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.
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 UsRigorous field studies and ornithological data collection across Himalayan ecosystems.
Translating complex findings into accessible knowledge for all audiences.
Connecting communities with Nepal's remarkable avian heritage.
Empowering volunteers and local communities to contribute to research.
Comprehensive scientific inquiry across ecology, behavior, migration, and conservation.
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.
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.
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.
Mountain birds are among the most vulnerable to climate change. We monitor phenological shifts, range contractions, and adaptation strategies in a warming Himalaya.
Birds are deeply woven into Nepali culture, religion, and tradition. We explore ethno-ornithology and how cultural relationships can support conservation goals.
We mobilize birders and local communities across Nepal, building the largest community-sourced high-altitude bird dataset in the Himalayas.
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.
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.
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 4,200β4,800m in the remote Dolpo district.
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.
Our teams venture into some of Nepal's most remote and spectacular landscapes year-round.
A 30-day winter survey targeting high-altitude wintering raptors, finches, and snow-line passerines in the trans-Himalayan rain shadow zone of Upper Mustang. First comprehensive winter bird survey in this restricted area.
JuneβJuly breeding season survey of ground-nesting birds in the alpine zone above 4,000m.
Survey of migratory waterbirds and breeding waders at Rara Lake, Nepal's largest lake.
Recorded 187 bird species including 3 new Nepal range extensions. Full report published.
High-altitude bird ecology, raptor migration, and conservation biology.
Ethno-ornithology, community engagement, and citizen science programs.
Breeding biology, passerine diversity, and species documentation.
Climate change impacts on alpine bird communities and phenology.
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.
We welcome collaborators, volunteers, donors, and anyone curious about Nepal's remarkable birdlife.