Wildlife Deptt to conduct census from February
By: Sameer Lone
Srinagar: The wildlife department is all set to conduct a census of migratory birds to know the exact number of the migratory birds, including the first time visitors, who found Kashmir this year’s winter destination.
According to an estimate, this winter nearly 10 lakh migratory birds of at least 10 species have found their home in Kashmir.
The birds have flown to Kashmir from countries including China, Russia, Japan, Central Asia and European countries.
Among them, several bird species have been found for the first time, said the officials in the Wildlife department, who believe that more such new species could be currently resting in various wetlands of the valley.
“We have found species like White Fronted Goose, Wooper Swan, Tundra Swan and Waders in Hokersar. These species have been spotted for the first time in Kashmir. It is for the first time that these species have been spotted in Kashmir wetland,” said Wildlife Warden, Wetlands, Ifshan Dewan.
“The census will begin in February and only then can we come to a conclusion about the number of species which visited Kashmir for the first time. Our men are on job to trace these new species in various wetlands,” she said.
The wildlife warden estimated that nearly 10 lakh migratory birds have flown to Kashmir so far.
“We have almost 3.5 lakh birds in Hokersar, 3.5 lakh in Dal Lake, 2.5 lakh in Hygam, 80000 in Mirgund. Pampore and Shalbugh wetlands also have received a good number of migratory birds this season,” said Ifshan.
Last year, reportedly Whooper Swans were spotted in Kashmir after 60 years. Among the four swans who rested in the valley, two were killed by the poachers.
The department has established control rooms in various lakes and water bodies of the valley to control poaching of birds.
“We have established control rooms at Hokersar, Wular, Dal and Shalbough, which function 24 × 7. Besides, our men are constantly patrolling to maintain the vigil for the safety of birds,” said the Wildlife officials.
Kashmir has around 400 water bodies, of which 25 are chosen by migratory birds as their winter sojourn.
