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Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Reports Thriving Waterbird Populations

The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district successfully conducted the Asian Water Bird Census for 2026. The survey, a collaborative effort with NGOs, experts, and students, monitored 13 water bodies within the sanctuary. Preliminary observations noted several significant migratory species, including various geese, ducks, and waders. Officials report an encouraging increase in both the number of individual birds and species diversity, pointing to a thriving local ecosystem.

Key Points: Asian Water Bird Census 2026 Results at Pobitora Sanctuary

  • Annual Asian Water Bird Census conducted
  • Notable migratory species spotted
  • Survey involved 12 teams across 13 water bodies
  • Increase in bird numbers indicates healthy ecosystem
2 min read

Assam: Asian Water Bird census conducted at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon

The 2026 Asian Water Bird Census in Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary shows an increase in migratory species and individuals, indicating a healthy ecosystem.

"The latest bird census... has witnessed an increase in the number of individuals with an encouraging number of bird species, revealing a thriving ecosystem. - Parineeta Singh"

Morigaon, January 23

The authority of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district on Friday carried out the Asian Water Bird Census for the year 2026, in collaboration with Aaranyak, Assam Bird Monitoring Network, local bird experts, students and Pobitora Jeep Safari Owner's Association, Mayong.

Parineeta Singh, Range Forest Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Range, said that the Waterbird count will be officially declared by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam, once the data is compiled.

"However, several notable migratory species were spotted during the survey, such as Lesser White Fronted Goose, Tufted Duck, Greater White Fronted Goose, Falcated Duck, Bar-headed Goose, Grey Lag Goose, Northern Pintail, Pied Avocets, Northern Shoveler, Northern Lapwing, Black Tailed Godwit, etc.," the Range Forest Officer said.

The survey was conducted by 12 enumeration teams comprising various experts, including renowned naturalist and ornithologist Dr. Anuwaruddin Choudhary, Karuna Sarma, Kaziranga Welfare Society, and Mukul Tamuly, Retd. ACF and former Range Officer, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Dr. Deba Kumar Dutta, Rhino Conservation Division, Aranyak, Dr. Nilotpal Mahanta, We Foundation, Dr. Khanin Changmai, Veterinarian, and local bird enthusiasts such as Nripen Nath, Dipak Deka, Hariprasad Mallik, Bidyut Bishaya, Moniratna Deka.

"Survey teams monitored 13 water bodies and beels within the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The latest bird census at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has witnessed an increase in the number of individuals with an encouraging number of bird species, revealing a thriving ecosystem. Bird experts, student volunteers, NGO members, and Assam Forest Department officials were all involved in the census, highlighting the collaborative effort to safeguard the region's avian diversity," Parineeta Singh said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So heartening to read this. In a time when we mostly hear about habitat loss, such positive stories from our own sanctuaries are a breath of fresh air. The involvement of students is particularly encouraging for the future of conservation.
R
Rohit P
Bar-headed Goose and Northern Pintail all the way from Siberia, resting in Assam! It's amazing. But a genuine question - with more tourists coming for jeep safaris, is there a plan to manage the disturbance to these water bodies? The collaboration with the Safari Owners' Association is a good first step.
N
Nisha Z
Wonderful! Assam's wetlands are crucial pit-stops on the Central Asian Flyway. This data is vital not just for India but for international conservation efforts. Proud of the team led by Dr. Choudhary and RFO Parineeta Singh.
D
David E
As a birdwatcher who visited Pobitora last year, this is brilliant to hear. The diversity of species mentioned is impressive. Hope the detailed report is made public so enthusiasts can track the trends. More power to the local bird enthusiasts like Nripen Nath and team!
S
Sneha F
This is the kind of positive development we need to highlight more. It shows what can be achieved when government, NGOs, experts, and the local community work together. Hope the "encouraging number" translates to specific, strong data when declared. Jai Assam, jai biodiversity!

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