Wetland Birds at Risk: A Global Review of Anthropogenic Threats with a Regional Focus on Punjab, India

Abstract

Wetlands are very productive ecosystems that are an important habitat for waterbirds and an important ecosystem service. Migratory waterbirds are also experiencing a decline globally, where 44% of the population is declining, and almost one-fifth of the species faces a high extinction risk because of habitat loss, pollution, hydrological change, and climate effects. Harike, Ropar, Kanjli, Nangal, Keshopur-Miani, and Ranjit Sagar are major wetlands in Punjab, India, experiencing comparable pressures in the form of agricultural runoff, eutrophication, industrial discharge, invasive vegetation, and human disturbance, which result in the decreased abundance and diversity of such species as Sarus Crane, Common Pochard, Northern Pintail, and Ferruginous Duck. The recommendations include enhancing habitat, managing the water quality, monitoring, and community involvement. Connecting local trends to global, the given study presents the necessity of coordinated conservation in order to protect waterbirds along the Central Asian Flyway