Study finds birds thrive in mixed habitats threatened by human activity in Nepal’s southern plains

Birds in flight at Chitwan, Nepal (Photo by Colin Hobson on Unsplash)

A recent study reveals that birds in Nepal’s southern plains prefer living in a mosaic of forests, fields, and wetlands. Still, this diverse habitat is increasingly threatened by human activities such as logging, hunting, and sand and gravel mining.

Published in the *Journal of Environmental Management*, the research shows that maintaining these mixed habitats while reducing human disturbances could increase both the number and variety of bird species in the region.

“We found that while birds seek heterogeneity in their habitats, human activities are increasingly homogenizing the landscapes at the cost of bird habitats,” said Hem Bahadur Katuwal, assistant professor at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The study focused on 238 bird species within the Parsa-Koshi Complex — a region notable for its rich natural habitats and high human population density.

“We chose the study area because it is not only rich in natural habitat, but it also has the highest population density in Nepal,” Katuwal added.

Bird survey locations across the Parsa–Koshi Complex of the Madhesh Province (eight districts) of Nepal (Source: Katuwal, et al. 2025)

Researchers found that human activities reduce the number and variety of birds, simplifying bird communities. In contrast, landscapes featuring a mix of forests, rivers, and open areas support more bird species by providing varied “homes” and ecological roles.

Katuwal noted that forests provided significant habitat for distinct bird species, such as collared scops-owls and Western hooded pitta, which are rare in other habitats. Co-author Hari Prasad Sharma of Tribhuvan University said, “Anthropogenic pressures in fragile landscapes have pushed bird communities toward reduced resilience and increasing homogenization.”

Experts not involved in the study also emphasized the importance of habitat diversity. Sangeet Lamichhaney, associate professor at Kent State University, said, “Heterogeneous habitats also help birds adapt to environmental change by offering alternative resources or refuges when one habitat type becomes degraded.”

The findings suggest that protecting forests and mosaic habitats enhances the potential for bird species to thrive.

The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts, including controlling deforestation, regulating sand and gravel extraction, and preventing unmanaged road expansion.

Lamichhaney stressed, “Strengthening and reconnecting habitat corridors, particularly along river systems and forest ridges, is essential for maintaining metapopulation connectivity and ensuring that birds can move freely in response to seasonal needs and environmental stressors.” These steps are crucial for sustaining Nepal’s southern plains’ diverse bird populations and their ecosystems.