Asian Waterbird Count: A Glimpse into Arunachal Pradesh's Avian Wealth
The annual Asian Waterbird Count (AWC), a significant conservation initiative, recently commenced at Siikhe Lake in Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. This event, running from January 3 to 18, is part of a nationwide census aimed at monitoring waterbird populations and assessing the health of wetlands.
A Collaborative Effort
The bird census in Ziro is a joint venture between the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club and the Ziro Bird Walk. Key wetland and farmland habitats, including Siikhe Lake, Pigey Poro traditional farmland, Yasibo and Myochi wetland areas, Tarin fish pond, Khogo Kley side, and the Siiro wetland areas, are being surveyed.
Global Collaboration for Conservation
The AWC is coordinated globally by Wetlands International, in collaboration with eBird. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in conservation efforts.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Lends Support
On the second day of the census, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests N Tam joined the field team, lending support to the ongoing conservation initiative.
Mandarin Duck: A Recurring Migratory Guest
A notable highlight of the first day was the re-sighting of the Mandarin duck at Siikhe Lake. This migratory species has been recorded at the lake every year since 2022, reaffirming the ecological significance of the wetland.
Other Notable Species
Other important species documented during the count included the northern lapwing, the grey lapwing, and the Indian pond heron.
Regional and National Implications
The rich avian biodiversity discovered in the AWC has implications not only for Arunachal Pradesh but also for the broader Indian context. The findings contribute to our understanding of the country's diverse wildlife and highlight the need for continued conservation efforts.
Looking Ahead
As the AWC continues, we await further insights into the avian population of Arunachal Pradesh. These findings will not only enrich our knowledge of the region's wildlife but also provide valuable data for future conservation strategies.