On the occasion of 21st Wildlife Week, Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) jointly organized a bird watching event at Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on 16th April 2016, Saturday.

Total of 200 people representing various government and non-government institutions, students, journalist and bird watchers participated in the event. The participants were divided into 3 groups, each led by two bird experts, who assisted their respective group members to identify different species of birds witnessed throughout the program. Altogether, 65 bird species were recorded in that event. 

On the occasion of the program, Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Deputy Director General from DNPWC highlighted the instant need and importance of educating youths for sustainable wildlife conservation action. Similarly, Chief Conservation Officer of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Mr. Kamal Jung Kunwar informed participants about Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and its work areas. He also stressed out that celebration of 21st wildlife week at the national level helps create awareness among the public. Yubraj Basnet, President, BCN welcomed the participants and emphasized on the benefits of regular bird watching to the students.

A participant Ms. Prashamsha Simkhada, student said, "This is the first time I am attending a bird watching event and actually I found it very interesting. Before, I didn’t realise that one could witness so many beautiful and varied species of birds around in such a short time." Another first timer and also the staff from DNPWC added, "I am quite amazed by the number of participation today and the different species of birds that we observed today was remarkable. I think taking part in event like this lets us understand how rich, as a country, we are in terms of wildlife diversity.”