Kaziranga Waterbird Estimation Reveals Over 100 Species

The 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Estimation has recorded over 105,000 birds from 107 species, showcasing the ecological significance of the Kaziranga-Laokhowa-Burhachapori floodplain complex. Notable counts include thousands of migratory geese and various endangered species, highlighting the area’s role as a crucial wintering ground within the Central Asian Flyway. The findings exceed Ramsar's benchmark for international wetlands, reinforcing conservation efforts under the Wildlife Protection Act. This survey underscores the importance of key wetlands in supporting diverse bird populations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 18:53 IST

Significant Findings from Kaziranga Waterbird Survey

Guwahati, Feb 25: The recent 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Estimation has recorded an impressive total of 105,540 birds across 107 different species in the Kaziranga-Laokhowa-Burhachapori floodplain complex during the last winter season.

Among the notable species identified were Grazing waterfowl, Dabbling ducks, Diving ducks, Marsh specialists, Waders, Storks, Cormorants, and Piscivorous raptors, highlighting the diverse habitats of deep perennial beels, shallow mudflats, vegetated marshes, and riparian corridors within this interconnected floodplain.

A significant portion of the total count consisted of migratory geese, with 19,133 Bar-headed Geese and 6,533 Greylag Geese contributing to over 25,000 birds.

Other high counts included Gadwall (5,283), Green-winged Teal (5,220), Ferruginous Pochard (5,594), Lesser Whistling Duck (6,700), and Grey-headed Swamphen (6,286).

These results underscore the area's importance as a vital wintering ground for waterbirds in the Brahmaputra valley and a crucial stopover within the Central Asian Flyway, according to officials from Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

The survey results surpassed the Ramsar Criterion 5 benchmark of 20,000 waterbirds, which is used to identify wetlands of international significance.

Additionally, the survey highlighted species of global conservation concern, including endangered species like Leptoptilos dubius (66) and Haliaeetus leucoryphus (61).

Vulnerable species such as the Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) (257) and near-threatened species like Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya nyroca) (5,594) and Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) (1,102) were also documented.

Many of these birds are protected under various Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, emphasizing the legal conservation responsibilities at the national level.

Key wetlands such as Rowmari Beel and Donduwa Beel served as major congregation sites, while wetlands in the Agoratoli and Bagori ranges, including Sohola and associated beels, played a significant role in enhancing both bird abundance and species diversity.