At a time when a number of wetlands are fast vanishing in the State, the Bedeti wetland is asserting its existence with a bounty of faunal and floral diversity.
Bedeti wetland
- Situated between National Highway-15 and Bedeti Railway Station, around 25 km east of Biswanath Chariali.
- Surrounded by grasslands with abundant lotuses, water lilies, and aquatic plants.
- Lies between Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (south) and Behali Wildlife Sanctuary (north).
- Bedeti River, a part of the wetland, flows nearby.
Avian Biodiversity
- Hosts over 150 bird species, including migratory and threatened species.
- Five globally threatened species found here:
- Himalayan Griffon (Vulnerable).
- Greater Spotted Eagle (Vulnerable).
- Lesser Adjutant Stork (Near Threatened).
- Woolly-necked Stork (Near Threatened).
- Ferruginous Pochard (Near Threatened).
- Notable resident and migratory birds:
- Waterfowl & waders: Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Common Moorhen, Greater Painted Snipe, Cotton Pygmy Goose.
- Raptors: Short-toed Snake Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Crested Goshawk, Hen Harrier.
- Kingfishers & other species: Pied Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Siberian Rubythroat.
Breeding Ground for Resident Birds
- Several resident species breed here, including:
- Lesser Whistling Duck, Bronze-winged Jacana, White-breasted Waterhen, Cotton Pygmy Goose.
- Over 14 Cotton Pygmy Geese and 30 Bronze-winged Jacana offspring recorded last year.
Winter Migratory Birds
- Grey-headed Lapwing (most prominent).
- Other species:
- Pacific Golden Plover, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall.
Ecosystem & Conservation Concerns
- Turns into a “pink lake” during December due to blooming lotuses.
- Supports fishes, turtles, mammals, signifying a healthy ecosystem.
- Major threats:
- Poaching & hunting of birds for meat.
- Illegal bird traps and nets, harming species like Checkered Keelback snake.
- Habitat destruction due to development activities in grasslands.
- Egg collection during the breeding season reducing population sustainability.
The wetland is an important avian and ecological hotspot but faces increasing threats. Urgent conservation efforts are required to protect the habitat and prevent poaching.
