Avifauna of Tinjure Forest, eastern Nepal

Tinjure Forest, one of the ecologically important regions, lies on the eastern mid-hills of the country at a distance of about 9 km. from Basantapur bazaar of Tehrathum district. Its altitude ranges between 2400-3010 m and covers 22 sq. km. lying in between Basantapur and Chauki (Rai 1998). Basantapur is a small market located on the boarder of Sankhuvasabha and Terhathum district. Infrastructure of development, such as road and communication has turned this area into the trading centre for Terhathum, Sankhuvasabha and some parts of Bhojpur district. Large amount of Lokta' (Daphne spp.) and medicinal plants are collected there. The area is mostly steep with forested slopes and ridges. The broad-leaved deciduous moist forest mostly covers the area and the lower canopy is composed of Rhododendron spp., Quercus spp., and Daphne spp. It is rich in biodiversity and provided the home to various indigenous and rare birds like Kalij Pheasants (Lophophora leucomelana) and Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra). There is no specific geographical barrier in between the adjoining areas so that the movement of wildlife and birds within these areas is possible. The area is covered with magnificently beautiful and splendid Rhododendron jungle intermixed mainly with oak and other tree species such as Magnolia spp., Castanopsis spp., Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis, Taxus baccata with different kinds of shrubs, herbs, climbers, epiphytes and grasses. In these regions, survey of bird was conducted in 1997-1998. A total of 73 bird species belonging to 23 families were recorded. Birds were observed in dense forest, degraded forest, bamboo grooves, scrub and open habitats.