Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its rich biodiversity. The state is home to over 800 species of birds, many of which are endemic to the region. Two of the most important bird areas in Assam are the Kaziranga National Park and the Nameri National Park.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam. Covering an area of 430 sq km, it is a World Heritage Site and hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceros population. In addition to rhinos, Kaziranga is home to many species of birds, including:
- Greater adjutant stork
- Lesser adjutant stork
- Black-necked stork
- Asian openbill stork
- Oriental darter
- Black-necked stork
- Bar-headed goose
- Ruddy shelduck
- Common teal
- Andaman teal
- Cotton pygmy goose
- Ferruginous pochard
- Baer’s pochard
- Pallas’s fish eagle
- Grey-headed fish eagle
- Black-bellied tern
- River tern
- Great thick-knee
- Bengal florican
Some key facts about the birdlife in Kaziranga National Park:
| Total number of bird species | Over 480 |
|---|---|
| Number of migratory bird species | Around 80 |
| Number of threatened bird species | 26 |
| Some unique birds | Swamp francolin, Bengal florican, Lesser white-fronted goose |
The varied habitat of wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, along with the Brahmaputra river which forms the northern boundary of the park, create ideal conditions for diverse birdlife. Some of the migratory birds come from as far as Central Asia and Europe during the winter season.
Key Threats
Some of the key threats to birds in Kaziranga National Park include:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Poaching and hunting
- Pollution
- Invasive species
Proper conservation measures are needed to protect the habitat and food sources of birds in Kaziranga and reduce disturbances to their ecosystem.
Nameri National Park
Nameri National Park is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur district of Assam. It covers an area of about 200 sq km with altitudes ranging from 200m to 2000m above sea level.
Some noteworthy bird species found in Nameri National Park include:
- White-winged duck
- Rufous-necked hornbill
- Wreathed hornbill
- Oriental pied hornbill
- Great hornbill
- Grey peacock-pheasant
- Blyth’s tragopan
- Blue-naped pitta
- Sultan tit
- Ward’s trogon
- Long-tailed broadbill
- Black-breasted thrush
Some vital statistics related to birds of Nameri National Park:
| Total number of bird species | Over 300 |
|---|---|
| Endemic bird species | Rufous-necked hornbill, Ward’s trogon |
| Endangered bird species | White-winged duck |
| Threatened bird species | 7 species |
| Migratory species | Around 50 species |
The key habitat types that support varied avifauna in Nameri include evergreen and deciduous forests, grasslands, riverine forests, and wetlands. The Jia Bhoreli river flowing through the park adds to its biodiversity.
Major Threats
Some of the major threats to birdlife in Nameri National Park are:
- Habitat degradation due to livestock grazing, firewood collection, etc.
- Poaching and illegal wildlife trade
- Increasing human-wildlife conflict
- Noise and air pollution from traffic
Concerted conservation efforts are needed to preserve the habitat of endangered bird species in Nameri and to reduce biotic interference for long-term sustainability of its avifauna.
Comparison between Kaziranga and Nameri
Although both Kaziranga and Nameri are important bird areas in Assam, there are some key differences between the two parks:
| Parameter | Kaziranga | Nameri |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 430 sq km | 200 sq km |
| Location | Golaghat and Nagaon districts | Sonitpur district |
| Habitat | Wetlands, grasslands, woodlands | Evergreen and deciduous forests, wetlands |
| Total bird species | Over 480 species | Over 300 species |
| Key birds | Greater adjutant stork, Bengal florican, Bar-headed goose | White-winged duck, hornbills, pittas |
| Threatened birds | 26 species | 7 species |
| Migratory birds | Around 80 species | Around 50 species |
While Kaziranga has larger wetland habitat that attracts more waterfowl, Nameri has good forest cover and higher altitudinal variation that houses diverse forest birds. Both parks play a vital role in conservation of avian biodiversity of Assam.
Conclusion
Kaziranga and Nameri National Parks are two outstanding birding sites in Assam that harbor a wide variety of resident and migratory avian species. Kaziranga is renowned for birds like the Greater adjutant stork and Bengal florican, while Nameri is the best place to see rare species like the White-winged duck and Ward’s trogon. Habitat loss, poaching, pollution and climate change are some of the major threats to birds in both parks. Strengthening protection measures, reducing biotic interference, conducting scientific studies and increasing community stewardship are key steps needed to secure the future of birds in these important habitats of Assam.
