Save the Heron, Support a Kingdom
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Update October, 2019: Unprecedented Sighting!
Something unprecedented happened on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. It was incredible to witness, firsthand, the first ever recorded sighting of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron in Thimphu, sighted along the river in Olakha/Babesa at over 2200m, a record for this species.
This bird, the rarest heron on the planet, has never been sighted in this part of the country before, and its presence in our neighbourhood made national headlines in the Kingdom .
As you may know for this species, there are less than 60 known individuals. RSPN Bhutan and other concerned agencies and individuals are dedicating their time, compassion, and efforts to ensuring its protection in Bhutan and beyond. I am grateful to be one of them, and thank you for helping to support conservation efforts for this species by empowering local community stewards in some of the most remote villages, where this heron is typically found.
What an exciting week!
Update From Bhutan, Summer 2019!!
The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in Bhutan recently conducted a nation-wide population survey of White-bellied Herons in the country, and guess what they found?
The team successfully located 29 confirmed individuals. Some of the last known surviving members of this species in the world. The team found important new nests with hatching chicks, the protection of which will determine the future for this incredibly rare species.
In partnership with key conservation organizations, the team was able to GPS tag 3 juvenile White-bellied Herons . A monumental accomplishment! However, these new babies will now need to be monitored and their river home protected from future threats.
Not only will your donations contribute to the protection of dwindling habitat for the White-bellied Herons left in Bhutan, but it will directly support local communities, the last guardians of the rivers and forests that the White-bellied Herons depend on for survival.
Any amount of support will go a long way to ensuring the continuation of efforts to save the White-bellied Heron from extinction! The survival of this species lies in the balance, and we need help from people who care. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like more information.
E-mail: [email redacted]
Website: www.rspnbhutan.org
May 2019 | Tsirang, Bhutan
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Original Post (January 2019):
The White-bellied Heron (WBH) is one of the 50 rarest birds in the world, and arguably the rarest bird species in Asia. It is considered critically endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
With fewer than 60 known individuals on the planet, the survival of this species lies in the balance. Emerging threats within its limited range countries in Bhutan, China, India, and Myanmar are creating an uncertain future for these birds.
The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is a Bhutanese non-profit organization that has worked tirelessly for 30 years to better understand and protect this unique bird. Dr. Rebecca Pradhan, Senior Ecologist with the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) Bhutan, and Dr. George Archibald, Co-Founder of International Crane Foundation, USA, have been two of the leading conservation heroes in the monitoring of their populations and protection of their habitat.
While dedicated conservation professionals and local people are working to ensure the survival of this species, they need your help. Any amount of support will go a long way to ensuring the continuation of important efforts to save the White-bellied Heron from the brink of extinction.
Something unprecedented happened on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. It was incredible to witness, firsthand, the first ever recorded sighting of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron in Thimphu, sighted along the river in Olakha/Babesa at over 2200m, a record for this species.
This bird, the rarest heron on the planet, has never been sighted in this part of the country before, and its presence in our neighbourhood made national headlines in the Kingdom .
As you may know for this species, there are less than 60 known individuals. RSPN Bhutan and other concerned agencies and individuals are dedicating their time, compassion, and efforts to ensuring its protection in Bhutan and beyond. I am grateful to be one of them, and thank you for helping to support conservation efforts for this species by empowering local community stewards in some of the most remote villages, where this heron is typically found.
What an exciting week!
Update From Bhutan, Summer 2019!!
The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in Bhutan recently conducted a nation-wide population survey of White-bellied Herons in the country, and guess what they found?
The team successfully located 29 confirmed individuals. Some of the last known surviving members of this species in the world. The team found important new nests with hatching chicks, the protection of which will determine the future for this incredibly rare species.
In partnership with key conservation organizations, the team was able to GPS tag 3 juvenile White-bellied Herons . A monumental accomplishment! However, these new babies will now need to be monitored and their river home protected from future threats.
Not only will your donations contribute to the protection of dwindling habitat for the White-bellied Herons left in Bhutan, but it will directly support local communities, the last guardians of the rivers and forests that the White-bellied Herons depend on for survival.
Any amount of support will go a long way to ensuring the continuation of efforts to save the White-bellied Heron from extinction! The survival of this species lies in the balance, and we need help from people who care. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like more information.
E-mail: [email redacted]
Website: www.rspnbhutan.org
May 2019 | Tsirang, Bhutan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Post (January 2019):
The White-bellied Heron (WBH) is one of the 50 rarest birds in the world, and arguably the rarest bird species in Asia. It is considered critically endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
With fewer than 60 known individuals on the planet, the survival of this species lies in the balance. Emerging threats within its limited range countries in Bhutan, China, India, and Myanmar are creating an uncertain future for these birds.
The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is a Bhutanese non-profit organization that has worked tirelessly for 30 years to better understand and protect this unique bird. Dr. Rebecca Pradhan, Senior Ecologist with the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) Bhutan, and Dr. George Archibald, Co-Founder of International Crane Foundation, USA, have been two of the leading conservation heroes in the monitoring of their populations and protection of their habitat.
While dedicated conservation professionals and local people are working to ensure the survival of this species, they need your help. Any amount of support will go a long way to ensuring the continuation of important efforts to save the White-bellied Heron from the brink of extinction.
Fundraising team: RSPN Bhutan (4)
David Hecht
Organizer
Baraboo, WI
Indra Acharja
Team member
Sonam Tshering
Team member
Tshewang Lhendup
Team member
