In the latest census, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam has recorded a 175 percent increase in the number of waterfowls and winter migratory birds.
The census was carried out last week. Altogether 93,491 birds from 112 species belonging to 22 families were recorded during the two-day (6-7 February) annual waterfowl census in the National Park. The consensus was conducted across 52 wetlands across the Park.
“The 3rd Waterfowl Census report of @kaziranga_ was released by Shri. Amit Sahai, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife), today at Kohora. 93,491 birds belonging to 112 different species were recorded on 6th Feb’21. We express our sincere gratitude to all those who were part of this exercise” the official Twitter page of KNPTR informed.
The 3rd Waterfowl Census report of @kaziranga_ was released by Shri. Amit Sahai, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife), today at Kohora. 93,491 birds belonging to 112 different species were recorded on 6th Feb’21. We express our sincere gratitude to all those who were part of this exercise ????. pic.twitter.com/SC6Tj8yBPX
— Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (@kaziranga_) February 9, 2021
The rise in the number of birds visiting Kaziranga has been attributed to improved habitat management and water conservation measures carried out by the KNPTR authority.
The total number of birds has increased from 34284 in 2020 to 93491 in 2021, which amounts to a rise of 175%. The maximum increase was witnessed in Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary where the number of birds increased from 9244 to 71902.
A total of 36 birders were involved in the exercise which had the objectives to record and estimate waterfowl and winter migratory birds and to monitor and assess the health of wetlands.
On a negative note, the area under wetlands in KNPTR has reduced from 8.5 percent of the total area to 6.7 percent from 1967 to 1997. The third waterfowl census carried out last week found siltation, erosion, fragmentation of wetlands, and presence of invasive species in the wetlands.
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