YANGON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- More than 17,000 migratory waterbirds of 29 species are spending the winter at Indawgyi Lake, Myanmar's largest freshwater lake in Kachin state, an official said on Tuesday.
U Maung Win, warden of the Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, said the figures come from the Asian Waterbirds Census conducted on Jan. 10 this year in collaboration with Fauna and Flora International, local ecotourism organization Inn Chit Thu, and local bird enthusiasts.
According to the survey, a total of 24,177 waterbirds from 46 species were recorded at the lake, including 17,275 migratory waterbirds from 29 species and 6,902 resident birds from 17 species, he said.
U Maung Win added that the number of migratory waterbirds this winter added 1,060 birds and one additional species compared to last year.
Migratory waterbirds typically arrive at Indawgyi Lake in October and depart in May. To mark their arrival and departure, local authorities organize awareness activities to highlight the importance of protecting these species, he added.
Myanmar lies along two major global bird migration routes, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and the Central Asian Flyway. Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
The arrival of these waterbirds brings benefits to the region. By feeding on insects that damage crops, the birds help improve agricultural yields. Their seasonal presence also supports local livelihoods through eco-tourism and related economic activities, he added.
In June 2017, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated Indawgyi Lake as a Man and the Biosphere Reserve. ■