In News:
The Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex, located within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (Assam), has been highlighted for its exceptional avian diversity and ecological significance, making it a strong contender for Ramsar Site designation.
Location and Overview
Situated within Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, under the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam.
Forms an interconnected floodplain–marsh system spread over ~2.5–3 sq. km.
Part of the Kaziranga landscape, which is a vital ecological corridor of the Brahmaputra floodplains.
Biodiversity Significance
Greater avian diversity than existing Ramsar Sites in Northeast India:
oDeepor Beel (Assam)
oLoktak Lake (Manipur)
2025 Kaziranga Wetland Bird Census: Recorded 47,000+ birds belonging to 75–88 species.
Notable species: Knob-billed Duck, Black-necked Stork, Ferruginous Pochard
Ecological Importance
Represents a floodplain–marsh ecosystem crucial for:
oMigratory and resident bird habitats
oBreeding and feeding grounds for waterfowl
oFlood mitigation and groundwater recharge
Ensures ecological connectivity within the Kaziranga landscape, supporting tiger, rhino, and wetland-dependent species.
Conservation Challenges
oEncroachment and siltation due to human activities.
oUnregulated fishing and grazing pressures.
oClimate-induced flooding altering wetland hydrology.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
