Students get lessons on need for wetland conservation

Guwahati: On the occasion of World Wetland Day, forest rangers from the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and representatives of wildlife NGO Aranyak, conducted an awareness programme on Sunday, targetting school students and emphasising the importance of wetlands and their conservation in the state.
In this year's Asian Water Bird census conducted in Jan in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, a total of 10,933 water birds across 56 species were recorded in the wetlands, out of which 80% of the birds were migratory. This is a significant recovery from last year's figure which stood at 7,225.
This year's theme was ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future', and the students from Hadukpar LP school in Assam's Morigaon district were taken to the Tamuliduva wetland, which is the biggest Wetland of the sanctuary.
"The attendees engaged in a series of structured training exercises designed to enhance their observational skills by guiding them through the process of birdwatching. These activities encouraged participants to carefully observe bird behaviour, identify different species and develop a deeper appreciation for avian life in their natural habitats. The importance of its conservation was thoroughly discussed so that awareness can be created among the students," said Pranjal Baruah, the range officer of Pobita Wildlife Sanctuary.
Baruah added that the wetlands of Assam are crucial habitats for the conservation of migratory birds.The sanctuary was declared in 1987 consisting Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest. It covers 38.85 km2 (15.00 sq mi) of area, providing hilly forest, grassland and wetland habitat."Conservation efforts in this Sanctuary are prioritised, as it serves as a habitat for 107 one-horned rhinos, 22 mammal species, 375 bird species, 27 reptile species, 9 amphibian species and 39 fish species," he said.