13 species of waterbirds spotted in Meghalaya

Shillong: Meghalaya forest and environment department through the office of the divisional forest officer, Khasi Hills Wildlife Division in Shillong in collaboration with the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board conducted Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) simultaneously at Umsaw, Umbir, Umniuh, Mawlyndep and Umiam covering the wetland areas of Umiam Lake (Barapani) in Ri-Bhoi district on February 2, an official informed on Monday.During the exercise about 155 waterbirds, comprising 13 species were spotted and studied.“The AWC is part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC). This citizen-science programme supporting the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide is done yearly between January and February,” an official said.