The 2026 Asian Waterbird Census in Uttarakhand concluded on Sunday with significant findings. Birdwatchers recorded 5,806 individual birds representing 126 different species at the Asan Conservation Reserve. This reserve holds the distinction of being Uttarakhand's first Ramsar site, an internationally recognized wetland of importance.
Statewide Citizen-Science Effort Marks Anniversaries
This year's census carried special significance. It celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Asian Waterbird Census and the 60th anniversary of the global International Waterbird Census. The Uttarakhand forest department and the Uttarakhand biodiversity board organized the event. They received support from several academic and scientific organizations including Titli Trust, Doon Natural Walks, and the Wildlife Preservation Society.
The exercise covered major wetlands and reserves across both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of the state. Survey teams visited Ramganga within Corbett Tiger Reserve, Kolhuchaur in Sonanandi Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhilmil Jheel, Bhimgoda, Baigul Dam, Baur and Dhaura barrage, and sections of the Kosi River. Birdwatchers, students, volunteers, and forest department staff all participated in the monitoring effort. They focused on both migratory and resident waterbird populations. Officials are currently compiling the total bird count from all these diverse sites.
Notable and Threatened Species Observed
The 126 species identified at Asan Conservation Reserve included birds with various conservation statuses. The list featured vulnerable, near-threatened, and endangered species. Sanjay Sondhi, an ornithologist and the Uttarakhand AWC coordinator, highlighted several key sightings.
Notable species recorded included:
- Steppe Eagle (endangered on IUCN Red List)
- Common Pochard (vulnerable)
- Ferruginous Duck (near threatened)
- Egyptian Vulture (endangered)
- Pallas's Fish Eagle (endangered)
- Asian Woolly-necked Stork (near threatened)
- River Lapwing (near threatened)
Sondhi provided analysis of the observations. He stated that the bird numbers fell within expected ranges. He also noted an interesting pattern regarding weather. The presence or absence of snowfall did not seem to significantly affect the abundance of migratory birds at the site. According to Sondhi, these species use the Asan Wetland primarily for foraging. The area also serves as a crucial refuge from the extremely harsh climatic conditions found in their breeding or home territories.
Abundant Species and Migration Patterns
The Ruddy Shelduck emerged as one of the most abundant species at the reserve. Survey teams counted approximately 983 individuals. Ajay Sharma, an academic and passionate birder who led the count at Asan, commented on this finding.
"The continued presence of the Ruddy Shelduck suggests that, for now, geopolitical conflicts have not impacted its migratory arrival at Asan Wetland," Sharma explained. He detailed the bird's migration route. The species follows the Central Asian Flyway, which stretches across vast regions including Kazakhstan, Siberia, and parts of Eurasia.
Other key species spotted during the extensive census included the Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, River Lapwing, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, Egyptian Vulture, and Pallas's Fish Eagle.
Trends Show Steady Expansion and Stable Populations
Riya Jain, the state AWC regional coordinator from the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, drew preliminary inferences by comparing data from past surveys. "Comparison of bird census data from recent years indicates a steady expansion in survey coverage across Uttarakhand," Jain said. She added that bird populations have remained relatively stable alongside this expansion.
Jain provided a detailed breakdown of the survey's growth over recent years:
- 2023: Monitoring was limited, with only two sites surveyed.
- 2024: Coverage expanded significantly to 14 sites, recording 141 species and 5,228 individual birds.
- 2025: The effort grew further to include 24 sites, documenting 118 species and 5,287 individuals.
- 2026: The latest census documented 126 species and 5,806 individuals at Asan.
This progression reveals a clear trend. Bird numbers at Asan have remained stable or even shown slight improvement. This stability is notable because it occurred despite a much broader and more comprehensive statewide survey coverage in 2026.
Ecological Importance and Conservation Needs
Experts interpreting the census findings emphasized two main points. First, the results underscore the continued ecological importance and overall health of Uttarakhand's wetlands. The Asan Wetland, as a designated Ramsar site, plays a particularly vital role.
Second, the census also highlights emerging threats that require attention. These include pollution, habitat disturbance, and potential encroachment on wetland areas. The data reinforces the urgent need for sustained, long-term monitoring and robust conservation efforts. Protecting these critical habitats ensures the survival of diverse waterbird populations for future generations.
