In Assam’s lowland evergreen forests you can find the White-Winged Wood Duck, or “Deo Hanh” as it is affectionately known to the locals – the very soul and state bird of Assam. More than just a symbol, this magnificent bird, with its striking black body, white-spotted head, and prominent white wing patches, is a perfect example of Assam’s rich biodiversity. Yet, beneath all these beauty and love, the White-Winged Wood Duck is fighting a silent battle for existence, a struggle that calls for our immediate attention.
Everything about the White Winged Wood Duck also known as “Deo Hanh”
Imagine a creature of the twilight, most active at dawn and dusk, silently gliding across secluded forest pools and slow-moving streams. That’s the White-Winged Wood Duck. Unlike its more common duck cousins, this species prefers dense tropical forests. Its haunting, almost ghostly call at dusk is what earned it the name “Deo Hanh,” or “Spirit Duck,”.
Males are typically larger, with glossy feathers. They nest in tree hollows, a critical aspect of their life cycle, highlighting their dependence on old-growth forests. This white duck is an omnivore, its diet a mix of aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and even small fish, showcasing its adaptability within its chosen habitat. Historically, the white winged wood duck found in Assam was a more common sight across Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Today, its presence is a precious rarity, primarily confined to the protected areas of eastern Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Assam State Bird under Threat
The reducing numbers of the White-Winged Wood Duck showcases the environmental pressures that these beautiful creatures are facing. The primary culprit is habitat loss and fragmentation. The relentless march of human development – agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure projects – has steadily destroyed the dense tropical forests that are the duck’s homeland. These aren’t just trees; they are the very homes, breeding grounds, and feeding territories of the “Deo Hanh.”
Climate change further complicates the scenario, with studies indicating a potential shift and shrinkage of their suitable habitats. Beyond habitat destruction, direct threats such as hunting and the collection of eggs and ducklings for food or the illegal pet trade also contribute significantly to their decline. The combined impact of these factors has pushed the White-Winged Wood Duck to the brink, classifying it as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. With an estimated global population of possibly fewer than 1000 individuals, and a mere fraction of that residing in India, the urgency for action is undeniable.
Conservation in Action: A Hope for Assam’s State Bird
Despite the grim statistics, there is hope. The declaration of the White-Winged Wood Duck as the state bird of Assam in 2003 was a significant step, aiming to elevate its conservation status. Protected areas like Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Dihing-Patkai National Park, and Nameri Tiger Reserve serve as crucial strongholds for the remaining populations.
Recent initiatives, such as the creation of artificial water bodies like ‘Neelmoni Beel’ in Nameri Tiger Reserve, which is designed to replicate their natural habitat, have shown promising results. The sighting of a White-Winged Wood Duck in this newly created ‘Beel’ was a small but significant victory. Organizations like the Wildlife Trust of India, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, are actively working on recovery plans, conducting research, and engaging with local communities. Awareness campaigns are necessary to ignite the pride among the people of Assam for their iconic bird.
The fate of the White-Winged Wood Duck is dependent on the future of Assam’s forests. Saving this magnificent white duck isn’t just about preserving a species; it’s about safeguarding an entire ecosystem. And I believe that we can and we will do it successfully.