A scoping survey of Glaw Lake, a freshwater wetland within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, was conducted on December 18–19, 2024, by a team from Wetlands International South Asia, accompanied by the members of the Forest Department of the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Aerial view of the lake
The team hiked over 16 kilometers through the rugged trails of the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, documenting critical ecological and hydrological features of the wetland, the visit also assessed the wetland’s ecological and socio-economic aspects.
Team from Wetlands International South Asia and Forest Department of Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
Glaw Lake, located at an elevation of 1,168 meters, is a vital ecological hub for the Eastern Himalayas. It supports high-altitude aquatic biodiversity, including endangered species such as the White-Bellied Heron and Clouded Leopard. The wetland also holds cultural significance for the Mishmi tribe, who revere it as sacred.
The field visit to Glaw Lake was conducted to gather essential information about its ecological health, biodiversity, hydrological features, and the socio-economic context of the surrounding area. Using a combination of surveys, data collection, and community interactions, the team assessed various aspects of the wetland, including its environmental status, local dependencies, and the impact of tourism activities. These observations and findings are critical for informing sustainable conservation and management strategies.
Aerial view of the entire lake and its surroundings