FORKTAIL 19 (2003): 51-55 Status of Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in Nepal NABIN BARAL, NILESHTIMILSINA and BIJAY TAMANG Surveys for the Endangered Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis were carried out in three protected areas in the Nepal terai in 2000-2001 to determine the species’s status and distribution. Most sightings were of males in flight, and in aerial and ground displays, whereas only three females were recorded during the survey. Altogether, 21-30 birds were recorded from the three protected areas, and a total population of 32-60 individuals was estimated. Since 1982, the population appears to have been stable at Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and Royal Bardia National Park, but it has declined at Royal Chitwan National Park. A reduction in grassland area, changes in habitat structure, and inappropriate grassland management practices are considered responsible. INTRODUCTION Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), Royal Bardia National Park (RBNP), Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife The Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis is one of Reserve (RSWR), Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve three bustards found in the Indian subcontinent. It is (KTWR) and an unprotected area near Koshi Barrage listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, being one (KB) in east Nepal (Inskipp and Inskipp 1983). The of 29 threatened bird species in Nepal (BirdLife KB site appears to have lost its small population since International 2001). It is included on Appendix I of 1980, following a change in the course of the river during CITES, and it is one of nine birds protected under the the monsoon. In KTWR the species was once fairly National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (1973) common (Dahmer 1976) but it appears to have in Nepal (Rahmani et al. 1991, Baral et al. 2001). It was disappeared from this site, as there has been only one once common in the grasslands in north India and confirmed record in 1986, one in 1989 and no records Nepal, and the Brahmaputra valley of Assam (Rahmani since 1990 (Dodman and Guinan 1989, Weaver 1991, 2001). Being a habitat specialist of alluvial grasslands, Baral et al. 2001). At present, the species is almost dominated by Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum munja and exclusively restricted to three areas: RCNP, RBNP and Desmostachya bipinnata, the Bengal Florican is a classic RSWR. Of these, RSWR holds the largest population, example of a species with a narrow ecological niche, and the species is patchily distributed but locally and which has become increasingly rare with a very common (Inskipp and Inskipp 1983, Baral 2001, Baral small, rapidly declining population, largely as a result et al. 2001). of widespread loss of its habitat (Rahmani 2001, As the field situation can change rapidly, continual BirdLife International 2001). monitoring is essential to ensure conservation of this In Nepal, a study initiated by BirdLife International species. Prior to this study, considerable time had in 1982 located 30-50 floricans distributed in five sites: elapsed since the last surveys in Nepal, and there was Figure 1. Map of Nepal showing the distribution of Bengal Florican. 52 NABIN BARAL et al. Forktail 19 (2003) no up-to-date reliable information available on trends. recorded, and the time spent in each area was noted, This study attempted to fill this gap, and it provides an together with a general impression of the habitat. Group insight into the present status of Bengal Florican in discussions were held with park officials, game scouts Nepal. and local people to glean information on the presence of Bengal Florican and its conservation. Study areas Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP, 27°30'N 84°43'E, 932 km2) lies in the central part of Nepal, Royal Bardia RESULTS National Park (RBNP, 28°38'N 81°20'E, 968 km2) lies in the western part, and Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve Reserve (RSWR, 28°35'N 80°25'E, 305 km2) lies in the Grasslands surveyed: Suklaphanta, Singhpur, Karaiya far south-western part of the country (Fig. 1). These and Haraiya; 5-14 May 2000 areas have a subtropical climate, with more than 90% Twelve floricans (10 adult males and two subadult of the annual precipitation falling in the monsoon season males) were recorded, including six at one site. Only between mid-June and September. There are two other two males were confirmed to be holding territories, as distinct seasons: hot-dry from February to mid-June and evidenced by aerial and ground displays. Most of the cool-dry from late September to mid-February. The records were of birds in flight or display, with up to four vegetation in the Nepalese terai is mainly dominated by males seen in flight at the same time. The presence of ‘sal’ Shorea robusta forest, plus ‘khair-sissoo’ Acacia- sub-adults suggested that some breeding had been Dalbergia forest, grassland and wetlands. Internationally successful. The survey results suggested that the important large tracts of grassland occur inside these population had remained stable since 1982. No floricans protected areas, among which Suklaphanta (54 km2) is were recorded during a brief visit to Karaiya. However, the largest. They are important for a number of on one occasion, two males flew south-east from threatened mammals (e.g. one-horned rhinoceros Suklaphanta towards Karaiya, and park officials and Rhinoceros unicornis, swamp deer Cervus duvauceli, Asian game scouts reported two males displaying at this site. elephant Elephas maximus and tiger Panthera tigris) and At present, Haraiya and Singhpur do not hold any birds (e.g. Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris. floricans, but if managed suitably, they could provide Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis, Bristled Grassbird additional habitat for floricans. Uncontrolled fire, the Chaetornis striatus, and Hodgson’s Bushchat Saxicola invasion of saplings and tall grasses (especially Grewia ins ignis). spp.), and natural predators were recorded as major threats to floricans at this site. METHODS Royal Bardia National Park Grasslands surveyed: Khauraha, Bagaura and Lamkauli; Areas of suitable habitat were visited during the breeding 28 April to 4 May 2000 season when displaying territorial males are most visible. We recorded five floricans, including two males and two Floricans are very territorial during the breeding season females at Lamkauliand and one male at Bagaura. All (Ali and Rahmani 1982-1984, Sankaran and Rahmani the males were seen in areas of short grass (15-35 cm), 1986, Manakadan and Rahmani 1986), so different whereas the females were in tall grass (>110 cm) by the display sites were assumed to belong to different males. side of the road. Because the grass was mostly short, As females are more difficult to locate, population and the visibility was good, it is assumed that all floricans estimates were based on the assumption of an equal sex were recorded. Most of the small grass patches and ratio. Observations were carried out in the early morning potential florican habitats outside and inside the park (06h30 to lOhOO) and late afternoon (16h30 to 19h00) were also covered, but no floricans were seen. when the species is most active (Ali and Ripley 1969). Discussions with park staff suggested the presence of Observations were made using binoculars from machans floricans at Khauraha, but we did not record any. Short (towers) for a better view of the grasslands, generally grasslands have been encroached by trees, bushes and with minimal disturbance to floricans. Some areas were tall grass species at Khauraha, and this might have made also surveyed on elephant back and from vehicles. For the habitat unsuitable for floricans. The habitat at each sighting of floricans, the number and sex of Bagaura and Lamkauli seemed to be ideal for the individuals, their activity, time, and weather was floricans, being dominated by Imperata cylindrica and . Table 1 Survey results and population estimates for Bengal Florican in Nepal. (Key: aResources Nepal 1998; Tnskipp and Inskipp 1983 and C. Inskipp in litt. 2002; cWeaver 1991; dpresent study; dash indicates no survey was conducted; "‘minimum population estimate based on number of confirmed adult males multiplied by two; maximum estimate incorporates unconfirmed records) Protected area Grassland No. floricans recorded Population area (km2)a estimate15 1982b OOou 2000d 2001d s n RCNP 48.1 8-21 - - 4-11 6-22 RBNP 2.9 9-10 6 5 5 6-10 RSWR 55.4 15 17 12-14 12-14 20-28 Forktail 19 (2003) Status of Bengal Florican in Nepal 53 Saccharum spp. Khauraha requires intensive observations of floricans flying south of Suklaphanta management to improve suitability for floricans. towards the Indian border, and we suspect that some However, the potential maximum population of floricans birds may occupy territories in the grasslands of Lagga at RBNP is limited by the restricted area of habitat Bagga, where Rahmani (2001) found one florican. This available. protected area is contiguous with RSWR in Nepal, and would be better protected through a cooperative Royal Chitwan National Park agreement between the two countries (Rahmani 1989). Grasslands surveyed: Jay Mangala, Kachuwani, Longer-distance movements are suggested by the Dumaria, Jarneli, Ghatgain, Sukhebhar, Bhimle, Khoria absence of floricans from breeding areas in RBNP Mohan and Khagendra Malli; 31 March to 8 April 2001 between November and February (Peet et al. 1999). Movements certainly occur in the Brahmaputra valley Three adult males and one female were recorded. Two where much breeding habitat is seasonally flooded, but males held territories, one in Sukhebhar and one in it is not known where floricans from these areas move Khagendra Malli, as evidenced by aerial and ground to (Narayan 1992, Choudhury 2000). Evidence also displays. One male at Jarneli was seen in flight, and a suggests that the species is at least partially migratory female was recorded at Dumaria.There were additional in South-East Asia. Movements appear to be linked to reported sightings in Khagendra Malli and Bhimle. Of the south-west monsoon and the consequent seasonal five areas where floricans were recorded by Inskipp and inundation of grassland areas; during wet periods, the Inskipp (1983), only Sukhebhar and Dumaria still species may move northwards to higher and drier areas appeared to support populations, but Inskipp and (Eames 1995). In theTonle Sap floodplain, Cambodia, Inskipp (1983) did not record floricans at Jarneli. floricans breed in grasslands and deep-water rice Grasslands at this site have been lost through succession mosaics during the dry season, and move up to into other habitats, and this process is likely to continue (probably) 50 