Bio-diversity

No cash Financing in this project White Bellied Heron was first sighted by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo in Punatsangchhu in 1975. Subsequently the Birds ecology remained hazy until the Royal Society of Protection of Nature (RSPN) initiated the first scientific study of the birds as part of an overarching conservation program. RSPN`s ecological research into WHB`s is unique in the world. Ecologist have collected considerable data through surveys of the birds ,their nests,behavior and feeding habits, the rivers water quality and fish availability. The research has also included participatory monitoring of the species by the local people. The initiative has established Punatshangchuu in Wangdue phodrang Dzongkhag and Berti. Zhemgang Dzongkhag as two important WBH Habitat areas in Bhutan. At Present there are 4 individuals in Berti ans 27 living on the Punatsangchu. With 31 individuals of this species, Bhutan plays an essential role in protecting this critically endangered species. Conservation efforts in Bhutan have been vital to reduce the risk of further endangering the WHBs. Besides the ecological study , a conservation program has established a WBH patrol group with the Wangdue Forest Division and developed several awareness campaigns for the local people. Concerns related to the Punatsangchu Hydro power Projects Potential impacts on the White- Belied Heron and migrant fish species such as Maheer were raised at a coordination meeting on August 1st 2008. Acknowledging the importance of such concerns and support to the conservation strategies would help the white bellied Heron and Mahseer populations in Punatsngchu to avoid ecological disaster. The overall coordination will be done by RSPN while respective cooperating agencies will implement the Project activities. The Proposed Project has two components , one to conserve WBHs and the other to to conserve Masheer and other fish species.

Bhutan