The Asian Water Bird Census 2026 was conducted at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary over two days, revealing the presence of several notable migratory water bird species and indicating a healthy wetland ecosystem.

About the census

The census was organised by the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary authority in collaboration with Aaranyak, the Assam Bird Monitoring Network, local bird experts, students, and the Pobitora Jeep Safari Owners’ Association, Mayong.

Key migratory species recorded

Several long-distance migratory birds, which travel thousands of kilometres to Assam during winter, were spotted, including:

• Lesser white-fronted goose
• Greater white-fronted goose
• Bar-headed goose
• Greylag goose
• Falcated duck
• Tufted duck
• Northern pintail
• Northern shoveler
• Pied avocet
• Northern lapwing
• Black-tailed godwit

The presence of these species highlights Pobitora’s importance as a wintering ground in the Central Asian Flyway.

About the Asian Water Bird Census

• It is part of a continent-wide citizen science programme coordinated every winter.
• The census helps track:
  • Population trends of migratory water birds
  • Health of wetlands
  • Impact of climate change and habitat loss.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra in Morigaon district of Assam.
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is known for holding the highest density of Greater One Horned Rhinoceros in the country.
• This wildlife sanctuary was established in 1998 with a total area of 48.81 square kilometres.
• The Sanctuary consists of the Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest. 
• It harbors several species including Leopard, Capped Langur, Porcupine, Pangolin, Wild Water Buffalo, Monitor Lizard, Wild Boar etc.
• The Brahmaputra River forms a natural boundary to the premises of the sanctuary on the north, while the Garanga Beel offers a natural boundary to its south.
• Pobitora also holds the distinction of being the source population of the Indian Rhinoceros Vision, 2020 (IRV). 
• Rhinos were translocated from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and introduced into Manas National Park as part of the IRV 2020 program.

Why Pobitora matters for water birds

Pobitora is best known for its high density of one-horned rhinoceros, but it is equally significant as a wetland habitat.

• The sanctuary consists of floodplain wetlands (beels) connected to the Brahmaputra system.
• Seasonal flooding replenishes nutrients, supporting fish, aquatic plants, and invertebrates, which form the food base for water birds.
• An increase in bird species suggests good water quality and habitat stability.

Exam Hook – 

Q. the following statements about the Asian Water Bird Census:

1. It helps assess the ecological health of wetlands through bird population trends.
2. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds.
3. The census focuses only on forest-dwelling bird species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (a)