The Bengal Florican is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is one of nine protected birds under Nepal’s National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029. With a global population of fewer than 1,000 individuals, its inclusion in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) underscores the urgent need for stronger conservation measures.
Today, the Bengal Florican’s distribution is restricted to a few, mostly protected, grassland areas. Fewer than 50 individuals remain in Nepal, with recent sightings in Shuklaphanta National Park and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, but none in Chitwan or Bardiya National Parks. Conservation efforts are hindered by limited knowledge of the species’ ecology and distribution.
Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP) is the Bengal Florican’s last stronghold, yet its survival is threatened by encroachment, uncontrolled grass fires, unsustainable harvesting, and invasive species like Mikania micrantha. These pressures are transforming the grasslands into unsuitable habitat, triggering a 53.33 percent population decline since 1982.
Recognizing the need for updated data on the species’ status, I embarked on a research expedition to ShNP’s grasslands. Nestled in the Tarai region along the Indian border, SNP is a hidden treasure of Sudurpaschim Province, teeming with swamp deer, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and rare birds.
During a jeep safari along the park’s fire lines, I marveled at the landscape’s serene power. But my focus remained on the elusive Bengal Florican. Perched atop a watchtower, our team—armed with binoculars and DSLR cameras—waited with patience. The bird’s elusive nature demanded absolute concentration.
After 1 hour and 55 minutes, we finally spotted a soaring Bengal Florican. Its grace left me awestruck. But in my excitement, I fumbled the first photo. Disappointed, I clung to hope as our team crept along the fire line, adjusting camera settings. When the Florican took flight again, I steadied myself and, after several attempts, captured two perfect shots. A wave of euphoria washed over me.
Yet, amid the joy, a sobering truth lingered. Why is this iconic bird vanishing? While satellite tracking has shed light on its seasonal movements, the fate of its eggs during breeding season remains a mystery. Critical gaps in understanding its ecology, breeding biology, and habitat needs persist. Despite being a grassland specialist, modern studies integrating drones, remote sensing, satellite telemetry, and genetic analysis are lacking.
The Bengal Florican’s survival hinges on unraveling these mysteries, and acting before it’s too late.
