Rare Smew Duck Makes Historic First Appearance in Kaziranga
In a landmark event for avian enthusiasts, the smew (Mergellus albellus), a distinctive diving duck, has been sighted for the first time ever within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kaziranga. This remarkable discovery occurred during the 7th Waterbird Count conducted at the Rowmari-Donduwa beels, located in the Laokhowa buffer zone of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam.
Star Species Emerges in Record-Breaking Survey
The smew quickly became the star species of the survey, which documented an impressive total of over 105,540 waterbirds across Kaziranga this year. Known for its striking appearance, male smews feature a black-masked white body, while females are mottled brown. This rare winter migrant originates from Eurasian taiga breeding grounds and typically visits India in sporadic and localized patterns, primarily in northern and central wetlands such as Haiderpur in Uttar Pradesh, where it was last recorded in 2021.
According to ornithologists, the smew prefers fish-rich, sheltered waters during the winter months and is rarely seen in large numbers, often appearing as singles or in small flocks. Globally, the species has an estimated population of around 130,000 mature individuals, but it faces a decline due to threats like habitat loss and the removal of nesting snags.
Official Recognition and Conservation Implications
Assam's State Forest Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, expressed excitement on social media, stating, "Thrilled by the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count! First-ever sighting of Smew steals the spotlight in a record-breaking census of 105,540 birds! This spectacular debut reaffirms Assam’s wetlands as vital biodiversity hotspots."
The comprehensive report was compiled by the Kaziranga Park Authority in collaboration with the Assam Bird Monitoring Network, led by experts including Dr. Nilutpal Mahanta, Dr. Smarajit Ojah, and Dr. Bishwajit Chakdar. Park officials emphasized that this report provides a critical baseline for assessing wetland health, habitat usage, and developing effective conservation strategies.
Ecological Significance and Expert Insights
Dr. Nilutpal Mahanta, an ornithologist involved in the survey, highlighted the broader implications, noting, "Smew signals wetland health in India — its vagrant status flags climate-driven range shifts and the need to protect refuelling stops amid hunting and oil pollution threats." Another conservationist, Dr. Smarajit Ojah, added that in Kaziranga's Important Bird Areas (IBAs), this sighting underscores the floodplain resilience for migratory birds and guides anti-encroachment efforts.
Kaziranga, with a conservation legacy spanning more than 119 years, is renowned for its distinctive terrestrial and aquatic habitats. It shelters the Big Five mammals and is a premier destination for birdwatchers, boasting over 500 bird species. The Tiger Reserve includes numerous wetlands and encompasses two IBAs—Kaziranga National Park and Laokhowa and Burhachapori wildlife sanctuaries—recognized for their significance to waterbirds.
Survey Methodology and Broader Impact
Conducted in phases from January 4 to 11 using standardized protocols, the survey involved over 120 enumerators and 50 volunteers, staff, and enthusiasts. Park officials noted that large perennial wetlands recorded high bird counts, while seasonal wetlands enhanced diversity, underscoring the need for holistic river-beel conservation amid hydrological changes.
This tally reaffirms Kaziranga's vital role on the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a crucial stopover for migrants from Siberia and Central Asia, along with supporting resident species. Over time, the waterbird count has evolved into a key instrument for wetland management in one of India's most premier Tiger Reserves, emphasizing the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect these biodiverse ecosystems.
