Under its WeForNature programme, premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak collaborated with Kamrup East Division of Assam Forest Department to conduct a nature awareness event with 24 bird lovers, researchers, and conservationists, which included outdoor exploration and meaningful discussion on nature in the lush Garbhanga Reserve Forest on Endemic Bird Day 2025.
The half day event organised on May 10 aimed to promote awareness and discussion around the significance of avian endemicity, growing threats to bird populations, conservation priorities, citizen science-based bird documentation, and the importance of public engagement in bird conservation.
Northeast India, a key region of the Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, is home to a rich diversity of bird species. The region’s unique geography, ranging from tropical forests and wetlands to montane habitats, supports several endemic, near-endemic, and regionally restricted bird species of global conservation importance. Some notable examples include the Mishmi Wren-Babbler, Manipur Bush Quail and Bengal Florican, among others.
The event unfolded in two engaging parts. The morning began with a birdwatching trail, starting at the Lokhara entry point, where participants observed and documented local birdlife in their natural habitat. This was followed by an interactive gathering titled “Conservation Adda” a casual yet insightful discussion space where participants reflected on bird conservation challenges, citizen science, and the need for public awareness around endemic species. Twenty-two bird species were sighted during the birdwatching, showcasing the richness of Garbhanga’s avifauna.
Leading the event were Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha, conservation biologist and educator; Dr Nilotpal Mahanta, wildlife biologist and birder; with support from Aaranyak team comprising Partha Pratim Das, wildlife biologist; Chinmoy Swargiary, cinematographer and photographer; and wildlife biologists Simanta Medhi and Pitom Jyoti Gore. The event was smoothly coordinated by Pranab Goswami from Aaranyak.
With shared passion and purpose, the gathering served as a reminder of the pressing need to protect the avian treasures of Northeast India and inspired deeper commitment to conservation through community engagement and collaboration.
