The annual Asian Waterbird Count (AWC) in Arunachal Pradesh has commenced on an exciting note, with birdwatchers recording the reappearance of the rare and beautiful Mandarin duck at Siikhe Lake in Ziro. This significant sighting at the very start of the census highlights the critical ecological value of the state's wetland habitats.
Census Scope and Key Participants
The nationwide bird survey, which runs from January 3 to January 18, is being carried out jointly by the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club and the Ziro Bird Walk initiative. The teams are focusing their efforts across major wetland and farmland areas within the Lower Subansiri district.
According to Koj Mama, the AWC Arunachal Pradesh regional coordinator, the census is covering several vital locations. These include:
- Siikhe Lake
- Pigey Poro traditional farmland
- Yasibo wetlands
- Myochi wetlands
- Tarin fish pond
- Khogo Kley side
- Siiro wetlands
Global Significance and Local Support
Globally, the Asian Waterbird Count is coordinated by Wetlands International in partnership with eBird. The primary objectives are to monitor population trends of waterbirds and to evaluate the overall health and status of wetland ecosystems worldwide.
The conservation initiative received a significant boost on its second day when N Tam, the principal chief conservator of forests for Arunachal Pradesh, joined the field team. His participation underscores the departmental support for this crucial biodiversity monitoring exercise.
The Celebrated Mandarin Duck of Siikhe Lake
The sighting of the Mandarin duck is not just a one-off event but has become a delightful annual occurrence at Siikhe Lake. Records confirm that this strikingly colorful species has been spotted at the lake consistently every year since 2022. Its regular presence is a positive indicator of the lake's environmental conditions and serves as a major attraction for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts.
The ongoing count plays a vital role in creating a long-term database of avian populations. This data is essential for informing effective conservation policies and ensuring the protection of these fragile wetland habitats for future generations.
