Scientists have discovered a previously unknown sub-species of bird in the southern grasslands of Nepal, which might provide an important geographical link between previously-known varieties in Pakistan and India.
London, Feb 6 : Scientists have discovered a previously unknown sub-species of bird in the southern grasslands of Nepal, which might provide an important geographical link between previously-known varieties in Pakistan and India.
According to a report in BBC News, the bird is a warbler with a very long tail and slender beak and has been named the "Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia".
Though the bird had been spotted first in 2005 in a wetland area, it is only now that taxonomists have decided it is distinctive enough to be described as a separate sub-species.
The report stated that the newly identified bird has different dimensions from the two other types of Rufous-vented Prinia, and in colour comes between the rich chestnut of its western neighbour and the grey of the one to the east.
According to Hem Sagar Baral of Bird Conservation Nepal, the find is exciting because while the other two types belong to Pakistan's Indus river basin and the Brahmaputra of north-east India, this Nepalese sub-species fills the gap.
"The latest find appears to form the link between the two pre-existing sub-species," said Baral.
But, conservationists have warned that with habitat loss and degradation, the newly-identified variety is highly threatened, with at most 500 birds currently alive.
They are however elated that it has been found in a reserve which is well monitored by bird-watchers, and are now speculating that there may be more species waiting to be found - new to Nepal, or even to the world.
ANI