Gharana wetland sees new avian species

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 22

Despite human interference, which prevents migratory birds from making the Gharana wetland their habitat during winter, the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC)-2017 has shown a rise in species diversity at the wetland.

The Census was jointly carried out by the J&K Wildlife Protection Department and the WWF-India, Jammu chapter, and coordinated by the AWC-Delhi, state coordinator, TK Roy and ecologist and AWC-J&K, state coordinator, Pankaj Chandan.

The Census has recorded an increase in the number of water bird species from 33 to 37. This includes three species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

However, there is a less number of ducks with a total population of 611. Of the 37 species, 17 are resident water birds and 20 are winter migratory birds from Central and North Asia.

The AWC-2016 had recorded 33 species diversity with a total population of 736.

“Although the total population of birds is not more in this small wetland, the species diversity is still good and increasing. The concern is the attitude of villagers as they force birds out of the area, claiming they destroy their crops,” says TK Roy.

Experts have also highlighted the negative side of the life of migratory birds at the wetland because of human interference and climate change.

Villagers do not allow geese to stay at Gharana while global climate change has impacted the number and diversity of birds.

The Asian Waterbird Census is carried out in Asia and Australasia simultaneously once a year in January across 27 countries by a national network of volunteers and partner organisations in coordination with national coordinators and state coordinators.

The wetland is a unique and small aquatic habitat for water birds located in Gharana village in RS Pura.