Description

Source: TOI

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

The 3rd Annual Deepor Beel Winter Birding Festival 2025 organized by 7WEAVES Research concluded with impressive findings, marking a significant increase in both migratory and residential bird populations compared to the previous year. The survey, conducted from December 24, 2024 to January 17, 2025, documented a total of 17,623 birds, showcasing the positive impact of environmental conservation efforts in the area.

About Deepor Beel

Location	Only Ramsar Site in Assam and Freshwater lake that is always filled with water and Located in an old channel of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam
Ramsar Site Recognition	Ramsar Site in 2002
IBA Recognition	Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) in 2004
Migratory Significance	A key stop for migratory birds, with many aquatic birds, especially in winter
Threatened Species Supported	Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser and Greater Adjutant Storks, Baer’s Pochard
Fish and Aquatic Species	About 50 fish species found, providing resources for local communities
Adjacent Habitat	Rani and Garbhanga hills, home to Asiatic elephants, located on the southern side of the lake

Key Findings of 3rd Annual Deepor Beel Winter Birding Festival 2025

Total Number of Birds	17,623 birds from 161 species across 50 families
Migratory Birds	48% were winter migrants, indicating strong migratory presence
Residential Birds	52% were residential species
New Species Recorded	5 new species: Black-browed Reed Warbler, Baillon's Crake, Falcated Duck, Pallas's Gull, Slender-billed Oriole
2024 Survey Comparison	11,271 birds from 155 species, a 40% dip compared to 2023

Species Count by Habitat

Marshes and Swamps: 913 species (2024-25), 413 species (2023-2024).
Shallow Waters: 6,894 species (2024-25), 4755 species (2023-2024).
Open Grass Fields: 7,815 species (2024-25), 4532 species (2023-2024).

Noteworthy Observations

Substantial increase across habitats, indicating successful ecosystem recovery due to water flow restoration
Local communities contributed to higher bird diversity in managed areas
Importance of preserving Deepor Beel Ramsar Site and continued restoration efforts for ecosystem health

Source: TOI

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.With reference to the Deepor Beel Winter Birding Festival 2025, consider the following statements:

The festival documented a total of 17,623 birds from 161 species, showing an increase in bird diversity compared to the previous year.
The Deepor Beel Ramsar Site is located in Sikkim and is recognized for its significance to migratory birds.
The festival recorded 5 new bird species, including the Black-browed Reed Warbler and Pallas’s Gull.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b)
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
The festival recorded 17,623 birds from 161 species, marking an increase in bird diversity compared to the previous year, indicating successful conservation efforts.
Statement 2 is incorrect
The Deepor Beel Ramsar Site is located in Guwahati, Assam, and plays a vital role for migratory birds, especially during the winter months.
Statement 3 is correct
The festival documented five new bird species, including the Black-browed Reed Warbler and Pallas’s Gull, contributing to the growing list of bird species in the region.