Asian water bird census launched for J&K wetlands

Srinagar, February 27

The Forest Department of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday launched Asian water bird census exercise 2024 for Wular, Hokersar and other adjoining wetlands.

The Asian water bird census is an annual exercise conducted in January-February to assess the avian population visiting the wetlands. The census not only provides valuable information for launching intensive conservation efforts but also engages citizens, scientists, students, avid birders, and volunteers in the process of monitoring and protecting bird populations. This exercise is considered to be one of the most important indicators of wetland health.

The department of wildlife protection, wetland division, and Wular Conservation and Management Authority are jointly conducting Asian water bird census from February 27 for Ramsar sites of Wular, Hokersar, Shallabugh and other adjoining wetlands.

Scientists and conservationists from different organisations, scholars and students from academic institutions will take part in the bird counting in these wetlands. As part of the exercise, orientation exercise for participants was conducted at Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Rajbagh Srinagar, on Monday.

Wular Conservation and Management Authority Chief Executive Director T. Rabi Kumar, who launched the census, said the birds are essential ecological indicators in determining the health of wetlands. He said active collaboration of all stakeholders in mobilising the resources for effective management of wetlands is needed. He said students should develop bird watching as a habit and promote it as an important eco-tourism activity.

The event witnessed participation of various NGOs, college and university scholars, volunteers, bird watching groups and departmental staff. Besides various resource persons were invited to impart training and knowhow with regard to conducting of census exercise.