On 26th April 2022, Himalayan Nature launched a revised edition of the most awaited book “BIRDS OF NEPAL; a field guide to the birds of Nepal in Nepali version”. The book launching program was organized in Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu. Richard Grimmett, Tim Inskipp, Carol Inskipp and Dr. Hem Sagar Baral are the authors of the book. Dr. Ram Chandra Kandel; Director General of Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) honoured the program as a chief guest.

Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, co-author of the book emphasized the importance of the publication of such books which makes researchers and practitioners with similar interests aware of knowledge particular birds and its integral components in their field. The book has provided a clear images of birds along with their habitat and distribution, ecological niche, hotspot and geographical location. The book comprises 386 pages and 890 bird pictures. Added, the names of the collected birds have a long history linked to ancient Vedas, suggesting their importance even in ancient times. The 700 names of the birds mentioned in the book, according to Dr. Baral, were has been taken from Sanskrit. There were 861 species of birds mentioned in the previous edition, published in 2003 and 27 more species of birds have been added in the lasted edition.

The chief guest Dr Kandel has unveiled the book, congratulating all of the authors and expressed gratitude for the efforts put into the publication of the book in Nepali version. He also praised the well written, lucid, logical and balanced information on Nepal’s current bird status. He also stated that the book will be a milestone for many Nepali bird lovers, conservationist, researchers and nature guides having keen interest on birds, adding values to the birds and their status. The book’s simple text in Nepali language, illustrated pictures and simplified content have made it handy even for the amateur birders, early conservationist and researchers.

Additionally, Prof. Karan Bahadur Shah, the book’s reviewer, wholeheartedly acknowledged the author’s efforts in producing such an amazing masterpiece book. He added “Highly illustrated pictures, simple text and most significantly, coverage of all the critical information have established definitive foundations for the early career researcher.”

Professor Dr. Tej Bahadur Thapa, Head of Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University and Dr. Bhagwan Raj Dahal, President of Nepalese Ornithological Union were among the distinguished guest who spoke about the importance of the book in the scientific community. They also stated that the book has emphasized the importance of local environment because birds and their name have long been associated with our culture. And it is our prior responsibility to safeguard the birds, conserve the pristineness of their habitat and avoid deteriorating their natural habitat.

A total of 36 guest, fellow researchers, early career researchers, conservationist, journalists from different organization but with a common interest participated to witness the unveiling program.