Lesser Adjutant Storks (Leptoptilos javanicus) make a colony on a fig tree (Ficus benghalensis) whose girth measured 450 cm (main photo). Fig trees are not cut down by Nepali farmers because they are considered holy. This religious belief allows such scattered enormous trees to be retained in lowland Nepal, providing critical nesting habitat for waterbirds. Asian Openbills (Anastomus oscitans) form large colonies on contiguous canopies such as this one formed by a cluster of simal trees (Bombax ceiba) (inset). Simal trees are native to lowland Nepal and are also a common tree used in agro-forestry in the area. Nepali laws are allowing these trees to grow large, and waterbirds are able to use these trees for nesting for many years before they are cut down. Photos by bijay Maharjan and Roshila Koju.