With only 31 White-bellied Herons recorded in Bhutan in 2026, every survey, every nest, and every conservation decision counts.

RSPN held a three-day White-bellied Heron Protocol Development Write-shop from September  28 to 30  2026 at the White-bellied Heron Conservation Centre (WBHCC) in Tsirang District. The write-shop aimed to develop Bhutan’s first standardised national protocols for the conservation of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.

 The write-shop brought together six experienced forestry officials with field expertise in White-bellied Heron conservation from Tsirang Forest Division, Zhemgang Forest Division, Wangdue Forest Division, and Royal Manas National Park, along with RSPN staff.  

Participants reviewed existing field practices, consolidated their practical experiences, and worked collaboratively to draft three national protocols as follows:

1. Annual Population Monitoring Protocol
2. Annual Nest Survey Protocol
3. Egg and Chick Lifting Protocol, including husbandry management and the safe, scientifically guided lifting of eggs and chicks from the wild

White-bellied Heron conservation in Bhutan has expanded across multiple agencies and sites. However,  there has been no shared standard for how the work is done. The new protocols aim to address this gap by establishing a common, science-based framework for population surveys, nest monitoring, and conservation interventions. Once adopted, the protocols will enable data to be collected consistently and compared across sites and years, while strengthening coordination among agencies and conservation partners. They will also serve as a common reference for future field operations, helping ensure that the White-bellied Heron receives consistent and scientifically informed protection wherever it is found in Bhutan.

Participants said the write-shop strengthened their technical knowledge of survey methods, data collection, habitat assessment and documentation.

“Attending the write-shop gave me valuable practical knowledge on developing a clear, standardised and scientifically sound monitoring protocol. It deepened my understanding of White-bellied Heron survey methods, data collection, habitat assessment and documentation.”
— Mr Gempa, Tsirang Forest Division

  “The White-bellied Heron Protocol Workshop provided valuable knowledge on the species’ identification, ecology, habitat requirements and conservation. I gained a better understanding of standardised survey methods, field data collection, sighting records, habitat assessment and the proper documentation of field observations. The workshop also enhanced my knowledge of monitoring techniques, survey protocols and the key threats facing the species, while highlighting the importance of protecting suitable riverine habitats for the conservation of this critically endangered species. Overall, the workshop strengthened my practical skills and understanding of White-bellied Heron monitoring and conservation.”  – Mr Nima of Zhemgang Forest Division  

For some, it was also a first visit to the White-bellied Heron Conservation Centre  .

“This was my first time visiting the White-bellied Heron Conservation Centre at Changchey, and I was awed by the work RSPN has been doing for the species. I am glad I could join foresters from different field offices and contribute in a small way to drafting the protocol.”
— Mr Raika,Wangdue Forest Division

  RSPN extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for  their representatives for their valuable contributions, expertise, and commitment to strengthening White-bellied Heron conservation efforts.