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Wetland Bird Estimation in KNP & TR: Water Birds Declined by 28%

  • 19 Jan 2022

According to the fourth wetland bird estimation in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP & TR), results of which were announced on 18th January 2022, the number of water birds reduced to 66,776 in 2021-22 from 93,543 in 2020-21 (declined by 28.61 per cent in one year).

  • 66,776 water birds of 126 species were enumerated in the latest study using the point count method.

Point counts are a commonly used method for determining the relative abundance of birds. A point count consists of standing at a predetermined location, usually along the road-side, and counting all birds seen or heard during a set period of time.

  • Among the birds, Bar-headed Goose topped the list with 16,552, followed by Northern Pintail at 9,493 and Common Teal at 5,631. Its conservation status in IUCN is ‘Least Concern’.
  • Ferruginous Duck, an important species with 2,236 numbers may be regarded as a highlight of the latest bird estimation. Its conservation status in IUCN in ‘Near Threatened’.

Reason for Decline in Water Birds

  • The decrease in the number of water birds was due to accumulation of water hyacinth in Rowmari wetland under the Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary.

KNP & TR

  • The KNP & TR, one of India's seven UNESCO world heritage sites, is not just about one-horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers and Asian elephants it is also home to thousands of birds of over 125 species.
  • The national park is situated in Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Karbi Anglong districts, mostly in central Assam.