Morigaon (Assam), Feb 2 (PTI): The population of water birds at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has surged by more than 50%, reaching 10,933 as per a recent survey, officials confirmed on Sunday.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Ranger Pranjal Baruah revealed that the Asian Water Bird Census 2024 recorded 56 species of water birds in the sanctuary. "Last year, the number stood at 7,225, marking a significant rise in avian presence," he stated.
Tamuliduva Wetland: A Biodiversity Hotspot
Among the key contributors to this increase is the Tamuliduva wetland, the largest in Pobitora, which supports the highest concentration of biodiversity within the protected area.The census was conducted on January 18 by 12 expert teams comprising 22 specialists, including renowned ornithologist Anuwaruddin Choudhary and Forest Department officials. The teams surveyed nine ‘beels’ (water bodies) within the sanctuary.
According to Baruah, 80% of the recorded birds were migratory, while 20% were resident species.
World Wetland Day Observance
The findings were officially presented on World Wetland Day, celebrated at Pobitora under the theme "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future" in collaboration with wildlife NGO Aaranyak.Pobitora: Home to the World's Densest One-Horned Rhino Population
Located in Morigaon district, about 35 km from Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a protected area in 1998, combining Pobitora Reserve Forest and Raja Mayang Hill Reserve Forest. Spanning 38.81 sq km, it boasts the highest density of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros in the world, with 107 rhinos recorded in the 2022 census.The sanctuary also harbors:
✔ 22 species of mammals
✔ 27 species of reptiles
✔ 9 species of amphibians
✔ 41 species of fish
✔ 375 species of birds
Other prominent wildlife includes leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild boars, Chinese pangolins, and various species of deer. Pobitora supports two critically endangered, four endangered, eight vulnerable, and three near-threatened bird species.
Tourism on the Rise
Pobitora remains a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. During the 2023-24 tourist season, the sanctuary welcomed 51,293 visitors, including 2,029 international tourists, who explored its rich biodiversity through jeep and elephant safaris.With this remarkable increase in water bird population, Pobitora continues to solidify its status as one of India’s most vital wetland ecosystems.
Last updated by a enewsx: