Threatened Species

Samtse -the home to 419 bird species and counting

globally Threatened species of samtse

Samtse, a verdant district in southern Bhutan, is a haven for birdlife. Remarkably, this region provides habitat for 14 species classified as globally threatened by BirdLife International (https://www.birdlife.org/redlist). BirdLife International relies on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Often referred to as the "barometer of life," this list categorizes species based on their extinction risk.

Among the 419 bird species documented in Samtse, the IUCN Red List categorizes them as follows:

Endangered (EN): 1 species faces a very high risk of disappearing from the wild.
Vulnerable (VU): 5 species face a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Near Threatened (NT): 5 species are close to qualifying for a threatened category due to population decline.
Least Concern (LC): The remaining species have stable populations with a low extinction risk.

Here's a breakdown of the IUCN Red List categories:

Endangered (EN): A species in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating.
Vulnerable (VU): A species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Near Threatened (NT): A species close to qualifying for, or likely to qualify for, a threatened category in the near future.
Least Concern (LC): A species whose population is stable enough that it is unlikely to face extinction in the near future.

The presence of these threatened birds highlights the ecological importance of Samtse. Protecting these species and their habitats requires ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their continued survival for generations to come.

steppe eagle (ENdangered)

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 (VUlnerable)

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 (vulnerable)

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 (vulnerable)

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 (vulnerable)

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 (vulnerable)

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).

Wreathed Hornbill (vulnerable)

They are often found in pairs or small groups, foraging for fruit in the canopy. Their distinctive calls, a series of loud, resonant croaks, can echo through the forest.

river lapwing (near threatened)

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 (near threatened)

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 (near threatened)

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 (near threatened)

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 (near threatened)

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 (near threatened)

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 (near threatened)

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).

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