Kanchanpur, June 5 -- The population of the critically endangered Bengal floricans, locally known as khar majur, continues to decline in Shuklaphanta National Park. According to park officials, only four Bengal floricans (Houbaropsis bengalensis)-three males and one female-were sighted during the latest count carried out from April 21 to April 28 this year. Five birds of the species-three males and two females-were recorded in the same habitat in 2024.

The bird count was conducted in the park's grassland areas using a combination of vantage point and sweep methods. Conservation Officer Purushottam Wagle, who participated in the survey, stated that while only four individuals were directly spotted, the actual number could be slightly high...