1st Magh Bihu census records 111 avian species at Chandubi Beel

Guwahati: A total of 111 bird species were recorded in the first Magh Bihu Bird Census conducted in Kamrup district at Chandubi Beel and its adjoining areas.The survey by was conducted by the Loharghat Range under the Kamrup West Forest Division, marking a significant step towards documenting the region’s avian diversity.The census, held recently, saw the participation of nearly 40 individuals, divided into five survey groups. The exercise brought together experts from the Assam Bird Monitoring Group, researchers from the department of zoology at Gauhati University, members of NGOs, including Bonyobondhu and the Assam Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Organisation, along with officials and field staff of the Assam forest department. The initiative also received logistical support from the Chandubi Boat Safari Association and active cooperation from local residents.Nayan Jyoti Das, Loharghat range officer said the census was carried out across seven designated blocks covering the beel and surrounding habitats. During the exercise,a total of 111 bird species were recorded, encompassing a wide range of avifauna, including aquatic birds, grassland species, woodland birds, and raptors. During the exercise, rare birds like the great slaty woodpecker and greater racket tailed drongo were also spotted.The exercise aimed to assess the current status of bird species in the region and to compare present findings with historical data available in the forest division’s working plan, “The census will help us analyse whether bird species recorded in the past are still present and also enable us to identify any new species using the Chandubi wetland,” the range officer said.