Conservation of Migratory Avifauna and Influences of Water Quality in Wetlands of Majuli River Island, Assam, India
Today, the Majuli River Island, located in the Brahmaputra Khadar region of Eastern Assam Valley, is in danger as intensive flooding and erosion of the banks has reduced the land area drastically and affected differently the rich biodiversity. This paper deals with the importance, threats, status and the conservation challenges of migratory bird species visiting the six wetlands of Majuli River Island. The observations made during August, 2013 to March, 2014 show that maximum number of migrant species such as  Grey lag Goose (Anser anser), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), Pintail (Anas acuta), Bar headed goose (Anser indicus) arrive  in the winter season (December to February). Minimum numbers of water bird were observed in the summer (May and June). There were significant changes in the water quality in terms of nutrients, light, toxicity and oxygen depletion and also in encroachment for agriculture and erosion at the study sites. A management plan is required to prevent further stresses, fragmentation, flooding, and loss of biodiversity as it is crucial to restore these wetlands for the winter visitors.