Kathmandu, Feb. 2 -- The region around Lumbini is an important wildlife habitat, but is facing an imminent threat because of increases in industrial pollution, urbanisation and mechanised farming.

AWorld Heritage Siteassociated with Lord Buddha, Lumbini has a diversity of farm-dependent biodiversity and is designated as an importantBird Areaby Bird Life International. The fields and river channels provide an important habitat for many species and serve as a corridor for animal movement.

The farms are studded with oxbow lakes formed by Tarai rivers such asDanob, Tinau, KothiandTelar which overflow into floodplains during the monsoon, but are mostly dry rest of the year. These lakes are important wetland habitats for many species of birds...