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Enhancing Biodiversity Protection and Building Capacity for Cooperative Research in Bhutan to Address Sustainable Development Goal 15 | EPiC

Group picture of kick off meeting in Bhutan
© Swen Renner

Cooperating countries: Bhutan, Austria

Coordinating institution: Natural History Museum Vienna

Project coordinator: Priv.-Doz. Dr. Swen Renner

Partner institution: Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation & Environmental Research, University of natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna

Project duration: 01.07.2024 - 30.06.2027

Project summary

This project investigates the complex relationship between forest management, avian biodiversity, and wildlife health in Bhutan, with a particular focus on the prevalence of avian malaria in the bird community of the habitat of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron. The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 15, aiming to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, combat deforestation, and halt land degradation and biodiversity loss.

Utilizing state-of-the-art geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, the project will map forest cover and types, assess changes, and correlate these with biodiversity metrics and the health of avian species. Special attention will be given to the known and assumed breeding habitats of White-bellied Heron environment as an indicator of ecosystem integrity. Concurrently, the study will examine the impact of forest degradation on the prevalence of avian malaria, providing insights into the interdependencies between habitat quality and disease dynamics in bird populations.

Capacity building constitutes a significant component of the project, with dedicated work packages aimed at enhancing the skills of Bhutanese researchers in ecological monitoring and conservation strategies. This will ensure the sustainability of research efforts and foster local expertise.

The expected outcomes include detailed habitat maps, comprehensive data on bird diversity and health, and strategic recommendations for forest conservation. These outputs will be disseminated through scientific publications, policy briefs, and community engagement initiatives. Ultimately, the project will contribute to the conservation of the White-bellied Heron habitat, inform sustainable forest management practices, and enhance our understanding of the implications of habitat changes on disease ecology and biodiversity.

Group photo at the reception (from left to right): PD Dr. Marcela Suarez-Rubio (BOKU), Dr. Kinley Tenzin (RSPN), Director General Dr. Katrin Vohland (NHM Vienna), Tshering Tobgay (RSPN), PD Dr. Swen Renner (NHM Vienna).
© Chloe Potter NHM Group photo at the reception (from left to right): PD Dr. Marcela Suarez-Rubio (BOKU), Dr. Kinley Tenzin (RSPN), Director General Dr. Katrin Vohland (NHM Vienna), Tshering Tobgay (RSPN), PD Dr. Swen Renner (NHM Vienna).

Workshop on Land Use Change and Avian Health in Bhutan, March 17–21, 2025 | Natural History Museum Vienna

A dedicated group of researchers gathered at the Natural History Museum Vienna for an intensive workshop focused on biodiversity and conservation challenges in Bhutan. Our primary goal is to advance a collaborative draft paper on land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the watershed of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron (WBH). We use remote sensing tools, particularly Google Earth Engine, to analyze multi-temporal satellite imagery, assess vegetation changes, and evaluate the impact of landcover changes on WBH habitats. 

In parallel, we develop a sampling design for avian malaria screening in Bhutan’s forest bird species. This work aims to establish a baseline for understanding the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites and their potential effects on avian health and conservation. Future fieldwork is planned for May 2025.

The expected outcomes include:

  • A draft manuscript on LULC changes and conservation implications for WBH
  • A framework for avian malaria monitoring in Bhutan

This workshop was hosted in the NHM bird collection and co-hosted by BOKU University.

Inception meeting in Bhutan

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