Guwahati: A new book documenting the rich birdlife of Deepor Beel was released at the Assam Forest School in Jalukbari, with experts and conservationists highlighting its importance for wetland protection and biodiversity awareness.
Titled “Birds of Deepor Beel”, the publication has been authored by noted naturalist and wildlife expert Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury.
The book provides a comprehensive account of the wetland’s avifaunal diversity, recording 352 species of birds from the beel and its surrounding areas.
Organised by the Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS), the release programme brought together officials, researchers, community representatives and students, reflecting growing public interest in conservation efforts around the Ramsar site.
Based on decades of field observations, the 144-page book includes colour photographs, species descriptions and a detailed checklist.
It highlights Deepor Beel’s ecological significance not only as a habitat for resident and migratory birds but also as a stormwater basin for Guwahati and a key livelihood source for local communities.
The publication also draws attention to pressing conservation challenges, including habitat loss, siltation, invasive vegetation and increasing urban pressures.
The book has been published under the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), a bilateral initiative between the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Government of Germany, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. NEWS is the implementing partner of the project.
Among those present at the event were Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury, Dr. Priyasa Saikia, Director of Assam Forest School, community representative Lakhan Teron, Range Officer of Deepor Beel Wildlife Range Chayanika Barman, Kaziranga Wildlife Society General Secretary Karuna Sharma, and LLBCP Project Manager Dr. Mayur Bawri.
The programme saw active participation from local community members, youth from the Deepor Beel area and students from Hari Gayatri Das College.
Speakers at the event underscored the ecological importance of Deepor Beel as a critical wetland ecosystem and stressed the need for sustained conservation efforts. They also acknowledged Dr. Choudhury’s contribution in documenting the region’s biodiversity.
The release of the book is expected to strengthen awareness and support for the conservation of Deepor Beel, one of Northeast India’s most significant wetlands.
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