White-Bellied Heron

Recently, an expert panel of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recommended granting environmental clearance (EC) to the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh.
The project site falls within a known habitat of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, raising conservation concerns.

About the White-Bellied Heron

The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) is a large heron species and is considered the second largest living heron in the world.
It is also known as the Imperial Heron or the Great White-bellied Heron.

Ecological Significance

The presence of the White-bellied Heron is an important indicator of river ecosystem health.
Its survival reflects good water quality, healthy fish populations, and low levels of human disturbance in riverine habitats.

Habitat and Distribution

Habitat

The species inhabits wetlands and free-flowing river systems within tropical and subtropical forests, particularly in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas.
It prefers undisturbed riverine habitats, especially river rapids with abundant fish.

Distribution

The White-bellied Heron is found in northeast India and Bhutan, extending eastwards to northern Myanmar, mainly along the eastern Himalayan foothills.

Diet

The species is predominantly piscivorous and relies heavily on fish found in fast-flowing rivers and rapids.

Threats

The White-bellied Heron faces multiple threats, including:

Habitat loss and degradation due to hydroelectric projects, agriculture, and settlement expansion
Disturbance to free-flowing rivers, which affects fish availability
Wetland conversion and fragmentation of riverine ecosystems

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of legal protection in India)

Conclusion

The White-bellied Heron is among the rarest heron species globally, and projects affecting its habitat require careful environmental scrutiny.
Balancing development needs with the protection of critical riverine ecosystems is essential to prevent further decline of this flagship species.

Source: THE HINDU

Join Our Telegram

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala