Wintering birds arrive in Rakhine State

Reports indicate that since December, wintering birds from the northern hemisphere have been spotted entering Nantha Island in Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State.
The island, regarded as a World Ramsar wetland site, is the second-largest wintering habitat for the endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper.
Chairman U Yan Naung Soe of the Rakhine State Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association said: “We’ve noticed the birds entering Rakhine State since 25 December. In the last week, we counted about 16,000. Compared to last year, we found more other birds except the Spoon-billed Sandpiper.”
The island spans 22,979 acres and sits 10 miles northwest of Sittway Township between the Mayu Estuary and the Bay of Bengal.
The Ramsar Convention recognized the island as a wetland on 21 May 2020, meeting all six criteria required for such designation.
Nantha Island boasts rich biodiversity; it serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles and hosts various aquatic creatures, including dolphins.
Efforts to designate the island as a marine national park began in March 2020. However, the island is facing challenges from sand diggers and bird hunters.
Conservationists are trying to preserve the island’s territory and prevent the erosion of coral islands. — ASH/NT