DoWP, WD Kashmir to conduct census of Migratory, other endemic birds

Yogesh Sharma

Srinagar: Department of Wildlife Protection (DoWP), J&K Govt. Wetlands Division (WD), Kashmir, is conducting the census of Migratory Birds and other endemic birds nesting in the valley wetlands on Saturday, February 12.

The official sources, told The Environment, that participants from Kashmir University, SKUAST-K, Wildlife Conservation Fund, National Development Foundation, Govt. Degree College Pampore, Biodiversity Management Committees, Kashmir Bird Watchers Club, Wildlife SOS, Wildlife Researchers, Society for Environment Education and Development, Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Volunteers and freelancers are taking part in the said census. 

The aim of the programme is to identify the current status of valley Wetlands viz. Hokersar, Mirgund, Narkara, Hygam, Badi Nambal, Shallabugh, Anchar, Dal-Lake, Wullar Lake, Chatlum, Kranchoo, Manibugh, Freshkhoori Wetlands which harbour a sizeable number of migratory birds and to check the population fluctuation of migratory species in the Valley Wetlands during Winter migration.

Meanwhile, an orientation programme was conducted today at Camping Ground, Hokersar Srinagar to inculcate the census techniques amongst the participants and to add valuable suggestions received from the participants.

The  Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Division Kashmir stated that coordinated efforts by the Department of Wildlife Protection to conduct the Annual Water bird Census (AWC) this year shall go a long way in establishing the numbers of various water bird species particularly the migratory waterfowl that visit the wetlands of the Valley during winter months.

This annual practice conducted by the Wildlife Protection Department will help in creating a sound database of the wintering waterfowl population in the Valley Wetlands.