Severe Decline in Bird Species at Assam Sanctuary

Why in the news

A study revealed a 72% decline in bird species at Assam’s Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary over 27 years, citing habitat degradation, poaching, and human activities as primary causes.

Severe Decline in Bird Species at Assam Sanctuary

About Decline in Avian Diversity at Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary:

  • A study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa revealed a 71.85% decline in avian species at Assam’s Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary (BBBS) over 27 years.
  • Researchers Lakhijyoti Saikia, Siddartha Suman Bora, and Khirod Sankar Das conducted an 18-month survey from October 2022 to March 2024, identifying only 47 bird species compared to 167 in 1997.
  • Previous studies in 2011 recorded 133 species, which dropped to 120 in 2018, indicating a drastic decline since 2018.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

  • Overfishing and excessive harvesting of aquatic plants disrupted the sanctuary’s ecosystem.
  • Poaching of birds like lesser whistling duck, Indian pond heron, and eastern spotted dove reduced bird populations.
  • Agricultural activities using high-decibel machinery near the wetland and grazing practices displaced resident and migratory birds.
  • Habitat degradation caused disruptions in the food chain, nutrient cycle, and water table, adversely affecting biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts and Significance of BBBS

  • The study emphasized the need for intense conservation efforts to restore the wetland’s ecological balance.
  • BBBS, located 90-95 meters above mean sea level and spread over 11.25 sq. km, is a critical habitat in Assam.
  • Assam, hosting 950 bird species and 55 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, requires urgent measures to prevent further biodiversity loss.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times