The Himalayan Raptors

🎉 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.

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 😄

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.

Barn Owl—Farmers’ Friend

You may recognize the owl with stunning heart-shaped face, but did you know they are one of the most effective, free, and non-toxic pest controllers on earth?
These master hunters live on the edges of our farms and villages, perfectly adapted for life alongside people. A single family of Barn Owls can consume thousands of rodents in a single nesting season.

Silent Features

• Super Hearing: That facial "heart" acts as a radar dish, funneling the smallest sounds of rodents directly to their ears—even in total darkness.
• Silent Flight: Their velvety feathers absorb sound, making them a "stealth bomber" for mice.
• Nature’s Rodent Control: They are a farmer’s best friend.

They are in Danger

Despite the massive service they provide, Barn Owls face a serious threat: secondary poisoning from rodenticides (rat poison).
When Barn Owls eat poisoned rodents, they die. To protect them, stop using rodenticide baits. Instead, encourage healthy, natural Barn Owl populations around your agricultural land. Protect our silent guardians.

Bearded Vulture: The Bone-Breaker of the Himalayas, called Haadfor

High above the rugged peaks, where the air grows thin and the landscape turns to stone, lives one of nature’s most specialized survivors: the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus).
Often called the "Lammergeier," this incredible raptor isn't just another bird of prey—it is a vital part of the mountain ecosystem with some of the most unique habits in the animal kingdom.

They are special!

• The Bone Specialist: They are the only living bird species that subsists almost entirely (upto 90%) on bones. They have evolved incredibly strong stomach acids to digest bone in just 24 hours.
• The High-Altitude Drop: When a bone is too large to swallow, they carry it high into the air and drop it onto rocks to shatter it into bite-sized pieces.
• Natural "Makeup": That striking rusty-orange color on their feathers isn't genetic—it’s actually iron oxide. They "bathe" in mineral-rich soil and damp rocks to stain their plumage.
• The "Beard": They get their name from the distinct tuft of black bristles at the base of their beak, giving them a wise appearance.

They need our help!

Despite their toughness, Bearded Vultures face modern threats from:
1. Habitat Loss: Fragmentation of the high-mountain wilderness.
2. Poisoning: Secondary poisoning from toxic chemicals (especially drugs) present in livestock carcasses and poison baits used to kill other predator animals.
3. Human Interference: Disturbance near nesting sites on remote cliffs, and collision with powerlines and other utility infrastructures.

How can we help?

• Spread the Word: Share this post to help dispel myths about vultures. They aren't "scavengers" to be feared; they are nature’s ultimate cleanup crew, preventing the spread of disease.
• Respect the Nest: If you are trekking or climbing in the high Himalayas, keep a respectful distance from cliff faces during nesting season.
• Support Local Conservation: Follow organizations dedicated to monitoring raptor populations and protecting their habitats.
Let’s ensure these "Kings of the Crags" continue to soar over our mountains for generations to come. 🌏✨

🦅 Pushing the Boundaries of Raptor Conservation in Nepal

We are proud to announce that Himalayan Raptors, in strategic partnership with The Peregrine Fund, is advancing the frontier of raptor research and conservation across Nepal.
Our latest mission focuses on the critically endangered Red-headed Vulture—a cornerstone species for the ecosystem's health. To better understand them, we have successfully begun deploying high-precision GPS satellite transmitters.

Why Data Matters:

These transmitters are more than just tracking devices; they are "eyes in the sky" providing the invaluable data needed to:
• Identify Threat Hotspots: Pinpoint exactly where these birds face the greatest risks.
• Inform Precision Conservation: Move beyond general observation to data-driven, targeted action.
• Support National Policy: Provide the Government of Nepal with the scientific evidence required to effectively implement the Vulture Conservation Action Plan.

By mapping these movements in real-time, we are directing vital resources exactly where they are needed most. Together, we are ensuring these majestic raptors continue to soar across Himalayan skies for generations to come.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2026 from all the Himalayan Raptors team

The successful completion of the four-day “Raptor Survey Design and Survey Technique” event at Central Campus of Technology (CCT), Daran, can be attributed to the remarkable dedication and hard work of volunteers. Their exceptional commitment to managing every logistical detail was crucial in making the event a success. From day one, every participant enjoyed comfortable lodging and well-organised meals, allowing them to focus entirely on the training without any concerns. The meticulous attention to detail and proactive planning fostered an environment where everyone felt welcomed, supported, and ready for the intensive learning experience.

In addition to handling accommodations and meals, the volunteer took on the significant task of coordinating essential facilities. This included securing training halls, setting up reliable Wi-Fi, tea and snacks, arranging transportation for field sessions, and managing all on-ground logistics throughout the program. Their relentless effort, adaptability, and quick problem-solving skills ensured a seamless experience from start to finish. Because of this tremendous dedication, the training met its objectives and created a memorable impact on all participants.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to: Tujin Rai, Maunata Limbukhim Yakha, Anusha Dhungana, Temuksha Kurumbhong, Sangenma Rai, Khusi Basnet, Sunmaya Limbu, Nayan Magar, Pooja Rai, Simran Basnet, Binisha Dhungel, and Rushma Shrestha.

Your contributions were vital to the success of this program. Himalayan Raptors is excited about the possibility of collaborating and looks forward to working with you in the future. Thank you once again from the entire Himalayan Raptors family.