NEWS – The White-eared Night Heron, an endangered bird, was camera-trapped in Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh— only the second confirmed sighting in India (first in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, 2016).

HIGHLIGHTS

• Endangered and nocturnal bird
• Global Range: Native to southern China and northern Vietnam.
• Population: Estimated at 250–999 mature individuals; IUCN status: Endangered.
• Habitat: Subtropical/tropical forests and rivers; also found in disturbed habitats.
• Threats: Habitat loss, fragmentation, deforestation, hunting, overfishing, and pollution.
• Ecological Importance: Indicator of Namdapha’s biodiversity and ecological value.
• Namdapha Park:
  • Located in Eastern Himalayas; India’s only park with habitats from tropical rainforest to alpine meadows.
  • Other Endangered Fauna: Namdapha flying squirrel, white-bellied heron, Chinese pangolin.
  • Conservation Urgency: Sighting highlights need for intensified habitat protection, research, and monitoring.
• Taxonomy: Described in 1899; monotypic species.
• Breeding: 3–5 eggs per clutch; long fledging period