Assam records first confirmed Oriental Darter breeding colony
Researchers documented nine active nests at Bar Panora village in Kamrup (Rural) district during field observations in July 2025.
Assam has recorded its first confirmed breeding and nesting colony of the Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), according to The Sentinel. Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced the discovery in Guwahati on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The findings, which were published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa in October 2026, originated from field observations conducted in July 2025. Researchers Jyotiprakash Boro, Chandramita Boro, Kuldeep Bora, and Baishali Das documented nine active nests at Bar Panora village in Kamrup (Rural) district.
The researchers counted 51 Oriental Darters at the site, including 18 adults and 33 chicks or juveniles. The nests were found in a 22-metre-high Rain Tree (Samanea saman).
Minister Baruah stated on X that the nests were located approximately 19 metres above the ground and about 13 metres from a nearby wetland. He noted that the discovery highlights the importance of wetland conservation.
The Oriental Darter is widespread across South and Southeast Asia and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Previously, Assam lacked verified breeding records for the species.