Asian Waterbird Census 2022 conducted by Sikkim Biodiversity Board on Saturday simultaneously at three sites, viz. Teesta River (along Singtam-Bardang stretch in east district), Rangit River (covering part of Kitam Bird Sanctuary in south district) and Khecheopalri Lake in west district with the expert support and guidance from Bombay Natural History Society (Sikkim Field Station), Zoology department (Sikkim University) and Sikkim Ornithological Society.
The experts involved were Nosang Limboo, Chewang Bonpo, Sonam Pintso Sherpa, Dr. Sailendra Dewan, Bishal Thakuri, Atharva Singh and Dr. Himadri Mondal, informs a press release.
Asian Waterbird Census Records Important Birds
The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) is a citizen-science based waterbird monitoring programme which was actively participated by members of the biodiversity management committees (BMCs) of the West Pendam, Central Pendam, Kitam-Manpur and Thingling-Khecheopalri GPU, Kitam-based local organization Falcon and Khecheopalri Pokhari Sangrakshan Samiti.
The AWC 2022 was coordinated by DFO Bhumika Rai and Dr. Bharat Kumar Pradhan, a scientific associate from Sikkim Biodiversity Board.
During the Asian Waterbird Census, some rare and important water bird and dependent bird species were recorded from the three sites such as Pallas’s Gull, Common Merganser, Black Tailed Crane, Ibis Bill, River Lapwing, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, White-throated Kingfisher, Crested Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, Plumbeous water Redstart, White-capped Redstart, White Wagtail and Grey Wagtail.
It is for the first time that Asian Waterbird Census have been conducted in the State with the involvement of government department, local and national NGOs, Central university, and the local community, the release mentions.
ALSO READ: THANKA ART MAY DISAPPEAR DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST: KHANDU WANGCHUK FEARS
