Assessing and mapping new potential habitat of White-bellied Heron in the Jomori river basin in eastern Bhutan

Species Conservation Fund

Feb 4

Written By

Survey 60 km stretch of Jomori river for White-bellied Heron and document the threats, potential foraging and nesting sites and habitat features.
Survey 400 households in local communities, documenting their socio-economic status and their historical knowledge of the distribution of White-bellied Heron.
The survey will also include identifying the threats and their perceptions on future releases of White-bellied Heron into the area.

Two rounds of surveys were carried out, a pre-monsoon in February 2025 and post-monsoon in August 2025—there were no sightings of the species.
With the combination of on-foot and drone survey methods used, experience of the team, coupled with interviews with villagers, there is high confidence that this is a true absence.
The habitat in the surveyed area appears generally suitable for the species, suggesting that it could potentially support release of captive-bred individuals.
However, despite its promising appearance, there remains a possibility that the habitat may not be as suitable as it seems. The most frequently documented threats were anthropogenic in nature, including infrastructure developments such as roads, transmission lines and electric poles, as well as fishing activities and hydropower construction.
440 households in local communities were surveyed to understand the socio-economic condition and their community's perception on the conservation of White-bellied Heron: there is heavy reliance on forest resources for subsistence and income, though many respondents noted declining availability due to climate change, overharvesting, and natural disturbances.
There is broad willingness to support White-bellied Heron conservation initiatives, with recognition of its ecological and tourism value. However, respondents also emphasised that conservation efforts must align with their livelihood needs.

Organisation: Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN)

Country: Bhutan

Year project started: 2024

Species: White-bellied Heron

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