175% rise in waterfowls in “Kaziranga National Park”

What is the News?

The third annual census of birds in the Kaziranga National Park has been released. The main objective of the census was to record and estimate waterfowls and winter migratory birds. It also monitors and assesses the health of wetlands in the Park.

Water fowls and Winter Migratory Birds:

• The Park has recorded a 175% increase in the number of waterfowl and winter migratory birds.
  • Waterfowl are birds that are strong swimmers with waterproof feathers and webbed feet. They use their webbed feet as flippers to push through the water. Ducks, geese, and swans are waterfowl.
• Reason: Better conservation of water bodies, improved habitat management, and lesser human interference within the core area of the park and sensitive areas are the reasons for an increase in their numbers.
• The highest number of these bird species was from the family Anatidae comprising ducks and geese.
• The maximum increase was witnessed in Laokhowa-Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
• The top three species counted by the number are Eurasian Coot, Bar Headed Geese, and Common Teal.

Kaziranga National Park:

• It is located in the State of Assam. It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
• The park was declared as a National Park in 1974 and was also declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006. In 1985, the park was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International for the conservation of avifaunal species.
• It also houses the world’s largest population of Great One-horned Rhinoceros (IUCN Status- Vulnerable).
• Area Under Wetland: The area under wetlands in Kaziranga has reduced from 8.5% of the total area to 6.7% over a period of 30 years till 1977.
  • However, efforts to check siltation, erosion, and fragmentation of the beels (wetlands) and removal of invasive species have breathed fresh life into the park’s ecosystem.

Source: The Hindu