With more and more dedicated wildlife photographers like Kharel, the number of new bird species in Nepal could increase further and encourage further growth of Nepal as a destination for bird tourism.
For example, birders in Bhaktapur recently spotted Eurasian Curlew for the first time in 50 years in Kathmandu.
Nepal has nearly 10% of all bird species found worldwide, and among them 77, mostly migratory birds, are seriously threatened. A further, 167 species are nationally threatened.
The Green Imperial Pigeon is known by its scientific name Ducula aenea, and has green-tinted feathers on its back, tail and wings, a pearl grey neck, chest, and abdomen. The nape of its neck and its legs are reddish, while its beak is bluish in colour. The pigeon’s back has a rainbow hue, and it can even change its colour with the weather.
The bird survives on leaves, wild fruit, and flowers and has a lifespan of 6-7 years, the Green Imperial Pigeon inhabits forested areas up to 1,000 m above the sea level in the subcontinent and has been spotted in southeast Asia as well.