Uttarakhand

• 27 Jan 2025

Asian Waterbird Census

Why in News? 

Volunteers at the Asan Wetland in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, identified 5,225 birds across 117 different species during a bird counting campaign. 

 Key Points 

• About the Event: 
  • The bird counting campaign was organized by a team of 35 participants, divided into five groups. 
  • It aimed to monitor both domestic and migratory bird populations in the Asan Wetland. 
  • The teams conducted a comprehensive bird count at locations including Asan Lake, the Yamuna and Asan rivers, the Shivalik mountain range, and nearby protected forests. 
• Survey and Methodology: 
  • More than 150 volunteers and forest staff surveyed 23 sites following a pre-determined protocol to count waterbirds and document other bird species. 
  • Observers also recorded the behaviors and activities of birds in and around the marshes and wetlands. 
• Citizen Science Initiative: 
  • The Asian Waterbird Census occurred simultaneously at 23 wetland sites across Uttarakhand. 
  • The initiative was supported by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and involved various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 

 Asan Conservation Reserve 

• About: 
  • The Asan Conservation Reserve spans 444 hectares along the Asan River, extending to its confluence with the Yamuna River in Dehradun district. 
  • The Asan Barrage, built in 1967, led to siltation above the dam, creating bird-friendly habitats. 
• Biodiversity and Species: 
  • The reserve is home to 330 species of birds, including the critically endangered red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture, and Baer’s pochard. 
  • The site records over 1% of the biogeographical populations of the red-crested pochard and ruddy shelduck. 
  • Non-avian species present include 49 fish species, with the endangered Putitor mahseer among them.