Third 'Annual Waterfowl Census' conducted at KNP

OUR CORRESPONDENTS

NUMALIGARH/ BISWANATH CHARIALI: The authority of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve carried out the third 'Annual Waterfowl Census' in the Park on February 6 and 7, 2021.

The major objectives of the exercise were to record and estimate the waterfowl and winter-migratory birds as well as to monitor and assess the health of wetlands. In order to carry out this Census, as many as 52 wetlands across the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve were identified and 36 seasoned birders were involved in the exercise as enumerators.

Counting of birds was carried out from 6 am to 4 pm on February 6. The data gathered during the exercise were compiled on February 7. The results were declared on February 9 by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Amit Sahai.

Altogether 93,491 birds from 112 different species belonging to 22 families were counted during the Census. The highest number of 26 species is from the Anatidae family, representing ducks and geese.

The top three species counted by number are: Eurasian Coot, Bar-headed Geese and Common Teal.

Of the 112 waterfowl species found in Kaziranga, 58 are migratory species visiting the Park from different parts of the world including Europe, Central Asia and East Asia.

The total number of birds has increased from 34,284 in 2020 to 93,491 in 2021, which amounts to a rise by 175%. The maximum increase in the number of birds is witnessed in the 'Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary' where the number of birds increased from 9,244 to 71,902.

This rise in the number of birds visiting Kaziranga can be attributed to the improved habitat management and water-conservation measures carried out by the authority of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.

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