A record 112,062 migratory waterbirds of 124 species were spotted at Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, marking a new high for freshwater lakes in northeast India, as confirmed by KNPTR officials. The latest waterbird count, overseen by KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh, surpassed previous counts, with 62 species being winter migrants. Notable findings include 7 globally threatened and 15 near-threatened species based on the IUCN red list. Nagaon Wildlife Division recorded the highest number of species at 107 out of three divisions.
During the sixth Kaziranga Waterbird Count, significant sightings of endangered species like Baer’s Pochard and Pallas’s Fish Eagle were reported, along with the Bar-headed Goose numbering 20,845. Noteworthy was the first-time observation of five species. The event involved five observers, four coordinators, and 93 enumerators, as well as 62 volunteers and forest staff from various institutions and organizations. Comparatively, KNPTR stands out for its diverse water bird population when compared to other similar sites across India, such as Nalsarovar, Keoadeo Ghana National Park, Kolleru Lake, Wular Lake, Loktak Lake, Deeporbeel, Rowmaribeel, and Donduwabeel.
The bird count in Kaziranga not only gathers data on waterbird populations but also boosts community involvement and awareness of wetland conservation, as per the KNPTR Director. Stakeholders collaborating show the joint effort for effective wildlife conservation. Started in 2018-19 by the KNPTR authority, the waterbird count now serves as a key tool for managing wetlands in Kaziranga. The census didn’t disrupt tourism, highlighting the importance of science-based conservation. India hosts about 370 migratory bird species using wetland habitats, with 310 from three major flyways.
India’s vast wetlands, covering 15.26 million hectares, are crucial habitats for over 200 waterbird species. The birds use these wetlands as vital rest stops during their migrations along the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and East African-Eurasian Flyway (EAEF). These sites support the birds’ migration patterns and provide necessary resources. Kaziranga and other northeastern wetlands are critical wintering sites for both flyways. Kaziranga National Park (KNPTR), spanning around 1,300 sq km, is home to over 2,613 one-horned Indian rhinos.
The world-famous Kaziranga National Park in India hosts not just rhinos but also Asian elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, wild buffalos, and numerous other animal species, along with over 124 bird species. It is India’s seventh UNESCO World Heritage site, covering parts of Assam in districts including Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Biswanath.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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