly, five species were
listed on CITES Appendix II and one species on CITES Appendix I.
Approximately 82% of total bird species were of resident type. Despite
a decline in bird diversity, Barekot’s unique geographical location
still makes it an important IBA in Nepal. Bird numbers have plummeted
due to human intrusion and disturbance, and natural system
modifications. Based on our findings, we recommend landscape-level
research, on the impacts of hydropower projects, roads, poaching, and
impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, future conservation efforts
should also emphasize preventing habitat fragmentation and raising
public awareness. Keywords: Avian community; Bird checklist; Important
Bird Area; Threats