Guwahati: As winter approaches, Assam prepares to welcome its winged visitors from distant lands. These migratory birds flock to Assam’s diverse forests and wetlands, enriching the state’s biodiversity during winter.
Aaranyak, the region’s leading research-based organization for biodiversity conservation, has called for concerted efforts by all sections of people in the state to safeguard these precious winter guests, which render tremendous value to the state’s in situ biodiversity.
These migratory birds add to the richness of the state’s biodiversity during winters, making the destinations more lucrative for nature enthusiasts and further boosting Assam’s tourism potential.
Aaranyak will host a series of birdwatching events and conduct bird counts at various locations across the state from November onwards.
“Migratory birds which visit different areas of the state during winter are our valued guests and we all should safeguard them during their stay in the state. The people of the state should also remain sensitive to protect and conserve the natural areas frequented by these migratory birds,” said Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General and CEO of Aaranyak.
Dr. Talukdar informed that Aaranyak will be eager to extend as much cooperation as possible on its part to the bird lovers who want to have a closer look at these wonderful winged visitors.
“Assam is home to over 900 out of total 1,377 species recorded from India so far. The diversity of habitat and altitudinal range, coupled with the location encompassing two biogeographic zones explains this diversity and high number of breeding birds in the state. Assam also receives a high number of migratory birds due to having two major migration flyways, the Central Asian and East Asian – Australasian flyways over the state,” said Udayan Borthakur, a senior scientist in Aaranyak.
“Aaranyak has undertaken crucial ecological research on some of the globally threatened birds, such as the White-winged Wood Duck, Bengal Florican, Greater Adjutant, and White-bellied Heron, among others. We have also pioneered genetic research on critically endangered White-bellied Heron in the world,” he said.
“Besides scientific research, Aaranyak has been undertaking bird watching as a tool to connect people with nature and contribute towards citizen-science based initiatives. Aaranyak biologists, members and volunteers have contributed to the development of checklists of birds of several Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Assam,” Borthakur said.
On the importance of birds as well as migratory birds to the ecosystems, Aaranyak’s researcher Karishma Sharma Chamlagain said, “Birds are vital agents for critical ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, and nutrient cycling. In many regions, migratory birds further amplify these benefits, connecting ecosystems across continents. Their migratory routes span thousands of miles, demonstrating nature’s intricate interconnections.”
“In places like Assam, where biodiversity is particularly rich, birds play key roles in maintaining ecological health, supporting human livelihoods, and enriching cultural heritage,” she added.
She further said, “Migratory birds, in particular, are a vital link between different ecosystems. They contribute to global biodiversity by transporting genetic material across geographic regions and enriching ecosystems far from their breeding grounds.”
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“However, despite their ecological importance, birds and migratory birds face significant threats due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human activities. Protecting these migratory birds is essential not only for preserving biodiversity but also for maintaining ecosystem services that benefit humankind,” she added.
