Authorities begin water bird census in Indian-controlled Kashmir wetlands

Wildlife protection officials have embarked on an intense exercise to count water birds across wetlands and marshes in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said Wednesday.

The two-day census, part of International Water Bird Census and Asian Water Bird Census 2016, began on Tuesday at Hokersar wetland in the northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indin-controlled Kashmir.

Wildlife protection officials said exercise would be carried out across 23 identified wetlands with the help of volunteers.

"Besides our own employees, participants from different walks of life, including students and non-governmental organisations, are helping us to count birds in 23 wetlands of Kashmir including Hokersar, Shallabugh, Wullar, Dal, Anchar, Haigam and Chattlum," a government spokesman said.

Every year ahead of winter, the wetlands across Indian-controlled Kashmir attract thousands of migratory birds. These creatures leave their summer homes, flying thousands of miles to reach destinations here and spend winters.

Wildlife officials said these birds migrate from far off destinations like parts of North Europe, Siberia, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Philippines, Japan and China in wake of harsh winters there.

This is the second straight year, region's wildlife protection officials are working as part of the global International Water Bird Census (IWC) coordinated by Wetlands International Netherlands.

Last year the census was limited to 13 wetlands.

Ornithologists say besides bird count and specie identification, the census will help them understand condition of wetlands. The census results are expected to be released within a month.

Previously the bird count was an exercise of estimation, however officials say the current exercise involves a proper scientific procedure. Endit