The Himalayan Raptors

10/08/2026

We are thrilled to share our latest publication on the roost habitat selection and population status of the globally endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in the Kaski District of Central-West Nepal!

Led by Milan Baral, Anisha Neupane, and Tulsi Ram Subedi, our team investigated 30 roost sites (20 cliff roosts and 10 tree roost clusters) from 2018 to 2024 to understand what these magnificent birds look for in a home.

📊 Key Findings from the Study

Population Trends: We recorded an average of 435 vultures per year (ranging from 372 to 512 over 7 years), with massive congregations shifting from Dovilla to Lameaahal in 2024.

Cliff Roost Selection: Primarily driven by cliff height and distance to human settlements.

Tree Roost Selection: Influenced by canopy cover, height of the first branch, number of surrounding trees, and proximity to anthropogenic food sources and human settlements.

💡 Why It Matters?

While conservation efforts usually focus heavily on nesting areas, safe roost sites are vital for vulture survival and social interaction. Surprisingly, Egyptian Vultures frequently congregate near human settlements and food sources. Protecting these high-use corridors is crucial for the long-term survival of this endangered species in Nepal.

📄 Read the full open-access paper: 👉 https://doi.org/10.3356/jrr2544



Photo: Milan Baral (tree roost), Tulsi Subedi (cliff roost)

31/07/2026

🎨Art for Nature, Celebrate Vultures!

Vultures are nature's essential clean-up crew and guardians of public health, yet they face severe conservation challenges.

International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is a global event celebrated on the first Saturday in September of each year to raise awareness and conserve these magnificent birds.

To celebrate IVAD 2026, Himalayan Raptors is organizing a Vulture Artwork Festival!

We invite Nepalese students (+2, Bachelor's, and Master's levels) to use the universal language of art to celebrate, protect, and raise awareness for Nepal's majestic vultures.

🏆 Prizes:
• Champion: NPR 5,000
• First Runner-up: NPR 3,000
• Second Runner-up: NPR 2,000
(Digital Certificates will be provided to all participants!)

📅 Submission Window: August 15 – August 31, 2026

🔗 Submit your artwork here: https://forms.gle/fQrSTfGK6eyU7oyaA

Read full guidelines and themes here: https://himalayanraptors.org/events/vulture-artwork-festival
Let your creativity soar to keep Nepal's skies safe for vultures! 💚

30/07/2026

🦅 How well do you know Nepal’s raptors?

Explore 82 species of birds of prey—from powerful eagles and soaring vultures to mysterious owls and falcons. Discover their Physical profile, distribution, habitats, behaviour, ecology, threats, and conservation actions.

We have uploaded species accounts for all raptors (including owls) found in Nepal, accompanied by beautiful photos. We hope this information is useful for students, researchers, birdwatchers, conservationists, and anyone who loves birds of prey.

🔎 Explore Raptors of Nepal:
himalayanraptors.org/raptors

🌿 Discover. Learn. Conserve.

17/07/2026

Himalayan Raptors is excited to announce the volunteer call for our upcoming autumn 2026 raptor migration count. We invite you to join our efforts in tracking these magnificent birds—please feel free to share this opportunity with your networks.

15/07/2026

🦅 New Research Reveals How Age Influences Feeding Behaviour in Egyptian Vultures
We're excited to share the publication of a new study, "Age-class Differences in the Feeding Ecology of Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus) at Pokhara Landfill, Nepal," published in the Journal of Raptor Research. The study was led by Milan Baral, with Himalayan Raptors proudly contributing to its development.

🔍 What did the researchers discover?
• Adults lead the way, spending more time searching for and securing high-quality food.
• Younger (Juveniles and subadults) vultures often avoid direct conflict by following adults and using kleptoparasitism (stealing small scraps) to feed.
• Subadults spend more time practicing their "pecking" skills, showing they are still learning how to process food efficiently.
• While landfills provide essential food, they create a behavioral trade-off where birds must constantly balance active feeding with the need to stay alert for threats.

