Endemic Bird in Peril: Nepal’s Kade Vyakur Faces
Nepal’s only endemic bird, the Kade Vyakur (Spiny Babbler), is facing growing threats to its survival due to rapid urban expansion and habitat destruction in the mid-hill regions of the country.
Once thought to be extinct, the Spiny Babbler was rediscovered in the Kathmandu Valley in the 1940s. Today, it is found in select pockets of dense shrubland and forest edges, including Godavari, Phulchoki, and parts of Pokhara and the Annapurna region. However, conservationists warn that its future is uncertain.
“The bird is shy, elusive, and deeply dependent on specific shrub habitats,” said ornithologist Dr. Ramesh Thapa. “As these areas are cleared for agriculture and housing, the Kade Vyakur is losing its home.”
Known for its unique call and characteristic spiky feathers, the Kade Vyakur has become a symbol of Nepal’s rich biodiversity. Birdwatchers travel from across the world in hopes of catching a glimpse of it during the breeding season, when the males sing openly from bushes and low trees.
Despite its ecological and tourism value, there has been little formal protection for its shrinking habitats. Local birding communities and environmental NGOs are calling for increased awareness and targeted conservation efforts.
“We need to recognize this bird as a national natural treasure,” said Maya Gurung, a conservation campaigner. “Protecting the Kade Vyakur is not just about one species—it’s about preserving an entire ecosystem.”
With increasing pressures on land in the hills and valleys of Nepal, time may be running out for the Kade Vyakur unless immediate steps are taken to protect its natural environment.