𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞-𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫

…𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

In the remote villages along the Jomori River in eastern Bhutan, efforts to protect the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, one of the rarest birds in the world, are gaining momentum. Despite two previous surveys along the river failing to record any sightings, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), in collaboration with Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary and the Department of Forests and Park Services, is preparing for a third survey this winter, demonstrating a strong commitment to preserving the species.

The initiative goes beyond searching for the heron. It engages local communities by training young Bhutanese to collect scientific data and assessing the socio-economic conditions of over 400 households across scattered villages. These efforts aim to create alternative livelihoods that support people while ensuring the conservation of biodiversity in the area.

For villagers, the White-bellied Heron represents more than a rare bird. Its presence is linked to cleaner rivers, healthier fish stocks, and thriving forests. Protecting the heron is closely connected to the well-being of communities whose lives depend on the river ecosystem. Through surveys, awareness programs, and community engagement, the project has fostered a partnership between science and tradition.

Sonam Tshering, forest officer at Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, said, “The White-bellied Heron was found in this area in ancient times, and every year, we used to record sightings with RSPN and the Department of Forest and Park Services. However, monitoring and record-keeping were inconsistent for a long time. Now, we have resumed our efforts. So far, we haven’t spotted any herons, but we are hopeful that continued monitoring will reveal their presence. The return of this rare bird would greatly encourage our conservation efforts.”

The forestry team’s work extends beyond monitoring. They educate local communities about the vegetation required for the heron and the threats the species faces, including habitat disturbance and water pollution. The heron’s return could boost eco-tourism, offering economic benefits while promoting conservation.

He added, “We conduct regular patrols along the riverbanks with local teams and drones to monitor the area. We also organize awareness programs for villagers, fishermen, and schools. If the birds are sighted again, it will be a major boost for local tourism, and we expect more support and funding for conservation projects. Our approach combines scientific monitoring, community education, and habitat management to ensure these rare birds can thrive once more.”
Jigme Norbu, Tshogpa of Lauri Gewog, emphasized the community’s role. “We have hope to see the bird again. If we spot it, we will take photographs and send them to the Department of Forest and Park Services. Even in our village, people from outside visit often, so locals are becoming aware of the bird’s importance. We continue to monitor the area and educate both residents and visitors about keeping the bird safe.”

He noted that the river is essential for the heron’s return, but it is drying up. “To restore the habitat, villagers are planting trees along the riverbanks. Everyone here understands the importance of the river for the bird. Through monitoring and education, we aim to keep the habitat safe. The entire community hopes the White-bellied Heron will return and inspire further conservation and tourism benefits.”

Local residents have also begun to understand the bird’s significance. Ngawang Tshering, a resident of Lauri, said, “Until now, I didn’t know much about the White-bellied Heron. I had only heard from elders that it was once seen along the Jomori River, but I never knew why it was so important. After the officials visited our village, I realized it is one of the rarest birds in the world and that it needs our support to survive.”

Ngawang added that the awareness program helped villagers connect their lifestyle to the river’s health. “The officials explained that the heron depends on fish, and the number of fish will only increase if we keep the river clean and avoid polluting it. Now we see that protecting the bird also means protecting our river, our food sources, and the future of our children.”

Wangchuk, another resident, shared, “In our village, fishing was never a big practice. Only a few individuals went to the river occasionally. During the awareness program, however, we learned that even occasional fishing can impact the heron. Since the bird feeds almost entirely on fish, fishing along the Jomori River is strictly prohibited to give it a better chance of survival.”

He explained, “Many of us had not thought about how small human activities can affect rare species. Now we understand that keeping the river clean, avoiding waste, and respecting rules like the fishing ban are essential to protect both nature and our own resources. The river is no longer just water flowing through our land, it is a home for fish, and maybe even the heron if it returns. If we look after it properly, we will help the heron and ensure the river remains healthy for generations to come.”

This conservation effort receives strong backing from international and national partners, including the Asian Species Action Partnership and the Global Wildlife Fund Limited. Local schools, community groups, and government authorities are also actively involved in planning and implementing the initiatives, playing a crucial role in ensuring their success. Through educational programs, community engagement, and hands-on participation, local stakeholders help bridge scientific research with traditional knowledge. This collaboration emphasises the importance of working together across multiple levels to safeguard Bhutan’s unique biodiversity, protect endangered species like the White-bellied Heron, and maintain the balance between human livelihoods and natural ecosystems for generations to come.