Kaziranga: Setting new records in waterbird conservation

Guwahati, Feb 2: Kaziranga Tiger Reserve(KTR) could not have had a better moment of celebration on World Wetland Day( Feb 2), as it recorded its highest-ever waterbird count since the survey began in 2018-19.

A total of 124 species and 1,12,062 individual waterbirds were observed across 189 beels during a two-day census conducted on January 11 and 12 this year.

This impressive count not only reaffirms Kaziranga’s status as a biodiversity hotspot but also highlights its critical role in the conservation of migratory birds in Northeast India.

Notably, 62 species were winter migrants. According to the IUCN Red List, 7 species are Globally Threatened and 15 are Near-Threatened. The Nagaon Wildlife Division recorded the highest number of species (107). Key sightings included the Critically Endangered Baer’s Pochard and the Endangered Pallas’s Fish Eagle. The Bar-headed Goose had the highest count at 20,845 individuals, while 5 other species-Knob-billed Duck, Baer’s Pochard, Falcated Duck, White-tailed Eagle and Greater white-fronted Goose were observed for the first time.

The annual waterbird count has become a key element in wetland management strategies, fostering collaboration between forest officials, ornithologists, NGOs, and enthusiastic citizen volunteers. This year’s exercise saw the participation of 93 enumerators, including college students and local community members, cementing Kaziranga’s place as a leader in citizen science initiatives.

“The exercise not only aimed to gather valuable data on waterbird populations but also fostered community involvement and awareness regarding the importance of wetland conservation. The collaboration among various stakeholders highlighted the collective effort needed for effective wildlife conservation in Kaziranga” a forest official said.

KTR boasts several wetlands and comprises two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) recognized for their importance to waterbirds – Kaziranga National Park and Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries.

The release of a report on Kaziranga's sixth waterbird count underscored the need for wetland protection and showcased KTR’s efforts in leading India’s conservation movement.

The Kaziranga Tiger Reserve’s unique landscape—a mosaic of grasslands, rivers, and wetlands—provides vital wintering grounds for migratory birds from the Central Asian and East African-Eurasian flyways. Bar-headed Geese, one of the key species observed, numbered 20,845, making it the most frequently spotted bird during this count.

It is also worth mentioning that no disruption in regular tourism activities occurred during the conduct of the census to sensitize the importance of science-based conservation in protected area management.

Over time, Kaziranga’s waterbird survey has become a benchmark for monitoring freshwater ecosystems. The reserve’s management continues to prioritize science-based conservation without disrupting tourism, reflecting the delicate balance between conservation efforts and public engagement.

The World Wetlands Day event at Donduwa Beel saw schoolchildren, researchers, and conservationists come together to celebrate this ecological milestone. The release of a report on Kaziranga’s sixth waterbird count underscored the need for wetland protection and showcased KTR’s efforts in leading India’s conservation movement.

“This count not only emphasizes the biodiversity supported by wetlands but also their critical role as habitats for numerous species. Wetlands serve as essential buffers against climate change, providing flood control, water purification, and wildlife habitat, yet they face significant threats from urban development, pollution, and climate change. The alarming loss of wetland areas impacts both wildlife and the human communities that rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods” the official said.

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