More than 1.05 lakh waterbirds belonging to 107 species were recorded during the 7th waterbird estimation conducted last winter across the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve–Laokhowa–Burhachapori floodplain complex, reaffirming the landscape’s status as a critical wintering ground for migratory birds, officials said.
Authorities said the massive congregation highlights the ecological significance of the Brahmaputra floodplains as part of the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory routes.
According to officials of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the latest estimation underscores the region’s importance as a vital refuge for migratory and resident waterbirds in the Brahmaputra valley.
“The findings reinforce Kaziranga’s position as one of the most important wintering habitats for waterbirds and a key ecological hub along the Central Asian Flyway,” an official said.
The floodplain complex, characterised by interconnected wetlands, marshes, and riverine ecosystems, provides ideal feeding, breeding, and resting grounds for a wide range of bird species.
Rich diversity reflects healthy wetland ecosystem
The survey documented a remarkable diversity of bird groups, including grazing waterfowl, dabbling and diving ducks, marsh birds, waders, storks, cormorants, and fish-eating raptors.
Officials said this diversity reflects the richness of wetland habitats in the region, ranging from deep perennial beels and shallow mudflats to vegetated marshlands and dynamic river channels.
Migratory geese accounted for a significant share of the population. The survey recorded 19,133 Bar-headed Geese and 6,533 Greylag Geese, contributing more than 25,000 birds to the total count.
Other abundant species included Gadwall (5,283), Green-winged Teal (5,220), Ferruginous Pochard (5,594), Lesser Whistling Duck (6,700), and Grey-headed Swamphen (6,286).
Officials noted that the overall count far exceeds the 20,000-waterbird threshold set under Ramsar Criterion 5, which is used to identify wetlands of international importance.
This benchmark strengthens the global ecological value of the Kaziranga–Laokhowa–Burhachapori landscape and reinforces its significance for international conservation efforts.
Endangered and vulnerable species recorded
The estimation also documented several species of global conservation concern, highlighting the importance of continued protection.
Among endangered species, 66 Greater Adjutants and 61 Pallas’s Fish Eagles were recorded.
Vulnerable species such as the Lesser Adjutant were represented by 257 individuals, while near-threatened species including the Ferruginous Pochard (5,594) and Oriental Darter (1,102) were also observed.
Officials said many of these species are protected under various schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, placing a statutory obligation on authorities to ensure their conservation.
Key wetlands emerge as major bird congregation sites
The survey identified several wetlands as critical congregation zones. Rowmari Beel and Donduwa Beel emerged as major hotspots, supporting large numbers of waterbirds.
Wetlands in the Agoratoli and Bagori ranges, including Sohola and its associated beels, also made significant contributions to overall bird abundance and species diversity.
Officials said the findings underscore the importance of sustained conservation measures and habitat protection to safeguard the region’s biodiversity and maintain its status as one of India’s premier bird habitats.