km during the wet season floods (P. without suitable management interventions. Davidson in litt. 2002). Total population Grassland management While it is difficult to accurately estimate the current Floricans were found in grasslands ranging in height population of Bengal Florican in Nepal, it has certainly from 10 to 110 cm. All the females recorded were located declined over the past two decades (Table 1). We in tall grass, especially Saccharum spontaneum, while recorded 21-30 birds in the three sites we surveyed. males favoured short Imperata spp. patches. Previous Assuming an equal sex ratio, the population may be workers have also found that shorter grassland appears 32-60 birds. The small number of subadults recorded to be favoured by males whilst foraging or displaying could imply poor breeding success or poor juvenile (Inskipp and Inskipp 1983, Sankaran 1996, Peet et al. survival, but may simply reflect the difficulty of detecting 1999). However, birds appear to seek shelter in taller individuals other than displaying males. grass during the heat of the day, and females (and males outside the breeding season) probably spend much of their time in taller grass (Ali et al. 1986). It has thus DISCUSSION been suggested that the best locations contain areas of , shorter grassland dominated by Imperata cylindrica Population and movements interspersed with patches of taller grassland (Peet 1997, The status of the Bengal Florican and its habitat in Baral et al. 2001, P. Davidson in litt. 2002). Nepal has deteriorated since 1982, and the total In RCNP and RBNP, local people are allowed to population has declined. The population in Nepal was collect thatching material from the grasslands from late estimated to be 56-82 birds in 1982 (Inskipp and December to early January. After this, the grasslands Inskipp 1983, Inskipp and Collar 1984), and Narayan undergo annual controlled burning. This encourages the (1995) estimated a total of probably 100 at four sites. growth of Imperata spp. at the expense of taller grass In 2001, we estimated 32-60 individuals in three species, and hence encourages shorter swards for the protected areas. The populations in Bardia and floricans. In RSWR, the main florican grasslands are Suklaphanta do not appear to have changed significantly, not near human settlements, so there is little harvesting while the population at Chitwan appears to be of grasses, and there is no annual controlled burning by decreasing. This can be attributed to shrinkage of habitat the park authorities. Consequently, these areas are prone and inappropriate grassland management regimes. to accidental fires. Burning, clearing or grazing of Only three out of 21 sightings during the survey were grassland creates suitable habitat for floricans, and if females. Ali et al. (1986) recorded three females out of this does not occur, the grassland grows too tall and 27 birds observed during the 1985 survey, while Inskipp dense and is apparently vacated by territorial males and Inskipp (1983) counted 5-6 females amongst a total (Narayan and Rosalind 1990).The population in Dudwa of 35-50 birds. These disparities are probably a result National Park (India) appeared to increase after of differences in the behaviour and plumage of the sexes, controlled burning of the grassland (Javed and Rahmani and in reality females probably equal or outnumber 1998). males (Narayan 1992). In RBNP, the park authority has recently initiated a Ripley (1982) listed the species as resident in the programme of uprooting woody vegetation from Indian subcontinent. It is most likely resident in Nepal, grasslands. This will help to create more suitable habitat but the possibility of local or even long-distance for floricans and other grassland-dependent species. movements should not be ruled out (Inskipp and Grassland management was initiated in RSWR and Inskipp 1983). The former are suggested by our RCNP in 1996. However, many grassland areas were 54 NABIN BARAL et al. Forktail 19 (2003) ploughed to prevent encroachment of Imperata spp. REFERENCES grassland, which resulted in the temporary loss of floricans (Baral 2001). Management practices Ali S., Daniel, J. C. and Rahmani, A. R. (1986) Study of ecology of commonly fail to consider the ecological requirements certain endangered species of wildlife and their habitats. The floricans. of the species, an oversight that can lead to local Annual Report 1, 1984—1985. Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society. extinctions. Grassland management for floricans should Ali, S. and Rahmani, A. R. 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(2001) Status of the Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis) at Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and Royal bengalensis in Uttar Pradesh, India. Bombay: Bombay Natural Bardia National Park, western Nepal, 1990. Unpublished report ffistory Society. to Oriental Bird Club. Rahmani, A. R., Narayan, G., Rosalind, L., Sankaran, R. and Ganguli, U. (1991) Status of the Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 88: 349-375. Nabin Baral, Department of Environmental Studies, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA. Email: [email protected] Nilesh Timilsina, Department of Environmental Studies, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA. Email: [email protected] Bijay Tamang, Bird Conservation Nepal, PO Box 12465, Kathmandu, Nepal. Email: [email protected]