Lumbini: A key-biodiversity area with Global Significance

Birdlife International, the global authority of the status of World’s Birds has recognized Lumbini and its farmlands as Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by Birdlife International. IBAs are sites of outstanding international importance selected by applying robust and well- tested criteria and are important for overall biodiversity not just for birds. This recognition is an important step towards the conservation of the landscape and wildlife found within it. Apart from being the home of globally threatened Sarus Crane the area is home to 210 bird species among with 8 are globally threatened birds including White-rumped Vulture, Indian Spotted Eagle, Slender-billed Vulture, Cinereous Vulture and Lesser Adjutant Storks. 

Mammal species include the globally threatened Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus (which was introduced here), Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicallata) and Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena). Other mammals include Golden (Jackal Canis aureus), Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula), Chital (Axis axis), Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) and Leopard (Panthera pardus). There is a plan to reintroduce the globally threatened Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra).