Port Blair, Jan 25: Andaman Avians Club conducted Asian Waterbird Census 7th time in a row since 2017. Andaman is an important bird area with a lot of diversity in the birds. Being in route of the Eurasian Australian flyway migratory route, the island is privileged to host many migratory birds mostly belonging to the wetland ecosystem. The Asian Water Bird Census (AWBC) is an international event conducted across the globe by the Wetland International and by BNHS in India. This is one the largest citizen science initiative with the goal to support the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide.
The Andaman Avians club for the first time attempted to census the complete stretch of A&N Islands in one go. The census was conducted in locations at North Andaman, Middle Andaman, various wetlands in South Andaman, Terresa, Kamorta and Great Nicobar Islands by the club members and volunteers. A total of 50 people came together for this coordinated event. During the census some rare wetland sightings in Andaman were also recorded like the Ruddy Shelduck, Garganey, Black Winged Stilt, big flocks of Andaman Teal.
Mr. Arun Singh, President, Andaman Avians Club has expressed gratitude to all the team leaders viz. Mr. Shubash from Diglipur and Mr. Suresh from Havelock for their coordination and volunteers from Geography Dept. of JNRM in the successful conduction of the census.