Asian Waterbird Census 2023

Why in news?

• In the recent survey, it is revealed that Duck species sighted in previous surveys were missing this time.
• The most shocking aspect was that duck species like Northern Shoveler, Common teal and Eurasian wigeon, sighted in the previous surveys, were totally missing this time around.

Key facts about the main birds which were sighted during the census 

• Oriental darter
• It is mainly found in freshwater rivers and ponds.
• Conservation status
• IUCN: Near Threat
• Cattle egret
• Conservation status
• IUCN: Least Concern
• Spot-billed Pelican
• It breeds in southern Asia from southern Iran across India east to Indonesia.
• Conservation status
• IUCN: Near Threatened
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV

Q1) Who conducts the Asian Waterbird Census?

It is an integral part of the global waterbird monitoring programme, which is conducted by the International Waterbird Census (IWC) in coordination with Wetlands International.

Source: A survey at Alappuzha wetlands hints at a decline in the number of visiting waterbirds

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