Bodoland University Hosts Avian Research Workshop Led by Dr. Asad Rafi Rahmani

Center for Wildlife Research & Biodiversity Conservation Organizes One-Day Workshop on Bird Conservation and Research

The Centre of Wildlife Research & Biodiversity Conservation (CWRBC), Department of Zoology in Technical Incubation Centre’s Lecture Hall at Bodoland University, organized a one-day avian research workshop. The sole resource person was Dr. Asad Rafi Rahmani, former Director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and internationally known ornithologist.

Prof. Hilloljyoti Singha, Director of CWRBC announced that the workshop was one of the objectives of the center, including others such as skill development short-term courses, a Certificate Course on Wildlife Tourism, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Wildlife Science. He also introduced Dr. Rahmani, who started his career at BNHS and taught at Aligarh Muslim University. He has authored 26 voluminous books and more than 160 research papers. Prof. Pradip Patra, Vice Chancellor in charge congratulated the center and the Department of Zoology on organizing the workshop. Dr. Subung Basumatary, Registrar of the Bodoland University wished for the success of the workshop and asked the students to take complete advantage of it.

Dr. Manjil Basumatary, Academic Registrar, BU expressed his experiences with birds and his worries about the decline of bird species.  Prof. Sujit Dela, Dean of Science & Technology highlighted the need for this kind of workshop. Dr. Kushal Choudhury, Head of the Department of Zoology recalled his memory of meeting Dr. Rahmani 20 years ago and disclosed the genesis of the workshop. Bishal Basumatary, the PhD scholar of the Zoology department, offered a vote of thanks.

Dr. Rahmani also delivered a talk on ‘Counting Birds: Generational Amnesia’. The contents of the workshop were: Avian Biodiversity in India, How to Identify Birds, Avian Studies in India, some case studies, possible topics for bird research in Assam, Emerging Threats to Indian birds and Travelers in Trouble: Threats to Migratory Birds. 45 participants came from Gauhati University, Science College, Kokrajhar, and Bodoland University including students belonging to certificate courses on Wildlife Tourism and Post Graduate Diploma in Wildlife Science, research scholars, and teaching faculties.

Editor's Note:

Environmental issues are at an ever high and integrating conscious steps to save it is the call of the hour. The recent workshop by the Center for Wildlife Research and Biodiversity Conservation was a positive step in this direction, discussing avian biodiversity and creating awareness about declining bird species. Not only was it a space for bird enthusiasts to gather and expand their knowledge but also a site to encourage the attendees to think about the present state of their numbers and endangered status. Skoobuzz recognizes and commends such endeavors and encourages individuals to intentionally get involved in the same.