21st December 2024 (10 Topics)
2
Dec
3
Dec
4
Dec
5
Dec
6
Dec
7
Dec
9
Dec
10
Dec
11
Dec
12
Dec
13
Dec
14
Dec
16
Dec
17
Dec
18
Dec
19
Dec
20
Dec
21
Dec
23
Dec
Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary
Context
A recent study on avian diversity at Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary (BBBS) in northeastern Assam has revealed a significant decline in bird species over the past 27 years. The study, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, highlights a 72% decrease in the number of bird species in the sanctuary since 1997.
Key-Findings
- Decline in Bird Species:
- In 1997, 167 avian species were recorded in the sanctuary.
- In the recent survey (2022-2024), only 47 species across 16 orders and 29 families were observed, marking a 85% decline.
- This decline has been especially sharp since 2018, according to the study.
- A 2011 survey recorded 133 species, including 86 resident species, 23 migratory species, and 24 local migrants.
- Anthropogenic Causes: The study cites several human activities contributing to the decline in bird species:
- Overfishing and excessive harvesting of aquatic plants.
- Poaching of birds such as the lesser whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, white-breasted waterhen, and yellow-footed green pigeon.
- Bird egg collection.
- High-decibel machinery used for agriculture near water bodies, disturbing the birds’ natural habitats.
- The sanctuary is also being used as a pasture area, further disturbing the local bird populations.
- Impact of Habitat Degradation: The degradation of wetland habitats leads to:
- Decline in the water table.
- Disruption of the food chain and nutrient cycles.
- A negative impact on the migratory bird populations.
- This not only harms the bird species but also disrupts the entire ecosystem, affecting human populations too.
Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary (BBBS)
Assam’s Biodiversity:
|
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
