The Asian Waterbird Census was conducted at Asan Wetland in Uttarakhand, where a total of 5,806 migratory birds belonging to 126 species were recorded. The census also documented the presence of several rare and threatened bird species, highlighting the ecological importance of the wetland.
The bird count was carried out as part of the 40th International Waterbird Census and the 60th Indian Waterbird Census. During the exercise, species such as Steppe Eagle, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Egyptian Vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, and River Lapwing were observed in the wetland area.
Officials said the Ruddy Shelduck was recorded in the highest numbers at Asan Wetland. A total of 983 birds of this species were counted. The consistently high presence of Ruddy Shelduck has been a key reason for Asan Wetland being designated as a Ramsar site of international importance.
Census coordinator Sanjay Sondhi stated that the bird count figures this year were better than those recorded in the previous census. In 2024, the wetland had reported 5,287 birds from 118 species, whereas the current census showed an increase both in species diversity and total bird numbers.
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The census exercise saw participation from the Uttarakhand Forest Department, Uttarakhand State Biodiversity Board, eBird India, Asian Waterbird Census teams, several educational institutions, and organisations including Titli Trust, Doon Nature Walk, and Wildlife Prevention Society. Officials said the findings would help in long-term monitoring and conservation planning for the wetland ecosystem.
