A national-level workshop at Cotton University (Assam) brought together experts to develop a coordinated conservation strategy for the White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis).

• The species has an estimated global population of fewer than 50 individuals.

About White-bellied Heron

• • The White-bellied heron (Ardea insignis ), also known as imperial heron or great white-bellied heron is the World’s second largest heron species and one of the most threatened birds.

• It is a non-migratory waterbird that prefers freshwater terrestrial water.

• Its presence in the ecosystem indicates the health of the rivers, the environment, the fish population, and water quality.
• It mostly inhabits the wetlands of tropical and subtropical forests in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas.
• It is mainly found in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in northeast India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam) Bhutan (host the largest population) hills of Bangladesh, to northern Myanmar.
• It prefers free-flowing riverine habitats, and predominantly depends on fish found in the river rapids.
• It is threatened by habitat loss, increasing disturbance and habitat degradation due to conversion of wetlands for agriculture and expansion of settlements.
• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule-I

Workshop Highlights

• Organised by: Nature Conservation Foundation
• Supported by: The Habitat Trust
• Collaborating institutions:
  • Wildlife Institute of India
  • Zoological Survey of India
  • Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment
  • Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History

Proposed Conservation Measures

• Protection of critical rivers stretches through stricter regulation.
• Monitoring frameworks using scientific data.
• Regulation of extractive activities like mining.
• Multi-stakeholder coordination involving government, researchers, and local communities.

Exam Hook

Prelims Question:
The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) is primarily associated with which type of habitat?
(a) Mangrove forests
(b) Grasslands
(c) Freshwater terrestrial water
(d) Desert ecosystems

Answer: (c)

One-line wrap: Saving the White-bellied Heron requires protecting fragile river ecosystems through coordinated and science-driven conservation efforts.

Source