🦅 Why does this matter?
Understanding these behavioral differences is more than just observing bird habits; it’s crucial for conservation. Because age groups prioritize different activities (some searching, some scanning, some feeding), conservation management at sites like landfills must be nuanced. To support this endangered species, we need to manage food availability and disturbance levels in a way that respects these specific ecological needs.
Congratulations to Milan Baral and all co-authors on this significant contribution to vulture conservation. We are proud that Himalayan Raptors was part of this important collaborative research effort.
📖 Read the full paper here:
https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-raptor-research/volume-60/issue-3/jrr2563/Age-Class-Differences-in-the-Feeding-Ecology-of-Egyptian-Vultures/10.3356/jrr2563.full

13/07/2026

In many countries, poorly designed powerlines are among the most significant yet overlooked threats to raptors.

Powerline collisions and electrocutions are among the most signific...

05/06/2026

Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.

"Happy World Environment Day 2026"

It's a powerful reminder that nature already holds the blueprints for resilience. From protecting vital ecosystems to restoring the wilderness around us, nature-based solutions are our strongest allies in the fight against climate change.

Let’s turn inspiration into action.

What is one small change you are making today for our planet? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

07/05/2026

🎉 Big News for the Himalayan Raptors Family! 🦅

We are incredibly proud to announce that our CEO, Dr. Tulsi Subedi, has been honored with the prestigious Nature Conservation Award 2026 by Friends of Nature!
While this award recognizes Dr. Subedi’s individual excellence and his dedication to wildlife, the entire Himalayan Raptors team feels the glow of this achievement. His leadership continues to inspire us every day to push the boundaries of Raptor Research and Conservation.
This recognition isn't just a milestone—it is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It fuels our collective drive to protect the magnificent birds of prey that grace our skies.

02/05/2026

Hey hey! 👋

We’re here at the 13th Owl Festival in Lamahi, Dang, organized by Friends of Nature 🦉✨

We’ve got our own stall set up—come hang out, say hi, and check us out! Would love to see you around 😄

21/04/2026

The Crested Monarch of the Cloud Forests
While many eagles soar over open plains, the Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis) is the powerful raptor and the true king of the dense, vertical forests of the Himalayas.
Named "nipalensis" because it was first described right here in the hills of Nepal, this eagle is a master of "stealth hunting" among the trees.

What makes the aerial apex predator unique?
i) The Forest Crest: They possess a distinct, often erect crest on their head, giving them a noble and fierce silhouette.
ii) The Stealth Hunter: Unlike open-country eagles, they have relatively short, broad wings and a long tail. This allows them to navigate through thick forest canopies with incredible agility.
iii) A Diverse Diet: They are apex predators that keep the forest healthy by preying on everything from junglefowl and pheasants to squirrels, hares, and even large snakes.
iv) Sky Dancers: During the breeding season, pairs perform spectacular undulating "rollercoaster" flights over their territory to strengthen their bond.
v) Indicators of healthy forests: They have diverse diets and needs giants to nests and perches.

Threats to Mountain Hawk Eagle?
As a forest-dependent species, the Mountain Hawk-Eagle is an indicator of forest health. When the forest thrives, they thrive. However, they face growing challenges:
1. Habitat Fragmentation: The loss of primary forest or dense old-growth, large trees means fewer safe places to build their massive nests.
2. Slow Reproduction: They typically lay only one egg every one to two years, meaning the loss of a single adult has a massive impact on the local population.
3. Human Disturbance: They are sensitive to noise and activity near their nesting sites on remote ridges.
4. Poaching and Illegal Trade: The removal of eaglets from nests for trade has a severe negative impact on population recruitment and stability.
5. Conflict with humans: They often hunt the chickens and ducks of the villagers as easy prey, which results in persecution of this species.

How you can help:
 Protect the Canopy: Support community forestry and initiatives that preserve old-growth trees.
 Report Sightings: If you spot one during a trek, note the location! Data helps us map their range and protect critical habitats.
 Respect the Nest: If you find a nesting site, keep a safe distance to ensure the parents don't abandon their chick.
Let’s protect the "Monarch of the Mountains" and the forests they call home.