Edited By Sangeeta Das
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is abuzz with activity as the fifth migratory bird census kicks off, coinciding with a vibrant Bird Conservation Festival. Launched by Assam’s Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, the two-day event draws enthusiasts, students, and volunteers, embarking on a comprehensive bird count across 100 wetlands in Eastern Assam, Nagaon, and Biswanath wildlife divisions.
The census, combining scientific rigor with conservation outreach, aims to raise awareness and deepen the connection between participants and the environment. Led by Field Director Sonali Ghosh, the methodology covers wetlands larger than 10 hectares within a 1-kilometer buffer of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) boundaries. Forest frontline staff survey core areas, while student volunteers cover buffer and tourism zones, armed with binoculars and spotting scopes.
In the previous census, 66,776 wetland birds were documented within KNPTR. The ongoing festival and census not only seek to update these figures but also spotlight the rich avifauna of the region. Kaziranga, an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, houses 478 bird species, including 25 globally threatened and 21 near-threatened ones, solidifying its status as a crucial bird area in India.
Known for its iconic rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and deer populations, Kaziranga, UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizes avian conservation. The census, showcasing collective efforts, underscores the significance of preserving biodiversity hotspots, contributing to future conservation strategies in this ecological haven.
