GOHPUR: The Assam Forest Department, Borgang Range, Sonitpur East Division, assisted by DBT-NER Advanced Level Institutional Biotech Hub, Chaiduar College, Gohpur, Nature's Bonyopran, and Wildheart Foundation, conducted a successful Bird Census at Behali Wildlife Sanctuary. It was done to record the area's rich avifaunal diversity and reiterate conservation stakes in the recently notified sanctuary.
Behali Wildlife Sanctuary, formerly a Reserve Forest, was upgraded to a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of Assam in 2022. This upgrade strengthened conservation initiatives, ensuring better protection and sustainable management of the forest’s diverse ecosystem. The sanctuary is home to numerous bird species, making it a crucial site for ecological studies and conservation programs.
Approximately 70 birders, researchers, and nature lovers from across Assam enthusiastically attended the bird census. Participants included Mr. Ranjit Kakati and Mr. Aziz Hussain of DBT-NER Advanced Level Institutional Biotech Hub, Chaiduar College, who were divided into 11 groups to optimize team efficiency and spread coverage throughout the forest area assigned to them.
The census started as early as possible in the morning. The people gathered at 5:00 AM at the Borgang Range office, were taken to the respective places that they had to reach by 5:30 AM, and then two forest guards were allotted to each team to guide them and protect them. They trek through the forest for about 5–6 hours. Throughout this period, the team noted and recorded different species of birds. Their findings were documented systematically on data sheets provided by the Borgang Range office, which they submitted at the end of the census at noon.
Immediately after the census, a valedictory program was also conducted at Hatidepot Camp, Borgang Range. Here the participants had an opportunity to reflect on their experience and the importance of wildlife conservation. The session was facilitated by Ranger Chandan Rajkhowa as well as by key addresses from prominent officials and conservationists.
Among them, Mr. Biswajyoti Das, Divisional Forest Officer of Biswanath Wildlife Division; Mr. Dhrubajyoti Das, Additional District Commissioner of Behali Subdivision; Mr. Ranjit Kakati, Researcher at DBT-NER Advanced Level Institutional Biotech Hub; and Mr. Pradip Sharma, President of Nature's Bonyopran delivered speeches and put forth the importance of the sanctuary for the environment, citizen contribution in the field of conservation, and further actions needed to save the biodiversity in the sanctuary.
All the participants were presented with certificates and mementos as an appreciation gesture for taking part in the census. The event ended with a community lunch, and all participants were then taken to their destinations safely.
It is not just an event but a meaningful step in the direction of safeguarding the rich avian biodiversity of Assam. This kind of effort is important in strengthening conservation policies, promoting environmental awareness, and ensuring that this sanctuary remains a haven for wildlife. As research continues with collaboration and involvement from the public, Behali Wildlife Sanctuary will continue to flourish as a very important ecological treasure of Assam.
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