Srinagar, Oct. 17 -- Bird census has placed a number before us that cannot be ignored. More than 13 lakh water birds have been recorded across Kashmir's wetlands this year, with four sites alone accounting for nearly the entire population. Hokersar, Shallabugh, Wular, and Hygam together hold the weight of the ecological story, while other wetlands show signs of decline. The figures are not just statistics; they are a measure of survival, concentration and loss.

The dominance of a few species; Eurasian Teal, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, and Gadwall indicates the carrying capacity of these habitats but also signals a narrowing of diversity. The census records rare sightings of species that once had a stronger presence, now...