Unprecedented Wildlife Haven: Rowmari-Donduwa Complex Soars Toward Ramsar Status with Over 47,000 Birds Thriving!
Guwahati, Feb 3: The Rowmari-Donduwa complex within Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has emerged as a strong contender for Ramsar Site status following its impressive bird counts. This year’s 6th Kaziranga Waterbird Count reported 20,653 waterbirds across 75 species at Rowmari Beel, and 26,480 birds encompassing 88 species at Donduwa Beel, surpassing figures from Assam’s only Ramsar site, Deepor Beel.
These wetlands not only support abundant bird populations but are also crucial ecosystems sustaining several critically endangered and vulnerable species. Highlighting their conservation significance, they provide vital roosting and feeding grounds for migratory birds, essential for their survival during long migrations. Conservation efforts have significantly improved these habitats since 2014-15, transitioning them from heavily disturbed areas to protected zones.
Inclusion as a Ramsar Site depends on meeting criteria focused on wetland types and biodiversity, particularly concerning waterbirds and fish. The Rowmari-Donduwa wetlands already satisfy several of these requirements. Currently, India boasts 86 Ramsar Sites, with its wetlands supporting approximately 370 migratory bird species, offering critical habitats across 15.26 million hectares.
Globally, over 2,400 Ramsar Sites cover more than 2.5 million sq km. India’s wetlands are crucial layovers on the Central Asian Flyway and East African-Eurasian Flyway, serving as winter refuges and resource-rich stopovers for migratory birds. The Kaziranga wetlands and others in Northeast India, in particular, play an integral role in supporting these global migratory routes, offering shelter and sustenance during the birds’ journeys.
These evolving landscapes underline the importance of conservation in maintaining biodiversity and supporting global ecosystems.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/rowmari-donduwa-complex-eyes-ramsar-status-over-47000-birds-recorded-1566790
Category : Assam,Featured
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-02-03 11:14:00
