Guwahati, 11th January: The verdant expanse of Kaziranga National Park in Assam has transformed into a bustling center of activity, hosting the fifth census of migratory birds alongside a lively festival celebrating avian diversity and conservation.
Commencing on January 9, the two-day event has attracted hundreds of enumerators, students, and volunteers, all sharing a common passion for ornithology and conservation. Assam Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary inaugurated the Bird Conservation Festival at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, signaling the commencement of an extensive bird count across over 100 identified wetlands within the Eastern Assam, Nagaon, and Biswanath wildlife divisions of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).
Field Director Sonali Ghosh outlined the census methodology, emphasizing its combination of scientific rigor and conservation outreach. The goal is to enhance awareness among college students and forest frontline staffers regarding bird identification, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. Wetlands larger than 10 hectares and within a 1-kilometer buffer of the KNPTR boundary are meticulously chosen for enumeration, ensuring comprehensive coverage, even including smaller wetlands of significance.
Exclusive surveys in the core areas of the park are conducted by forest frontline staffers, while student volunteers actively participate in the buffer and tourism zones. Each wetland is assigned one enumerator and three volunteers equipped with kit bags containing binoculars, spotting scopes, and datasheets provided by park authorities.
The previous census, conducted during 2021-22, recorded a remarkable 66,776 wetland birds within KNPTR. This year’s festival and census aim not only to update these figures but also to showcase the rich avifauna of the region, contributing significantly to the understanding and conservation of these magnificent winged creatures.
Kaziranga National Park, celebrated for its significant populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer, holds the distinction of being an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. Home to nearly 478 bird species, including 25 globally threatened and 21 near-threatened species, it stands as one of India’s most crucial bird areas. The park provides sanctuary to rare birds such as hornbills, Old World babblers, weaver birds, and various species of ducks and geese, underscoring its ecological importance.
As the bird census progresses, the collective efforts of all involved illuminate the importance of preserving biodiversity hotspots. Kaziranga’s commitment to avian conservation is evident, and the outcomes of this census will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping future conservation strategies.
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