The Pallas’s Fish Eagle (PFE) (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) has a small population which appears to be declining due to degradation and disturbance of wetland habitat, loss of potential nesting sites and pollution from agricultural and human persecution(Gilbert, 2009). It is believed to have declined globally and the estimated population is said to be less than 10,000 matured individuals. Therefore this species is listed as “Vulnerable” by International Union for Conservation of Nature. Birdlife International (2009) state that, outside the Indian subcontinent, the status of the PFE is poorly known and surveys to identify key population and threats are considered a priority.

In Bhutan, the current status and extent of distribution of Pallas's Fish Eagle is largely unknown. Thus conservation status, distribution pattern and threats are poorly known and have received very less conservation and academic attention. Therefore extensive and focus research become vital in-order to establish their occupancy in the country.

Punatsangchu is a potential area for the conservation of PFE. Nonetheless, human pressures such as human settlements along the river and ongoing hydropower projects construction works have put threat to the alteration of its habitat. With no assessment conducted, it remains uncertain where and how far populations are displaced due to disturbances. There is urgent need to take up conservation initiatives.

The study proposed aims to generate important baseline information on Pallas's fish eagle conservation status, distribution, potential habitat and pertinent threats. The project will also contribute to build up literature basis for conservation need of PFE and generate scientific opinion on the global status of this species and call for regional cooperation to save this vulnerable species from extinction.

Furthermore the project will build framework for further research on PFE for Bhutan as well as for the entire home range countries. The project will also cover fishing data, roosting and nesting sites of PFE through local people’s information and site visits, which will aid to conduct breeding seasons and population estimate in next phase of the project. Awareness campaign will be conducted to local people and make them aware of the threaten status and conservation needs of Pallas's Fish Eagle.