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Research in High Altitude Avianfauna Nepal

Flying high
in the Heart of
the Himalaya

Pioneering scientific research on birds of the Nepali Himalaya β€” from the alpine meadows to the glacier edge, documenting life where few dare to study.

312+ Species Documented
5,500m Max Elevation
18 Field Expeditions
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Studying Birds at the
Edge of the Sky

RIHAAN β€” Research in High Altitude Avianfauna Nepal β€” is a dedicated research organization committed to understanding and protecting the extraordinary birdlife of Nepal's high-altitude ecosystems.

From the endangered Spiny Babbler to snow-line raptors, we document, study, and advocate for the birds that inhabit one of the world's most spectacular and threatened environments.

Learn More About Us 
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Scientific Research

Rigorous field studies and ornithological data collection across Himalayan ecosystems.

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Science Communication

Translating complex findings into accessible knowledge for all audiences.

🀝
Public Engagement

Connecting communities with Nepal's remarkable avian heritage.

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Citizen Science

Empowering volunteers and local communities to contribute to research.

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4,800m Avg. Study Elevation

Our Research Areas

Comprehensive scientific inquiry across ecology, behavior, migration, and conservation.

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Birds of Nepal

Nepal is home to over 900 bird species β€” more per unit area than almost anywhere on Earth. We document distribution, abundance, and ecology of high-altitude specialists.

Ornithology Distribution Ecology
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Himalayan Ecosystems

The Nepal Himalaya presents a dramatic range of habitats from subtropical forests to permanent snow fields. We study how avian communities respond to this vertical gradient.

Alpine Zones Habitat Altitudinal Range
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Migration & Movement

The Himalayas serve as both barrier and corridor for migratory birds. Our tracking studies reveal the extraordinary journeys of species crossing the highest terrain on Earth.

Migration Tracking Flyways
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Climate Change Impacts

Mountain birds are among the most vulnerable to climate change. We monitor phenological shifts, range contractions, and adaptation strategies in a warming Himalaya.

Climate Phenology Conservation
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Birds & Culture

Birds are deeply woven into Nepali culture, religion, and tradition. We explore ethno-ornithology and how cultural relationships can support conservation goals.

Ethno-ornithology Conservation Heritage
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Citizen Science

We mobilize birders and local communities across Nepal, building the largest community-sourced high-altitude bird dataset in the Himalayas.

Community eBird Data

Himalayan Birds

View All Species
πŸ¦… 1,500–5,500m
Accipitridae

Himalayan Griffon

Gyps himalayensis
Least Concern Details
🦜 500–2,000m
Timaliidae

Spiny Babbler

Turdoides nipalensis
Vulnerable Details
🐦 2,400–4,200m
Turdidae

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus
Least Concern Details
🦒 4,000–5,500m
Anatidae

Bar-headed Goose

Anser indicus
Least Concern Details
πŸ¦‰ 1,400–3,500m
Strigidae

Tawny Owl

Strix aluco
Least Concern Details
🐦 2,400–4,500m
Phasianidae

Himalayan Monal

Lophophorus impejanus
Least Concern Details
🐦 3,600–5,300m
Muscicapidae

Grandala

Grandala coelicolor
Least Concern Details
πŸ¦† 3,800–5,200m
Anatidae

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferruginea
Least Concern Details

Research &
Publications

Peer-reviewed papers, field reports, and scientific communications from our team.

Full Publication List
Journal Article 2024 Ibis – International Journal of Avian Science

Altitudinal range shifts in high-altitude passerines of the Nepal Himalaya under a warming climate scenario

Sharma, R., Thapa, K., & Bhattarai, S.

We present a 10-year analysis of elevation distribution data for 48 passerine species breeding above 3,500m in Nepal. Using Maximum Entropy modelling and repeat survey transects, we document significant upward range shifts averaging 47m per decade, with specialist species showing the greatest displacement.

Read Abstract PDF DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13XXX
Field Report 2024 RIHAAN Technical Report Series

Species inventory of avifauna in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area: Summer expedition 2024

Rai, P., Gurung, B., Sharma, R., & Tamang, D.

A 21-day intensive survey of bird communities in the upper Tamor and Simbua Khola drainages recorded 187 species including 3 new range extensions for Nepal. Highlights include confirmed breeding of Snow Partridge above 5,000m and the fourth Nepali record of Tibetan Snowfinch.

Read Abstract PDF DOI: RIHAAN-TR-2024-03
Journal Article 2023 Forktail – Journal of Asian Ornithology

Breeding biology and nest-site selection of the Grandala (Grandala coelicolor) in Dolpo, Nepal

Bhattarai, S., Sharma, R., & Karki, J.

We describe the first detailed study of breeding biology in the Grandala in Nepal, including nest measurements, clutch size, incubation periods, and chick development from nests found between 4,200–4,800m in the remote Dolpo district.

Read Abstract PDF DOI: 10.1234/forktail.2023.XXX
Journal Article 2023 Bird Conservation International

Traditional ecological knowledge and avian conservation: Insights from high-mountain communities in Nepal

Thapa, K., Lama, T., & Sharma, R.

We surveyed 240 households across 8 communities in the Nepal Himalaya to document traditional ecological knowledge relating to birds. Findings reveal rich ethno-ornithological traditions with direct conservation relevance, and strong community support for bird-based ecotourism.

Read Abstract PDF DOI: 10.1017/S0959270923000XXX

Field Expeditions

Our teams venture into some of Nepal's most remote and spectacular landscapes year-round.

Upcoming

Annapurna Breeding Season Survey

πŸ“ Annapurna Conservation Area

June–July breeding season survey of ground-nesting birds in the alpine zone above 4,000m.

5 Team
21d Duration
5,100m Max Elev.
Planning Phase

Rara National Park Waterbirds

πŸ“ Rara Lake, Karnali Province

Survey of migratory waterbirds and breeding waders at Rara Lake, Nepal's largest lake.

3 Team
14d Duration
3,000m Max Elev.
Completed

Kanchenjunga Summer Expedition 2024

πŸ“ Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

Recorded 187 bird species including 3 new Nepal range extensions. Full report published.

4 Team
21d Duration
5,000m Max Elev.

Our Team

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ”¬

Dr. Rajan Sharma

Founder & Principal Researcher

High-altitude bird ecology, raptor migration, and conservation biology.

πŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬

Kabita Thapa

Field Research Coordinator

Ethno-ornithology, community engagement, and citizen science programs.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’»

Sushil Bhattarai

Senior Ornithologist

Breeding biology, passerine diversity, and species documentation.

πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ“

Pratima Rai

Research Associate

Climate change impacts on alpine bird communities and phenology.

Connecting People
with Nature

Whether you're a scientist, birder, photographer, or simply someone who loves Nepal's wild places β€” there are many ways to support and participate in our work.

To Learn More
and Get Involved

We welcome collaborators, volunteers, donors, and anyone curious about Nepal's remarkable birdlife.

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Location

Kathmandu, Nepal

βœ‰οΈ
🌐
Website

rihaan.org

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