A rare migratory duck has added a new chapter to Assam’s wetland conservation story.

Why in the News?

The Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam has recorded its first-ever sighting of the Smew (Mergellus albellus), a rare migratory diving duck. The sighting was made during the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count 2026, which also recorded the Endangered Bengal Florican in the sanctuary.

The discovery highlights the importance of Laokhowa’s wetlands as wintering habitats for migratory waterbirds and strengthens the case for scientific monitoring and protection of these ecosystems.

About Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

• Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Nagaon district and covers about 70.13 square kilometres.
• It forms part of the Laokhowa–Burachapori ecosystem, an important mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, riparian forests and riverine habitats.
• The sanctuary supports around 225 bird species, along with about 39 fish, 9 amphibian and 14 reptile species, according to the Assam Forest Department.
• Its wetlands, including Rowmari, Dondowa and Muamari beels, provide important habitats for both resident and migratory birds.

About Smew

• The Smew (Mergellus albellus) is a small diving duck associated with freshwater wetlands.
• It is a winter migrant, breeding mainly in northern taiga of Europe and the Palearctic and moving south during winter in search of suitable feeding habitats.
• Smews spend winters on sheltered coasts or inland lakes of the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, northern Germany, and the Low Countries.
• Its presence in Laokhowa is significant because new species records can indicate changes in habitat suitability, migration patterns and wetland ecology.
• The male smew is white with a black mask and a black back, the female is grey with a reddish-brown head and white cheek.
• The smew’s bill has a hooked tip and serrated edges, which help it catch fish when it dives for them.
• Smew is classified as ‘Least Concern‘ under the IUCN Red List

7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count 2026

• The wider survey recorded 1,05,540 waterbirds belonging to 107 species across 166 wetlands in the Kaziranga landscape. 
• The survey covered 10 forest ranges across the Eastern Assam, Biswanath and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions.
• The count is important because systematic waterbird monitoring helps understand changes in bird populations, wetland health and the conservation status of aquatic habitats.

Exam Hook

Prelims: Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary – Smew – Bengal Florican – Brahmaputra floodplain wetlands – Kaziranga Waterbird Count are important facts to connect for Assam’s biodiversity and wetland conservation.

Prelims Question:

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra in Assam.
2. Smew is a migratory diving duck.
3. Laokhowa forms part of the Laokhowa–Burachapori ecosystem.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer: 1, 2 and 3.