The status of the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh

Timeline: 2021-ongoing
People: Rohan Menzies, Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi, Rohit Naniwadekar
Collaborators: Vidyadhar Atkore
Funding: Rufford Small Grants

What We Do?

The Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron is on the brink of extinction with the global population at about 60 individuals, and approximately half that found only in Bhutan. The global condition of the White-bellied Heron appears to be worsening with the species experiencing many threats within its range. The few remaining individuals in Namdapha Tiger Reserve in eastern Arunachal Pradesh appear to be in decline or moving away from the areas of the park where they were previously sighted regularly. We aim to compare the encounter rates for the species from a previous survey in 2017 to the visits between 2023-24 to estimate the change in the abundances. 

Why This Matters?

Given the extremely low global population of the White-bellied Heron, it is important to highlight the status and presence of the White-bellied Heron in its stronghold region within the Indian range. 

Key Findings:

• The White-bellied Heron appear to be declining in Namdapha Tiger Reserve despite a reduction in human presence and activity from the area

• The birds have now been seen away from the core zone of the park and more towards human settlements in recent years

• The species requires more regular monitoring and more focused study in Namdapha Tiger Reserve especially with regard to their breeding 

Publications

Menzies, R. K., Suryawanshi, K. R., & Naniwadekar, R. (2024). Is the population of the Critically Endangered white-bellied heron declining in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, India?. Oryx, 58(6), 730-734. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605324001583