Waterbird census, the annual event of counting birds in wetland areas conducted as part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), will be held on January 13 (Saturday) and 14 (Sunday) in the district.
Annually in January, hundreds of volunteers move across the wetland bird habitats in Asia to count waterbirds including the migratory ones. Data generated from AWC is used to identify and monitor wetlands of international and national importance, organisers said.
AWC covers the region of Asia from Afghanistan eastwards to Japan, southeast Asia and Australasia. The event runs parallel to other international census procedures of waterbirds in Africa, Europe, Middle East, and the neotropical regions.
Census began in 1987
The annual waterbird census began in Kerala in 1987. In Kochi too, some major wetlands are monitored as part of the exercise.
The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad and the Social Forestry Wing of the Forest Department are also supporting the event. On Saturday, the Puthuvypu beach and nearby areas and Nedumbassery will be covered.
The Dewaswompadam and Kadamakkudy wetlands in Varapuzha; Kandakkadavu, Kalathara and Kuthirakkoorkari wetlands near Thopumpady, and Palluruthy will be covered on Sunday.
The wetlands in Karumalloor and Veliyathunadu will be monitored at a later date.
Students of Cochin College, Maharaja’s College, and KKTM College are also participating in the event. Details can be had from Vishnupriyan Kartha, secretary, Cochin Natural History Society, at 9446437410.
