Patna: The number of waterbirds in Bihar has doubled from last year, going up to over 80,000 in 2024 from around 40,000 in 2023, according to Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2024, the data of which was released here on Monday. The number was above 45,000 in 2022.
Jointly launched by environment, forest and climate change department and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in 2022, the AWC aims for state-level bird monitoring. A vast group of volunteers, researchers and research organisations, experts, universities and other educational institutions, besides even the local population were engaged in conducting the waterbird counts across the water bodies, employing standard scientific methods.
Part of International Waterbird Census (IWC), AWC is conducted in 27 countries, including India, for synchronized counts of the birds and assessing wetland health.
"A total of 84 wetlands in 28 districts of the state were covered during the 2024 census. In 2023, the number was 76 wetlands in 26 districts. In 2022, 67 wetlands in 23 districts were covered," said the report, which was released at a workshop held at Aranya Vihar here.
State environment, forest and climate change minister Prem Kumar said that the state govt was committed to bird conservation and taking various efforts to improve and safeguard the diverse birdlife. "We have achieved significant milestone in waterbirds' conservation efforts by setting up Greater Adjutant Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and a Bird Ringing and Monitoring Station in Bhagalpur," said the minister, adding the initiatives were aimed at preserving the state's diverse avian species and wetlands for future generations.
Kumar also underlined the vital role the state had played in the Central Asian Flyway, which is a crucial migration path for many migratory bird species.
Several senior officials of the department participated in the workshop along with district forest officers among others.