White-bellied heron conservation in Bhutan
In 2017, Prague Zoo began collaborating on a project to save the rarest heron species in Bhutan. The white-bellied heron is among the most endangered birds on the planet—its global population is estimated at fewer than sixty individuals, with fewer than thirty living within the Kingdom of Bhutan. The country’s current development, particularly the construction of hydroelectric power stations and the associated generation of electricity, could have fatal consequences for the already fragmented remnant population.
Photo: Prague Zoo archive
Prague Zoo has contributed to the conservation of the white-bellied heron (Ardea insignis) by helping to improve the husbandry skills of local conservationists, particularly in breeding various species of herons and storks, including artificial egg incubation and hand-rearing of chicks. In addition, the zoo has provided veterinary materials and supplies for heron rearing, and one of its veterinarians has carried out procedures directly in place.
Prague Zoo has also supported the construction of a breeding facility in the Changche Tsirang District of Wangdue Province. Moreover, representatives of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature have undertaken internships at Prague Zoo, focused not only on bird husbandry but also on basic veterinary care.
Project partners
ZOOPRAHA.CZ
Contacts
- The Prague zoological garden
U Trojskeho zamku 120/3
171 00 Praha 7
Phone.: (+420) 296 112 230 (public relations department)
e-mail: [email protected]
Others
