ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS

This article is mainly focused on “Asian Waterbird Census” and in this regard the concept of “Environment and Ecology” has also been provided in this article. Main purpose of conducting Asian Waterbird Census is to check on water birds by protecting Environment and Ecology of wetlands. There are several “Indian water birds” that are mainly found nearby water bodies.

Definition of Ecology

At first, Ernst Haeckel coined the term “ecology” and study of connection between environment and living organisms is referred to by the term “ecology”. Species, individuals, populations, ecosystems and communities are included in the study of “ecology”. 

Definition of Environment

Surroundings, where people live, are referred to by the term “ecology”. This is considered a combination of biological and physical components. 

Differences between Environment and Ecology

Every living element is surrounded by the environment whereas how those components of an environment work are considered as the ecology. That is why it is important to know the importance of “Environment and Ecology”. “Environment and Ecology” are different from each other; however, both of these terms are related to each other and also depend on each other. However, there are a few minor differences between “Environment and Ecology”. 

• Several issues such as deforestation, pollution and global warming are included in the study of the environment. Whereas, several issues are considered in the study of ecology such as diversity, population size, competition between these components and distribution of organisms.

• Study of environment refers to the concept of those external and internal factors that affect the environment. On the other hand, the aims of ecology are to understand distribution, life process, biodiversity and adaptation.

These are basic yet major differences between “Environment and Ecology” and these two factors are interconnected with each other. 

Asian Waterbird Census

• “Asian Waterbird Census” is considered as an integral part of the “global waterbird monitoring programme”, “International Waterbird Census” (IWC) and it is also coordinated by “Wetlands International”. 

•  “Asian Waterbird Census” was initiated for the first time in the Indian subcontinent in 1987 and from that time “Asian Waterbird Census” started covering major regions of Asia even from Japan, Australia and South Asia to Afghanistan.

• Over 6,100 sites of more than 26 countries had been covered as of January of 2021 by “Asian Waterbird Census”. This has been possible only due to the active participation of more than a thousand volunteers.

Objectives of “Asian Waterbird Census”

There are several objectives and motives for conducting “Asian Waterbird Census”

And all of its objectives are directly related to “Environment and Ecology”. Objectives for 

Conducting “Asian Waterbird Census” is given below:

• One of the main objectives of the “Asian Waterbird Census” is to collect information and data about the population of waterbirds on an annual basis at main wetlands when a non-breeding period of species is going on.

• Another important motive of the “Asian Waterbird Census” is to monitor the condition and status of wetlands so that “Environment and Ecology” of those wetlands can be protected.

• Another significant objective of the “Asian Waterbird Census” is to encourage the citizens to know more about wetlands and waterbirds. Therefore, citizens of that country can take more initiatives to protect the “Environment and Ecology” of wetlands.

• On the other hand, another reason for conducting the “Asian Waterbird Census” is to support the activities of local conservation for wetlands. Therefore, it can be said that all of the above-mentioned objectives of “Asian Waterbird Census” are for maintaining “Environment and Ecology” of the wetlands.

Few popular Indian water birds 

White-Throated Kingfisher

One of the most popular “Indian water birds” is White-Throated Kingfisher and this “Indian water bird” is also popular as White-breasted kingfisher. It is noticed that this kind of kingfisher is mostly found in nearby wetlands.

Red-Wattled lapwing

There are several “Indian water birds” however; Red-Wattled lapwing is one of the most famous “Indian water birds” in India. This is considered as a large wader’s bird and these types of water birds are also recognized for their loud alarm calls. These types of Red-Wattled lapwing are found everywhere in India.

Purple Heron

Purple Heron is one of those famous “Indian water birds” that are found in India. These types of water birds are considered as the wading bird of the family of heron breeding. This kind of water bird is similar to a grey heron. For preserving all of these Indian water birds it is really important to maintain and protect “Environment and Ecology” in India.

Conclusion

“Environment and Ecology” are two different terms yet these are related to each other.  “Asian Waterbird Census “has been organised to check on the waterbird population on an annual basis so that “Environment and Ecology” can be maintained. There are a huge number of “Indian water birds” and those are found nearby water bodies.