A recent bird count in the freshwater lake Deepor Beel has shown there has been a significant rise in the number and species of birds in a year’s time.

Over 26,000 individuals of 97 bird species were recorded during the bird count exercise at Deepor Beel organised by the Guwahati Wildlife Division of Assam Forest Department, reports East Mojo.

Besides the bird count exercise, a spot bird photography contest was also held on Wednesday. A total of 37 individuals participated in the bird count exercise, including forest department officials, bird experts, students, and representatives from NGOs, the news portal reported.

The exercise was attended by experts from the region’s leading research-based biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, NGOs- Help Earth, Rongmon, and The Midway Journey.

The birds were counted using the ‘Visual Encounter Survey’ methodology in nine areas of the wetland and in nine groups on foot and in country boats, reports East Mojo.

“The bird count in Deepor Beel was a very important initiative undertaken by the Guwahati Wildlife Division. The data on bird species and numbers obtained through such monitoring can help greatly in conservation planning in the long run,” said Udayan Borthakur, a wildlife photographer from Aaranyak, told the news portal.