𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻

As part of a major initiative to strengthen scientific research and conservation efforts for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron and other avian species in the landscape, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), in collaboration with the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS), has launched a basic training program. This program focuses on the fundamentals of bird mist-netting, handling, ringing/banding, tagging, and preliminary screening for some of the avian diseases.

This training not only strengthens local capacity in avian research and conservation but also aligns with the broader One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of wildlife, human, and ecosystem health, especially in the context of monitoring and managing zoonotic diseases in fragile ecosystems.

The first batch of this training includes participation from local community members, forestry officers from selected Divisions, and field staff of RSPN. The sessions are jointly conducted by avian experts from Austria and Germany alongside the RSPN team.

On the auspicious occasion of the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN Bhutan) is honored to launch the Annual White-bellied Heron Population Survey Report 2025.

Since 2003, RSPN, in collaboration with the Department of Forests and Park Services, has conducted annual surveys to monitor the status of this critically endangered species. These long-term efforts have been significant in understanding population trends, distribution patterns, prevailing threats, and guiding targeted conservation interventions.

This year’s survey recorded a total of 𝟮𝟵 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘀; 𝟮𝟰 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 (𝗪𝗕𝗛𝗖𝗖). The survey also identified four active nests; three in the Punatshangchhu river basin and one in the Mangdechhu river basin.

RSPN expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all donors, conservation partners, philanthropists, and stakeholders whose continued support makes this annual survey possible.

The community forest in Laja Gewog under Dagana district associates their name to their holy site of Guru Rinpoche that resembles the frontier sky fortress, featuring a religious bell hanging from a cliff and an Urn (Thro), Tha Namkhai Dzong. The community forest group there consist of more than twenty members. In 2022, RSPN supported the community forest to restore their degraded forest of 1 acre with plantation activity. The choice of species include mixed of native trees and high-value timber species that will benefit both the wildlife and the communities.

The team from RSPN recently visited the plantation area and observed good post-plantation care. The growth of trees observed significant progress with 98% survival rate. As a way forward mechanism, team also interacted with the chairman and discussed the possible future collaboration and strengthening the post plantation as mandated by the government.

RSPN, under the IKI project funding is initiating to restore 50Ha of degraded areas within White-bellied Heron landscape with the plantation. The restoration activity is considered to benefit both the wildlife and the communities.

On 24th August, RSPN hosted teachers and students from Gaselo Higher Secondary School to share the conservation program on White-bellied Heron (WBH). The program, as a part of community engagement, is coordinated to advocate on the critical status of the species and the importance of conserving it.

The day-long event was conducted at White-bellied Heron Conservation Center (WBHCC) in Tsirang. The program began with a presentation on the WBH ecology and the effort of RSPN to save the species from extinction. Later students were also engaged in an art competition on the theme “Together We Can Save WBH from Extinction.” Students expressed their creativity by illustrating powerful messages and artistic images, demonstrating their understanding of the threats and their commitment to supporting the conservation of the species. The competition encouraged students to think critically about how collective efforts can reverse the decline of the WBH.

The event concluded with the awarding of gifts for the team who won the art competition

Environmental Education is one of the core programs of RSPN through which young minds are engaged in understanding the importance of nature. Since 1990s, RSPN has been supporting the establishment and functioning of the Nature Clubs in the schools. In the following months, RSPN targets to engage more school students, local communities and other important stakeholders on the similar WBH advocacy program.

We are grateful to Gaselo Higher Secondary School Management for letting teachers and students attend this enrichment program.

Towards enhancing the conservation effort of the White-bellied Heron(WBH) among the distribution range countries, staff of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) are currently in India. During the Exchange Program visit, they will host a knowledge-sharing workshop with relevant conservation organizations in India and also make a field visit to some of the important National Parks in India.

Today, as a joint collaboration between the Wildlife Institute Of India, Dehradoon (WII) and RSPN Bhutan, a knowledge sharing workshop will be held at WII campus in Dehradun.

RSPN through the generous support of the German government under the funding window of the International Climate Initiative(IKI), is currently implementing the project “Developing ecosystem-based solutions for managing biodiversity landscapes in Bhutan” with the special objective of establishing approaches and tools for protecting and managing White-bellied Heron landscape. The project introduced the Ecosystem and Socio-economic Resilience analysis and mapping (ESRAM) approach for biodiversity conservation and management in Bhutan. In addition, the project has documented several knowledge and systematic approaches for the management of natural resources, ecosystem services and climate-resilient livelihood options resulting in the improvement of biodiversity management and enhancement of livelihoods of the communities living in WBH landscapes. The project has also shown significant scope to scale up at the regional level with similar approaches.

The knowledge-sharing workshop today focuses on sharing the knowledge gained thus far from the conservation of WBH through the implementation of the current IKI project by RSPN, and also conducting a series of discussions to enhance the future partnership mechanisms in the conservation of WBH at a regional level.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲.

RSPN Bhutan in partnership with supporters from Japan and the Athang Institute, is currently conducting a comprehensive project scoping study within the White-bellied Heron landscape. The primary objectives of this study include delineating the project boundary, conducting an assessment of community needs and available natural capital, evaluating the technical, economic, and logistical feasibility of the project, and assessing the capacity of institutions and communities to implement and sustain the project. The joint team comprises experts with diverse backgrounds in conservation, ecotourism, climate change, and environmental education.

