GUWAHATI: Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has witnessed an unprecedented surge in migratory bird populations, recording its highest-ever count during the 6th Kaziranga Waterbird Count held on January 11 and 12. A total of 1,12,062 birds representing 124 different species were observed across 189 beels (wetlands).
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The survey revealed a rich diversity of avian visitors, with 62 species identified as winter migrants. Among them were the Critically Endangered Baer’s Pochard and the Endangered Pallas’s Fish Eagle, highlighting the reserve's importance for threatened species. The Bar-headed Goose dominated the count, with 20,845 individuals recorded. Notably, five species – the Knob-billed Duck, Baer’s Pochard, Falcated Duck, White-tailed Eagle, and Greater White-fronted Goose – were sighted for the first time in the survey.
The extensive count involved a dedicated team of 5 observers, 4 coordinators, 93 enumerators, 62 volunteers, and forest staff, making it one of India's largest citizen science initiatives.
Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area in Northeast India, spans 1,302 square kilometers. Its diverse landscape of wetlands, grasslands, and water bodies, including beels and rivers, provides vital habitat for both resident and migratory birds. The reserve's strategic location along the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) makes it a critical wintering ground for numerous species. Kaziranga's wetlands are so vital for bird conservation that two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are located within its boundaries. The annual waterbird count, initiated in 2018-19, plays an important role in managing these vital wetland ecosystems.
A special event was held alongside World Wetlands Day on February 2 at Donduwa Beel in Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary. Over 200 students, community members, and visitors participated in activities aimed at raising awareness about wetland conservation.
The event included the release of the 6th Migratory Bird Count in Kaziranga Report, a short film highlighting the area's bird diversity, and the launch of a new birding safari website for Panbari and Laokhowa. Rehabilitated Lesser Adjutant Storks and Himalayan Griffon Vultures were released back into the wild, while a new birding hide and tent were inaugurated at Donduwa. Furthermore, Prizes were awarded to schoolchildren, and trainers in craft making and tailoring were felicitated.
