Native Nepalese Bird ‘Kande Bhakur’ Found in Madhes, Confirming Presence Across All Seven Provinces

The native Nepalese bird, Kande Bhakur, has been discovered for the first time in the Chure forest area of Bara district in Madhes Province. According to ornithologists, this bird was found at the lowest altitude of 443 meters above sea level. With this discovery in Bara, the geographical range of Kande Bhakur is now confirmed across all seven provinces of Nepal. Kathmandu, 24 Jestha.

The rare endemic bird, Kande Bhakur, found only in Nepal, was observed in Madhes Province for the first time. It was spotted near Dudhaura River in the Chure forest area of Jitpur Simara Sub-metropolitan City-22 in Bara district. The presence of Kande Bhakur was identified during a bird survey conducted jointly by the Nepal Ornithological Society and Mithila Wildlife Trust across eight districts of Madhes. Ornithologists Hathan Chaudhary and Suraj Baral’s team recorded the bird at 8:30 a.m. on 21 Jestha.

The bird was located in the grassy fields and shrubs of the Namuna Women’s Community Forest area east of the Mahendra Highway. Being found at only 443 meters above sea level set a record in itself, according to the team. Students Ashish Pant, Sumisinh Thakuri, and Nischal Pokhrel from the Forest Science Study Institute, Hetauda, also participated in the bird observation program. Scientifically named Ekanthoptila nipalensis, Kande Bhakur is a bird endemic to Nepal. Prior records had documented its presence in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim Provinces.

With its discovery in Bara, the geographical distribution of Kande Bhakur is now confirmed across all seven provinces of Nepal. According to Hathan Ram Mahato, President of the Nepal Ornithological Society, and Devanarayan Mandal, President of Mithila Wildlife Trust, a second phase of summer surveys is underway in Madhes Province to better understand the status and species diversity of birds. This research is conducted with permissions from the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department and the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation. Because Kande Bhakur is found only in Nepal, it is considered extremely attractive and important to international bird lovers and researchers.