Working on "Birds of Bhutan: Habitat and Distribution" was a truly enriching experience. From the lush subtropical forests of the southern foothills to the snow-capped alpine regions, I was captivated by the incredible diversity of Bhutan's avian life. Balancing the demands of my teaching career with the time-consuming tasks of design and layout was no easy feat. However, my passion for birds propelled me forward, ultimately leading to the creation of this comprehensive guide.
The initial draft, spanning over 800 pages, was a monumental undertaking. Through meticulous editing and careful curation, we were able to condense the final version to a more manageable 400 pages. The introduction, which delves into Bhutan's diverse ecosystems, globally threatened bird species, protected areas, climate, geography, and the history of birdwatching in Bhutan, required extensive research and careful consideration.
I am proud to have contributed significantly to this project as one of the editors and the primary designer and layout artist. This book is a testament to the collective efforts of a dedicated team, and I am honored to have played a role in bringing it to life.
The publication of "Birds of Bhutan: Habitat and Distribution" was made possible by the generous support of the GEF-Small Grants Programme, implemented by the UNDP in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan. This project, titled "Capacity Building of Citizen Science and Ecological Restoration of Important Bird Areas in Bhutan (2020-2022)," not only facilitated the creation of this invaluable resource but also contributed to the broader goals of citizen science and ecological conservation.
This groundbreaking book, authored by a team of dedicated Bhutanese birders, offers a comprehensive overview of Bhutan's rich avian diversity. It provides detailed information on 750 taxa, categorized across 19 orders, 62 families, and approximately 300 genera. Within this diverse assemblage, 25 species are classified as globally threatened by BirdLife International.
While the book is nearing completion, Bhutan Birdlife Society is actively seeking financial support from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to fund its printing and distribution. The society aims to use the proceeds from book sales to further promote birding and nature conservation initiatives in Bhutan. "Birds of Bhutan: Habitat and Distribution" is more than just a book; it's a testament to the passion and dedication of Bhutan's birding community. By shedding light on the country's remarkable birdlife, this publication will inspire future generations to protect and cherish Bhutan's natural heritage.
Samtse, situated in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, is a birder's paradise. This district boasts an impressive diversity of avian life, with over 419 species recorded to date. Dedicated Samtse birders (Dragon Birding Amigos), have diligently documented these species through casual and organized birding expeditions. The taxonomic classification and nomenclature used in this guide primarily follow the authoritative work, "Birds of Bhutan and the Eastern Himalayas" by Grimmett et al. (2019). Each bird species is accompanied by at least one color photograph to aid in identification. (Read more)
I played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the "THE STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF BIRDS IN BHUTAN: Monthly Quantitative Study by Bhutanese Birders" program, initiated by the Bhutan Birdlife Society. My responsibilities included designing the data collection framework, overseeing the deployment of Epicollect 5, and analyzing the collected data. During the initial four months, the program successfully gathered valuable insights into the distribution and abundance of Bhutan's bird species. However, due to competing priorities, the project was temporarily suspended. This initiative aimed to empower local birdwatchers, reduce reliance on Western experts, and contribute to the growing body of ornithological research in Bhutan. By leveraging technology and citizen science, we sought to strengthen local capacity and generate valuable data on Bhutan's avian diversity.
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