Guwahati: To mark the Endemic Bird Day 2025, Aaranyak, in collaboration with the Kamrup East Division of the Assam Forest Department, organised a half-day awareness event in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, bringing together 24 birdwatchers, researchers, and conservationists for a day of exploration and dialogue.
Held under Aaranyak’s ‘WeForNature’ programme, the event aimed to highlight the significance of avian endemicity and promote conservation awareness through field-based observation and community discussion.
Participants began the day with a birdwatching trail starting at the Lokhara entry point, recording 22 bird species native to the ecologically rich forest.
This was followed by an informal yet insightful “Conservation Adda,” where attendees discussed pressing issues in bird conservation, the importance of citizen science, and the role of public participation in protecting endemic species.
Northeast India, located within the Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots, is a sanctuary for several globally important endemic and near-endemic bird species, including the Mishmi Wren-Babbler, Manipur Bush Quail, and Bengal Florican.
The event was led by conservation biologist Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha and wildlife biologist Dr. Nilotpal Mahanta, supported by the Aaranyak team comprising Partha Pratim Das, Chinmoy Swargiary, Simanta Medhi, and Pitom Jyoti Gore. Coordination was handled by Aaranyak’s Pranab Goswami.