India, Nov. 26 -- The White-winged Wood Duck, known lovingly in Assam as the Deo Hanh or "spirit duck," is more than just a rare bird. It is a living part of the state's cultural identity, a symbol of its deep connection with nature, and now, a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile our environment has become. Once found across several pockets of Northeast India and Southeast Asia, this shy and beautiful bird has seen its population fall sharply over the years. With its recent classification as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the Deo Hanh stands on the edge of extinction. Unless we act quickly and effectively, we may soon lose one of Assam's most treasured species forever.

The decline of the White-winged Wood Duck is not a sud...