Conservation experts, scientists, and forest officials gathered at Cotton University on Monday and Tuesday to chart a roadmap for protecting the critically endangered White-bellied heron, whose global population is estimated to be fewer than 50 individuals.
The two-day workshop was organised by the Nature Conservation Foundation and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, forest department officials, and community representatives.
The White-bellied heron—scientifically known as Ardea insignis—is found across parts of India, China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. In India, its presence is limited to Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Tiger Reserve, and parts of Anjaw district. Bhutan currently hosts the largest known population, with around 28 individuals, while India has an estimated 6–9 birds.
With the species on the brink of extinction, the workshop focused on developing a comprehensive conservation strategy. A nine-member delegation from the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, led by Millo Tasser, Chief Conservator of Forests (Eastern Arunachal Circle), participated in the discussions. Representatives from the PCCF & CWLW office, Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves, and the Anjaw Forest Division were also present.
Other participating institutions included the Wildlife Institute of India, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Zoological Survey of India, and Mizoram University.
Experts stressed the urgent need to expand field surveys, strengthen habitat protection, and involve local communities in conservation efforts. Key research gaps identified include movement ecology, population genetics, and surveys of unexplored habitats.
The species is known to inhabit undisturbed river systems in the Eastern Himalayas, preferring areas with sandbanks and gravel beds. Its survival is closely tied to the protection of riparian forests and river ecosystems.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Tasser said coordinated efforts involving scientists, officials, and local communities are crucial to safeguarding one of the rarest heron species in the world.