Asian Waterbird Census Highlights Biodiversity at Asan Wetland
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Bird counting campaign at Asan Wetland, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. |
| Total Birds Counted | 5,225 birds across 117 species. |
| Participants | 35 participants divided into five groups, supported by 150+ volunteers and forest staff. |
| Locations Surveyed | Asan Lake, Yamuna and Asan rivers, Shivalik mountain range, and nearby protected forests. |
| Survey Methodology | Pre-determined protocol to count waterbirds and document other species, observing behaviors. |
| Citizen Science Initiative | Asian Waterbird Census conducted at 23 wetland sites across Uttarakhand. Supported by Uttarakhand Forest Department and NGOs. |
| Asan Conservation Reserve | Spans 444 hectares along the Asan River, extending to its confluence with the Yamuna River. |
| Asan Barrage | Built in 1967, led to siltation above the dam, creating bird-friendly habitats. |
| Biodiversity | Home to 330 bird species, including critically endangered red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture, and Baer's pochard. Also, 49 fish species, including the endangered Putitor mahseer. |
| Key Species | Records over 1% of the biogeographical populations of red-crested pochard and ruddy shelduck. |