Water bird count begins nationwide

The initiative marks a significant shift for Humla, a district long dependent on air travel and porters for connectivity, but maintaining a regular schedule remains a challenge.

A nationwide water bird census began on Saturday in lakes, rivers and wetland areas across the country. The count aims to assess the mid-winter status of the aquatic birds increasingly threatened by habitat loss and climate change. The annual count, conducted every January, helps track population trends, distribution and emerging risks to water birds while engaging local communities in conservation.