Himalayan Nature

Selenge, the Little Goose and Her First Migration

We are delighted to share "Selenge, the Little Goose and Her First Migration," a beautifully illustrated storybook that takes young readers on an extraordinary journey across continents. The narrative follows Selenge, a young bar-headed goose, as she embarks on her first migration from the Eurasian steppes to the warm wetlands of South Asia. Guided by her family, she navigates vast landscapes and crosses the formidable Himalayas, discovering inner strength she never knew she possessed.

What makes this story truly special is its emphasis on human connection and environmental stewardship. Through Selenge's friendships with Tuya from the steppes and Muthu from the Gangetic plains, children learn that nature transcends borders and that protecting migratory species demands cooperation across cultures. The book also addresses pressing conservation challenges, including shrinking wetlands, the hazards of wind turbines, and abandoned fishing nets—reminders of why safeguarding habitats is essential. Selenge's father aptly observes, "There used to be more wetlands and quiet places for us to feed. Now some have changed, and the water is not as clean as before."

This publication represents a significant contribution to conservation education. By weaving scientific accuracy with heartfelt storytelling, the book inspires empathy for migratory species and raises awareness about the Central Asian Flyway. It positions young readers as potential agents of change, encouraging them to understand and protect the natural world. The narrative demonstrates that courage is not the absence of fear but perseverance despite it, and that every individual can make a difference in preserving our shared planet.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Ramesh Kumar Selvaraj for his visionary storytelling and to Niveditha R K for producing such captivating illustrative pieces that streamline conservation messaging. We also thank the Central Asian Conservation Network (CACN) for publishing this remarkable book and allowing us to share it for educational and conservation outreach purposes. The book draws inspiration from scientific research on bar-headed goose migration across the Himalayas, ensuring its educational value.

The broader impact of such stories on youth cannot be overstated. By presenting complex ecological concepts through relatable characters and compelling narratives, children develop emotional connections to wildlife that translate into lasting conservation values. This book serves as a powerful resource for educators, parents, and conservation organizations seeking to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

We encourage educators to incorporate this story into environmental curricula, parents to read it with their children, and young readers to share Selenge's journey and become ambassadors for nature. Every year, thousands of birds travel across continents following invisible paths in the sky. Through Selenge's journey, children discover the wonder of bird migration and why protecting wetlands, rivers, and flyways remains critically important.

Please follow the Central Asian Conservation Network for updates: LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/central-asian-conservation-network/) and Instagram (.cacn).

We also acknowledge Dr. Ramesh Kumar Selvaraj and CACN for their generous permission to share this amazing storybook and for producing such illustrative excellence that promotes bird conservation. For more insight about the story book, follow the link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/149QMC8ZePcT1W_UnzcOAt32xxaHYl75d/view?usp=sharing

Story book -Selenge, the little goose and her first migration

Wetland Management: A Positive Shift in Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict

During the dry season, water scarcity inside the Tribeni Buffer Zone Community Forest, located in Binayi Tribeni-06, Nawalparasi, forced wildlife to venture beyond the forest boundaries into adjacent villages, dangerously escalating human-wildlife conflict.
The root cause? Sano Keulani, a natural waterhole within the forest, suffered from poor water retention due to gradual seepage and downslope drainage, leaving little to no stored water for wildlife.
To combat this, the Sano Keulani wetland was systematically rejuvenated under the project “Combating IWT: Strengthening Partnerships and Promoting Resiliency of Local Communities (IWT Tribeni).” With the financial support from Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the ZSL-Nepal-led project, being implemented in the western landscape of Chitwan National Park,
Interventions included constructing a strategic gabion wall along the downslope, clearing invasive vegetation, and deepening the central basin, significantly enhancing water storage capacity.
Though modest in scale, the intervention yielded remarkable ecological dividends. Previously a shrinking patch of moisture, the wetland now holds standing water across 107 m², and wildlife has already resumed using it as a vital dry-season refuge.

Voices from the ground:
• Mr. Mohan Thapa, Forest Guard, reports regular sightings of animals drinking at the site during patrols.

• Mrs. Manju Devi Sharma, a forest-fringe resident, confirms a significant decline in conflict: “Earlier, large carnivores leopards, and other wildlife frequently approached our homes. Now, they rarely venture out.”

Thoughtful, low-cost nature-based solutions can restore ecological balance and foster coexistence.

“The future depends on us.”

From Keele to KBO: A Field Scholar’s Immersion

We are thrilled to welcome William Pickerin, a First Class Honours BA Geography graduate from Keele University, London, to the KBO family for a three-week internship. Stationed at KBO, William will immerse himself in a rich tapestry of ecological fieldwork, from Farmland Bird Survey to venturing deep into the Patnali and Dharan Forest areas for Forest Bird Surveys. Beyond the forests, he will lend his expertise to a Wetland Bird Diversity Inventory, while also inspiring the next generation by leading our Weekly Bird Watching Program for local students and youth.

A splendid convergence of academic distinction and hands-on conservation, we wish William an intellectually transformative sojourn amidst the wilds.