This scoping study holds significant importance within the project design framework of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, aligning with existing Environmental and Social safeguards policies. With over three decades of experience in implementing conservation and community projects, RSPN has positively impacted numerous communities through the establishment of sustainable development activities. Rigorous evaluation under the robust safeguard systems of RSPN ensures that projects are well defined, feasible, and effective.

Building upon the information gathered from this scoping study, further review and situation analysis will be conducted to progress towards developing a comprehensive proposal. RSPN aims to innovate this project by integrating a private partnership model encompassing conservation efforts, sustainable livelihood activities, climate change initiatives, and other thematic areas.

White-bellied Heron and the Communities
WBH is critically endangered in the verge of extinction. It is found distributed only in freshwater river of Himalaya. The current distribution is restricted to only three South Asian countries, Bhutan, Northeast India and Myanmar with estimated population of less than 60 individuals. Given its critical status, the preservation of the White-bellied Heron holds paramount importance.

The habitats of the White-bellied Heron are also home to numerous remotely located communities that rely on shared resources. Therefore, garnering community support is imperative.

A community-driven conservation project within the White-bellied Heron landscape is not only feasible but also essential for the preservation of this species and the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystems.

An annual population survey of White-bellied Heron(WBH) this year observed the presence of 𝟮𝟱 individuals of WBH in Bhutan, including three herons that are currently being raised at the White-bellied Heron Conservation Center.

For the year 2024, the survey was conducted from 1st to 5th March across the major river basins in Bhutan; Wangchhu, Punatshangchu,

Mangdichhu, Kuri-gongri, and Jomori. These major rivers with its tributaries are identified as either currently occupying populations or known as potential habitats of WBH.

The WBH population survey was first initiated 2003 and it is an ongoing annual event coordinated by the RSPN with the support of DoFPS and LCSG members in conducting the survey. This concerted effort is significant for the WBH conservation. Today, WBH conservation is not only as a flagship program but also as a fundamental aspect of RSPN’s core mandate aimed at securing the species’ genetic diversity and facilitating population recovery in Bhutan and the region.

The annual nationwide population count enlisted the efforts of more than eighty surveyors from the Department of Forests and Park Services(DoFPS), Local Conservation Support Groups (LCSG) and the staff of Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).

Click here to read full report

In an effort to monitor and conserve the Critically Endangered #WhitebelliedHeron (Ardea insignis), RSPN Bhutan in collaboration with Department of Forests and Park Services is set to conduct its Annual Population Survey from March 1st to March 5th, 2024.

This comprehensive survey aims to provide crucial insights into the current status of the White-bellied Heron population (#WBH), aiding in informed conservation strategies for this rare and iconic species. Recognizing the critical need for conservation efforts, RSPN has undertaken yearly surveys since 2003 to evaluate population patterns, geographical spread, and possible risks to the heron.

This year’s survey will cover key habitats and breeding grounds across Bhutan. A team of experienced conservationists and field researchers from DoFPs and RSPN along with Local Conservation Support Group ( #LCSG) members will conduct five consecutive days of surveying along the major river basins and tributaries of Bhutan to obtain accurate and comprehensive data on the White-bellied Heron population dynamics. During the survey, the surveyors will also document other waterbirds and wildlife found along the river basins of Bhutan.

Since this Survey is a significant undertaking that requires collaboration from various stakeholders, we encourages all to join hands with us in our mission to safeguard the White-bellied Heron and its ecosystem. Anyone who happens to spot the White-bellied Heron during the survey period, kindly report it to RSPN by emailing to us at rspn@rspnbhutan.org.

𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻:

Listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

With fewer than 60 WBH individuals remaining in the world

Found only in three range countries of Southeast Asia, Bhutan, Northeast India and Myanmar.

We are delighted to receive two gentlemen from Thimphu City FC (TCFC), Mr. Hishey Tshering and Mr. Orgyen Wangchuk Tshering, with a gift from the club to our 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺.

It’s truly heartening to witness the intersection of sportsmanship and conservation through the generous initiative undertaken by Thimphu City Football Club (TCFC). The decision of TCFC to pledge a contribution for each goal scored in the last season of the BOB Bhutan Premier League exemplifies a remarkable fusion of athletic prowess and environmental stewardship. By channeling their success on the field into support for the White-bellied Heron Conservation program, TCFC has showcased a profound commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of sports.

We extend our deepest gratitude to TCFC, particularly Mr. Hishey Tshering, for their unwavering support of our conservation efforts. Their generosity not only provides vital financial assistance but also amplifies awareness about the importance of preserving the natural heritage of Bhutan. Such collaborations between sports organizations and conservation programs underscore the collective responsibility we share in safeguarding our environment for future generations.

RSPN has been implementing projects related to climate change, conservation, and livelihood that have several components on plantation activity. To enhance the impact of the project outcome, today the Green Bhutan Corporation Limited (#GBCL) and RSPN Bhutan signed a 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, a joint partnership for carrying out the Plantation and production of seedlings. RSPN will henceforth rely on the expertise of GBCL to implement activities related to the plantation.

The means to restore degraded habitats of wildlife, improve socio-economic condition of the people or mitigate climate change, the reforestation or afforestation through the plantation is a significant mechanism.

#GBCL, a corporation duly established under Bhutan’s laws, is registered as State-owned company. GBCL specializes in various services related to floriculture, establishment of nurseries and seedling production, plantation and its maintenance, establishment and management of recreational parks, landscape development, and greening to improve aesthetics and ensure security for inhabitants in Bhutan.