Annual census reveals 12 lakh migratory birds visited Kashmir this year

Srinagar, June 04: Twelve lakh migratory birds from Eastern Europe and Central Asia visited Kashmir’s wetlands this year, as per the Wildlife Department Kashmir’s annual census.
Every year, the Wildlife Department Kashmir, in collaboration with several other agencies and stakeholders, conducts a census to determine the number of migratory birds that visit Kashmir during the winter.
IfshanDeewan, Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Division Kashmir, approximately said 12 lakh migratory birds visited Kashmir this year, as revealed by the census.
“The census was conducted in eight protected wetlands managed by the department such as Hokersar, Shalabugh, Hygam, Mirgund, Chatlum, Kranchoo, Manibugh, Freshkhoori, and other nine sites that witness a large number of migratory birds during winter migration,” she explained.
The migratory bird census began in February and revealed that, of the total migratory birds, some winged species had returned to the valley’s wetlands after a gap of eighty-years .
According to Ifshan, the annual census allows them to learn about the trends of migratory birds, their counts, and the various species of birds.
“This year was routine, with nothing out of the ordinary. “The same species that visited last year returned this year,” she said. Last year, 11-12 lakh migratory birds visited Kashmir.
The Wildlife Warden, Wetlands said participants from Kashmir University, SKUAST-K, Central University, various colleges, Wildlife Conservation Fund, National Development Foundation, Biodiversity Management Committees, Kashmir Bird Watchers Club, Wildlife SOS, Wildlife Researchers, Society for Environment Education and Development, Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Volunteers and freelancers took part in the census.
Ifshan said many people who are enthusiastic about bird watching do visit these places
Every year, migratory birds from colder regions including Russia, Europe, and Central Asia arrive in lakhs to the valley, of which major winged visitors stay in Hokersar Wetland, while others travel to several wetlands and water bodies.
The Kashmir valley is distinguished by a diverse array of freshwater bodies of great ecological and socioeconomic importance. These natural water bodies in the Kashmir Himalayas are vital for fishing, agriculture, and recreation.
These wetlands also serve as a winter refuge for a variety of birds, who use them for shelter, nesting, and feeding. They also support a diverse range of flora and fauna, resulting in high biodiversity.
“Once treated as transitional habitats, the wetlands are now considered to be distinct ecosystems with specific ecological characteristics, functions and value,” said an official of the wildlife department.