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Conservationists Seek Ramsar Status for Assam's Thriving Wetlands
2 Nov
Summary
- Rowmari-Donduwa wetland complex records more birds than Assam's Deepor Beel and Manipur's Loktak Lake
- Wetlands function as corridors for wildlife migration between Kaziranga and Orang
- Proposal submitted to designate Rowmari-Donduwa as a Ramsar site
As of 2025-11-02T18:21:30+00:00, conservationists, wildlife officials, academics, and students have come together to advocate for Ramsar site designation for the Rowmari-Donduwa wetland complex in central Assam's Nagaon district. The wetlands, located within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, have been recording more bird species than the only two Ramsar sites in the northeast - Assam's Deepor Beel and Manipur's Loktak Lake.
The Rowmari-Donduwa wetland complex, spanning approximately 3 sq. km, is home to an average of 120 species of resident and migratory birds annually, including globally threatened species such as the knob-billed duck, black-necked stork, and the ferruginous pochard. According to the recent Kaziranga Waterbird Census, the wetlands recorded over 47,000 birds of 88 species, exceeding the counts at the existing Ramsar sites.
The wetlands also play a crucial role as connectivity corridors for wild animals migrating between the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and Orang National Park. Recognizing the outstanding avian diversity and ecological significance of the Rowmari-Donduwa complex, the Assam Forest Department has submitted a proposal to pursue its designation as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
