Species in News: White-bellied Heron
Context:
The critically endangered White-bellied heron (Ardea insignis) has recently been in the news due to concerns regarding the proposed Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project.
The project, planned on the Lohit river in Arunachal Pradesh, recently submitted a proposal seeking forest clearance for construction activities.
However, environmental experts have raised alarms, alleging that the project documents completely omitted references to the area overlapping with the habitat of this extremely rare bird.
Species Profile & Characteristics:
It is a large, robust bird measuring approximately 127 cm in length.
Its plumage is fairly uniform, sharply contrasting with a distinct white belly.
Compared to other large herons, it lacks black neck stripes and features a grey neck and brownish back.
Its bill appears blackish with a dull yellow-green tip.
During the breeding season, it develops long silvery or whitish plumes on its rear crown and lower foreneck.
Unlike similar species, its underwings display a strong visual contrast between white coverts and dark flight feathers.
Habitat and Distribution:
The species heavily relies on fragile, undisturbed riverine ecosystems, which provide crucial zones for nesting and feeding.
Its known distribution spans specific protected regions in India, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
In India, Arunachal Pradesh hosts one of the species' most critical remaining habitats.
It is documented in several protected areas, including the Namdapha Tiger Reserve (where it was recently proven to breed), Kaziranga, Dibru-Saikhowa, and Manas National Parks, as well as the Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Status:
Critically Endangered (CR).
Schedule I of the WPA,1972
Key Threats:
The primary threats to its survival include habitat fragmentation, poaching, and disturbances caused by large-scale hydroelectric power developments and road improvements.
In Bhutan, natural forest fires have also destroyed nests.
Conservationists warn that cumulative hydropower development across northeastern river systems significantly intensifies the ecological pressure on this fragile species.