Threatened Species
Samtse -the home to 420 bird species and counting
globally Threatened species of samtse
Samtse is home to 13 globally threatened species, as defined by the BirdLife International (https://www.birdlife.org/redlist). According to BirdLife International, the categorisation of these globally threatened bird species are called as International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, also nicknamed as ‘barometer of life’.
Of 371 bird species recorded (until July 2020), one species is Endangered (EN), five are Vulnerable (VU), another five are Near Threatened (NT), and rest are all Least Concern (LC) species. According to BirdLife International, the categorisation of species under the Red List has to fulfill these criteria: EN = facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild, VU = facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, NT = close to qualifying, or likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future, and LC = population is stable enough that it is unlikely to face extinction in the near future
steppe eagle (EN)
Frequents open grasslands, lakes, large rivers, wetlands, and mountains. It feeds on small animals and birds and is also a regular carcass feeder along with vultures. It also frequents open treeless region, in vicinity of habitation and cultivation.
Chestnut-breasted Partridge (VU)
Inhabits bamboo thickets and less dense broadleaved forest in groups of not more than eight. Elusive and difficult to see. According to the BirdLife International (2020) Species factsheet, the small population of this Partridge is declining and becoming increasingly fragmented.
lesser adjutant (vu)
Prefers feeding in shallow waters and paddy fields usually in singles. It is listed as Vulnerable because it's population is declining as a result of hunting pressure, loss of nesting habitat, and changes of farming techniques in wetlands.
Great Hornbill (vu)
Keeps in small groups, flying from tree to tree. Usually found in dense broadleaved forest feeding on fruiting trees. The decline in its population is believed to be caused by high rates of deforestation.
beautiful nuthacth (vu)
Found in the dense broadleaved forest. According to the BirdLife International (2020) Species Factsheet, it has a small, declining, severely fragmented population as a result of loss, degradation and fragmentation of evergreen and semi-evergreen forest.
rufous-necked Hornbill (vu)
Forages for fruits in the forest canopy, usually in pairs or small groups (eBird 2020). It has a rapidly declining population as a result of the destruction of evergreen forest and hunting (BirdLife International 2001).
river lapwing (nt)
Usually found in small groups or pairs on sandbanks and riverbanks. This Lapwing's population is moderately declining due to excessive river dredging and mining works.
himalayan vulture (nt)
Soars high over mountains often taking long distances. Usually seen singly or in small groups; gathers in large flocks at a carcass (eBird 2020). The moderately decline in its population is caused by a drug called diclofenac used in livestock. The drug appears to be fatal to this species when ingested (BirdLife International 2020).
rufous-bellied eagle (nt)
Found in dense broadleaved and evergreen forest. Soars high over forests. Feeds on birds and small mammals. The decline in its population is believed to be caused by high rates of deforestation.
alexandrine parakeet (nt)
Found in the moist and dry deciduous forest, usually feeds on fruiting trees. It is suspected to be undergoing a moderately rapid population decline owing to on-going habitat loss, persecution and trapping pressure.
rufous-throated wren-bABBLER (nt)
Found in moist, dense broadleaved forest among thick undergrowth. This species has a restricted global range and may have a moderately small population, which is likely to be declining as a result of habitat loss (BirdLife International 2020).
Red-breasted parakeet (NT)
A lowland parakeet usually found in all types of forests and also in urban areas. It feeds on wild figs, cultivated and wild fruits, flowers and nectar, nuts, berries, seeds, leaves and cereals (rice and maize). The decline in its population is mainly due to an ongoing habitat destruction and unsustainable exploitation. However, this species can be found in Samtse in considerable numbers.
Red-necked falcon (nt)
It has a rufous crown, nape, and moustachial stripe. A wide yellow eye-ring is quite distinct. Its upperparts are pale gray, and fine barring adorns its white underparts, which are sometimes suffused with gray (extracted from eBird).