More than 250 bird species were recorded at three Ramsar sites, namely Indawgyi Lake in Kachin State, Inle Lake in Shan State and Moeyungyi Lake in Bago Region, in Myanmar.
The collection of Asian bird populations kicked off on January 6. A total of 94 bird species were registered in Indawgyi Lake, 77 bird species in Inle Lake and 87 bird species in Moeyungyi Lake.
Taking Asian water bird census is aimed at estimating the number of water birds, monitor the changing number of water birds and dispersion, know more about less-known water birds species and watershed regions and ensure the importance of water birds and watershed areas at international, country and regional level.
Thet Zaw Naing, the bird expert of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Myanmar Program said: “Since 1987, the census-taking of bird populations launched in Myanmar. The designation of Ramsar site is based on the birds’ habitats. Thanks to it, Myanmar can create new Ramsar sites and make more efforts for the conservation of water birds.”
At the same time, the census-taking of Asian water birds is taking place at 6,100 sites in 27 countries in Asia. Then, they will send the lists to the Wetlands International in Netherlands.
Mottama Gulf, Mainmahlagyun sanctuary, Moeyungyi Lake, Indawgyi Lake and Inle Lake in Myanmar have been designated as Ramsar sites.
There are many wetlands in Myanmar. In March, 2018, 56 inland wetlands, 33 coastal and marine wetlands and 11 human-made wetlands were preliminarily spotted.
