Asian water bird census to be held across wetlands in Kashmir today

The Department of Wildlife Protection, in collaboration with the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), is set to conduct the Asian Waterbird Census 2025 on Wednesday.

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This annual initiative plays a crucial role in estimating the population of migratory birds visiting Kashmir’s wetlands and assessing the ecological health of these vital habitats.

An official spokesperson said ahead of the census, an orientation programme was conducted on Tuesday, where volunteers received specialised training in bird identification, population estimation techniques, and data collection methods.

Regional Wildlife Warden Rashid Yahya Naqash elaborated on the migratory patterns of birds arriving in Kashmir’s wetlands between November and March.

He highlighted the central Asian flyway, a significant migration route used by birds traveling from Russia, Siberia, Europe and China, and stressed the importance of Kashmir’s wetlands as crucial stopover points.

Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, emphasised that the census is a key scientific exercise, as bird migration serves as an essential indicator of wetland health.

He also noted that over the past two years, more than 12 lakh migratory birds have been recorded in Kashmir’s wetlands, reaffirming their global ecological importance.

Altaf Hussain, Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Kashmir, and Coordinator of Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), expressed satisfaction that most of Kashmir’s major wetlands currently hold sufficient water levels to sustain migratory birds.

The Asian Waterbird Census 2025 will cover 25 key wetlands, including four Ramsar sites—Hokersar, Haigam, Shallabugh, and Wular Lake—each serving as a critical habitat for thousands of migratory birds.

The census will be carried out under strict supervision by trained personnel from the Wildlife Department, WUCMA, Forest Protection Force, and the Forest Department.

Following the field survey, avian experts will analyse the collected data, compiling a comprehensive report on species diversity, population trends and overall wetland health.

This report will be instrumental in shaping future conservation policies and wetland management strategies.

As the Asian Waterbird Census 2025 unfolds, conservationists and wildlife officials remain committed to protecting these vital ecosystems and ensuring the continued survival of migratory bird populations, the spokesperson said.