Eurasian Smew in Kaziranga – Climate Change & Migratory Shift Concerns for UPSC

Eurasian Smew in Kaziranga

1) Context:

• First-ever sighting during 7th waterbird census at Kaziranga National Park.
• Indicates possible climate-linked migratory shift.

2) Bird Profile — Smew (Mergellus albellus):

• Small Eurasian diving duck.
• Breeds in Eurasian taiga (N. Europe & Siberia).
• Winter migrant; prefers fish-rich, sheltered freshwater wetlands.
• Usually solitary or in small flocks.
• Rare/vagrant visitor to India.

3) Why Seen in Assam?

• Climate-driven range shift.
• Availability of suitable floodplain wetlands.
• Wetland resilience of Kaziranga landscape.

4) 7th Waterbird Census:

• Conducted by Assam Forest Department.
• Covered 166 wetlands across 10 ranges.
• Recorded 1+ lakh waterbirds (100+ species).

Significance: Indicator of wetland health and changing migration patterns.

Eurasian Smew in Kaziranga
Eurasian Smew in Kaziranga
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