Bardiya: Water species such as fish, freshwater snails, crabs, and mussels are becoming increasingly rare in the fields, rivers, streams, and wetlands of the region.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Baliram Tharu, a 60-year-old resident of Jagatiya in Badhaiyaatal rural municipality-5, recalls a time when these species were abundant. He attributes their decline to the growing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in modern farming, along with shrinking wetlands and the expansion of dry areas.
Traditionally, locals caught fish using nets, traps, or even by hand. However, harmful methods such as poisoning water or using electric currents have become more common, preventing these species from thriving, according to residents. Badhaiyaatal, Nepal’s largest lake, spanning 107 bigha of land, has also seen overexploitation threatening the survival of these aquatic animals.
Himalaya Tripathi, chairperson of Badhaiyaatal rural municipality, noted that only a few of these species remain compared to the past. With the depletion of water resources, bird populations have also declined in recent years. He mentioned that the usual chirping of birds is no longer heard.
The growing demand for these aquatic species for sale rather than conservation has further harmed their populations. With dishes made from freshwater snails, crabs, and mussels becoming popular at local homestays, hunters have increasingly captured them for commercial purposes. Traditionally, these animals are a source of local cuisine for the Tharu community.
The region is home to two types of freshwater snails, five species of crabs, and two species of mussels. From a health perspective, these species are rich in protein and calcium and are known to support bone strength and help with conditions like gastritis. Pediatrician Dr. Bishwanath Yadav suggests that awareness of these benefits may have increased their consumption, contributing to their decline.
Kamala Adhikari, head of the Integrated Agriculture Development and Livestock Office in Bardiya, confirms that these aquatic species are now close to extinction. She noted that farming practices have changed significantly, with the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and heavy excavation in rivers and streams largely damaging their habitats. Reduced rainfall and shrinking wetlands have exacerbated the situation, with only about 10 percent of freshwater snails remaining compared to the past. Conservationists emphasize the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these aquatic species.