Guwahati: Ecologists have recorded about 11,000 water birds of 155 species in Deepor Beel in the second edition of the Deepor Beel Winter Birding Festival (WBF) conducted by 7WEAVES Research in January this year.
In the first-ever Winter Bird Count conducted by the group spotted 28,000 birds of 161 species in December 2022.
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“In the second year of WBF 2024, a total of 155 species from 46 families were recorded, with the highest count documented on January 7, 2024,” convenor of WEAVES Research, Pramod Kalita said addressing a press conference at Guwahati Press Club here on Thursday.
“WBF 2024 witnessed a decrease of 16,000 birds compared to WBF 2023, particularly in Waterfowls, Shorebirds, Wagtails & Pipits, Martins & Swallows,” Kalita said.
Deepor Beel has been a treat for bird lovers. It has a huge lake with hills on one side and is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Assam. Situated on the southwestern side of Guwahati, Deepor Beel is located on National Highway 31 and lies between Garchuk and Jalukbari.
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It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1989 and in 2002 it was declared a Protected Wetland.
Unfortunately, Deepor Beel has been fighting for its existence for the past few years now. Beel used to serve as a place to earn one’s livelihood for villagers staying very close to the area as they depend on fishing. Apart from fishing, villagers have also been actively preserving the area to sustain the ecosystem.
From the findings of the report, 7 Weaves Research has demanded the government demarcation of the boundary of Deepor Beel with immediate effect.
They also advocated for the release of the stagnant water from the wetland to the Brahmaputra and said merely blocking the inflow of excess water from the mighty river would not help to preserve the biodiversity of the wetland.
“The Deepor Beel WBF, an annual event by 7WEAVES Research, marks the winter migration of numerous birds to the wetland. Its’ ecological and economic value can be understood, it being one of the three Ramsar Site in the Northeast. The festival aims to explore the relationships among the fishing community, birds, and anthropogenic activities in and around Ramsar Site,” Kalita said.
WBF is one of the three important bird counts, the other two being Spring Bird Count (SBC) and Autumn Bird Count (ABC) under the bigger survey event named Bird Festival Deepor Beel. 7WEAVES Research has initiated its’ extensive long-term monitoring of the Deepor Beel in 2023 to bridge the gap through a simultaneous avian survey across various segments of the lake. This aimed to enhance comprehension of bird diversity, habitat preferences, and the impacts on avian species.
The event’s commencement represents a positive stride towards disseminating awareness about the significance of understanding and coexisting harmoniously with birds.
The four-day event, spanning from December 28, 2022, to January 17, 2023, documented 28,331 individuals across 161 bird species and 50 families.
This report encompasses WBF 2024, a five-day event from December 28, 2023, to January 17, 2024.
“In both years, observations coincided with Beelmara, facilitating an analysis of the coexistence dynamics between fishing communities and birds in the Deepor Beel ecosystem. Beelmara is a traditional fishing festival celebrated annually before Magh Bihu by local fishing community to celebrate the beginning of the new fishing year,” Kalita also said.
“As one of the most extensive community-driven birding initiatives, this festival brings together enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers to champion environmental stewardship. The festival catalyzes open data exchange, highlighting the significance of avian life and promoting harmonious coexistence with the natural world,” he said.
“A total of 155 species from 46 families were identified, with 46.4% being winter migrants and the rest resident species. The highest count occurred on Day 3, tallying 11,271 individuals, while the lowest count was on Day 4 with 7,349 individuals. Day 4 documented the highest number of species at 123, whereas Day 2 reported the lowest species count with 105,” he further said.
“Within the list of 155 species, one Vulnerable (VU) and six Near Threatened (NT) birds have been identified. These include the Common Pochard (VU), Lesser Adjutant (NT), Greater Adjutant (NT), Northern Lapwing (NT), Ferruginous Duck (NT), Oriental Darter (NT), and Asian Woolly-necked Stork (NT),” Kalita said.
The diverse habitats identified in WBF 2023, including hydrophase, marsh, mud flats, floating vegetation, wet and dry tall grass & reedbeds, short grasslands, and agricultural areas, were reaffirmed in the recent study. Areas beyond the protected zone, specifically Dharapur, Jalukbari, and Boragaon, emerged as significant hotspots, showcasing high bird abundance and diversity within Deepor Beel.
Some regions, such as Boragaon, Pamohi, and Jalukbari, faced challenges in accessibility due to elevated water levels during the study.