WETLANDS - THEIR VALUES AND ROLE OF WATER BIRDS IN ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS

Abstract

Wetlands are amongst one of the most productive ecosystems and have been ranked third highest in net primary production of all world ecosystems. Wetlands have been viewed as the ―Kidney of landscape‖ for functions they perform in hydrological and chemical cycles. The state of Assam has two valleys, Brahmaputra valley and Barak Valley. The valleys are the custodian of more than 3500 wetlands, of more than 50 hectare, which are intermingled with the life of the people of the state and offer crucial economic support through services, both provisional and cultural services. Wetlands are more complicated in their trophic structure, niche specialty, community dynamics and nutrient cycle than forest. Water birds have a very great role as indicators, particularly in tropical systems, covering different stages of the life cycle of species, and trophic state/food habits. Water birds play a great role in ecosystem engineering, in stabilization of sediments in translocation or dispersal of seeds, plant, fish, amphibian movement, economic value of water birds in controlling agricultural pests. Wetlands have cultural importance also. Wetlands have inbuilt potential of economic growth for the poorer section of the society. Moreover, wetland holds massive stores of carbon which is about 20% of all terrestrial carbon stock. Wetland can play a very important role in stabilizing the climate. Protection of the unique ecosystem is critical for the socio-economic development. Legal frame work for the protection are in place but the local community support for the protection outside the protected areas are crucial to save the unique natural system.