Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Jan 16: For the first time, a Tundra Bean Goose has been seen at Wular Lake, marking the species’ first documented presence in Kashmir’s largest freshwater wetland.
Wildlife officials said that the sighting assumes significance as Wular Lake continues to host the highest number of migratory birds in the Valley due to its vast area and favourable ecological conditions. “Lakhs of migratory birds have already arrived at the wetland this season, with numbers expected to increase further in the coming weeks,” they added.
An official associated with bird monitoring at Wular said the Wildlife Department, Forest Protection Force, Wular Management Authority and Jammu and Kashmir Police, have put in place coordinated arrangements to ensure protection of migratory birds and their habitat.
“Wular Lake remains the most important wetland in Kashmir for migratory birds. Protection measures and favourable conditions have helped attract a large number of species every year,” the official added.
“Besides the Tundra Bean Goose, several rare bird species have been recorded at Wular in recent years. These include the Smew, Long-tailed Duck, Falcated Duck, Common Goldeneye, Western Reef Heron, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl and Chinese Pond Heron,” he said.
Another official said that one or two rare species are usually seen at the wetland every year, underlining its importance as a critical wintering ground along the Central Asian Flyway.
“If the present conditions continue, we expect migratory birds to keep returning to Wular Lake in large numbers in the coming years as well,” the official added.
Wular Lake, a designated Ramsar site, is considered one of the most significant wetlands in the region for biodiversity conservation and bird migration.
