Spiny Babbler is the only endemic bird of Nepal but there are very limited studies on population status, distribution pattern and habitat characteristics preferred by this species. So, we conducted a field survey in the Lwang Ghalel Village of Annapurna Conservation Area located in Western Nepal which is one of the prominent habitats of Spiny Babbler to estimate the population, prepare a distribution map and assess the habitat characteristics preferred by it. We used the point count method to estimate its population while the distribution map was prepared using Arcmap; a GIS software, by plotting the geographic coordinates taken with hand held GPS. A binomial distribution model with a logit link function was deployed to determine the habitat preferences of the species by testing nine predetermined habitat variables. Out of 130 sampling points, Spiny Babbler was recorded from 46 points with an additional 6 opportunistic sightings resulting total estimated population of 129 individuals. From the distribution map, we found that it mostly preferred scrubland habitats. Among the nine habitat variables, six different variables including aspect (χ27,119 = 21.7895; p = 0.0027), habitat types (χ25,114 = 18.7608; p = 0.0021), number of shrub individuals (χ21,113 = 7.0083; p = 0.0081), distance to water body (χ21,128 = 9.4116; p = 0.0021), distance to road (χ21,127 = 6.4807; p = 0.0109) and presence or absence of cattle grazing (χ21,126 = 10.0881; p = 0.0014) have significant influence in the sighting probability of the species within the study area. With this study, we have established baseline information about the habitat preference of Spiny Babbler however there is still large gap to be fulfilled to understand the species ecology. Therefore, detailed and regular studies on the species behavior and ecology of all seasons should be carried out in the study area and other regions.

Background: Asian Woollyneck Ciconia episcopus is large wading bird whose conservation status has been recently down-listed, despite a lack of general knowledge on its nesting ecology and breeding success. Thus, in this study we conducted the most comprehensive survey on the nesting ecology of this species to date. Methods: We located 39 nesting sites across 18 districts of Nepal and recorded nest tree characteristics for the nine tree species they nested in. We also used Maxent modelling to further understand factors important for nesting habitat suitability and to identify new areas for future surveys. Results: They most commonly nested in Simal Bombax ceiba (n =21), followed by Sal Shorea robusta (n=6) and Salla Pinus roxburghii (n=4). The mean height of the nesting tree, nest height and tree diameter were 29.8 ± 5.8m (±SD), 1.03 ± 0.35m & 25.3 ± 5.8 m respectively. Nesting and fledging success were additionally recorded from 31 nesting attempts at 19 of these nesting sites between 2016 and 2020. Woollyneck had an estimated nesting success probability of 0.81 ± 0.07 and a mean fledging success of 1.94 ± 0.25 (±SE) chicks per nest. MaxEnt modelling identified a total potential suitable nesting habitat area of 9.64 % (14228km2) of total area in Nepal, with this located within 72 districts (out of 77), mostly in the western part of Nepal. The modelling parameters suggest that slope, land-use, precipitation and forest were important determinants of nesting habitat suitability. Conclusions: The most likely district reported by the model for Woollyneck nesting habitat has not previously reported nests which suggests additional survey effort in this region is warranted. We recommend that priority should be given to conserve taller trees close to settlements and cropland, and future studies should consider the potential impact of climate change on nesting suitability of this species.