Afghan warbler

Afghanistan’s 210 km-long Wakhan Corridor, on the northeastern rim, is proving to be quite the paradise for wildlife conservationists. Home to most of the country’s snow leopards, another rare species in the area has recently trilled its way into the world of humans from this area. Described as “the world’s least-known bird species”, the large-billed reed warbler appears to be flourishing in the Wakhan, the bird’s only-known breeding ground.

So elusive is the warbler that there have only been two recorded sightings. The first took place in India as far back as 1867, followed by the second almost two centuries later in 2006, in Thailand. Now, researchers have been able to capture, study and release about 20 individual birds in the Wakhan. While the finding of the warbler’s breeding ground is important in itself, it also touches upon the larger question of research and conservation in the Wakhan specifically and Afghanistan in general. Work on these issues remains at a very early stage in Afghanistan, after decades of conflict and instability.

Along these lines, then, comes some pleasant news. Hamid Karzai’s government, although weighed down by a heavy plateful of pressing problems, has been paying increased attention to environment-related issues. To date, Kabul has put together a list of protected species, and opened its very first national park – sure to make a home someday for at least a few of the large-billed reed warblers.

Courtesy: HIMAL South Asia