Assam’s Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded its first-ever sighting of the rare migratory Smew (Mergellus albellus), marking a conservation milestone for the protected area, Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on Sunday.
Alongside the Smew, teams also recorded the endangered Bengal Florican, highlighting the sanctuary’s growing importance as a safe habitat for diverse birdlife, he said.
“Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has achieved a remarkable conservation milestone with the first-ever sighting of the rare migratory Smew, alongside the recording of Bengal florican,” Baruah said in a post on X.
He said that during the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count 2026, the sanctuary teams recorded a high number of birds and rich species diversity across important wetlands including Rowmari, Dondowa and Muamari beels. The discovery of the Smew provides another valuable indicator of the ecological importance of these wetlands and their role as wintering grounds for migratory waterbirds.
“We are strengthening biodiversity monitoring across Laokhowa so that the changing patterns of bird populations and wetland ecosystems can be better understood and protected. Every new species record adds to our scientific knowledge and reinforces the importance of conserving these habitats,” he said.
According to the Minister, the government is stepping up enforcement to protect the sanctuary’s wetlands from activities that threaten their ecological balance. Strict action against illegal fishing has already resulted in an arrest, while patrolling is being intensified in vulnerable areas.
The authorities are also carrying out surprise checks, establishing monitoring points and taking legal action against repeat offenders to ensure that Laokhowa’s wetlands remain protected.
“Our approach is clear: conservation must combine scientific monitoring, habitat protection and strong enforcement. The presence of rare migratory birds is a powerful reminder that healthy wetlands provide refuge to wildlife far beyond Assam,” the Minister said.
“Laokhowa is showing that when wetlands are protected, nature returns with remarkable stories — including the arrival of species never recorded here before,” he added.
