A recent survey at Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve revealed a total of 1,05,540 winged visitors from 107 species. The 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count, conducted from January 4 to 11, 2026, covered 166 wetlands across 10 ranges in the region. Ducks, geese, herons, egrets, and other wetland-dependent species were among those recorded, with the Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail, and Lesser Whistling Duck being the most abundant.
The survey report identified conservation priorities, noting one critically endangered species, one endangered species, two vulnerable species, and 14 near-threatened species based on the IUCN Red List categories. The water bird count initiative was first launched in 2018-19 by the park management and has since received Corporate Social Responsibility support from Numaligarh Refinery Ltd for citizen science involvement.
The survey’s success was celebrated by Assam’s Forests, Environment and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, who highlighted the first-ever sighting of Smew and the record-breaking count of 105,540 birds. The exercise has become a crucial tool for wetland conservation in Kaziranga, emphasizing the importance of holistic river–beel conservation amid changing hydrological patterns.
Senior Indian Forest Service official Sonali Ghosh emphasized Kaziranga’s role along the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a habitat for migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia. The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a rich biodiversity and supports a variety of wildlife, making it a significant conservation area in India.
