Guwahati: In a landmark moment for bird conservation in Northeast India, the seventh Kaziranga Waterbird Count has recorded an unprecedented 1,05,540 waterbirds across 107 species, with the rare Smew (Mergellus albellus) stealing the spotlight in its first-ever sighting in the Kaziranga landscape.
Conducted from January 4 to 11, 2026, the synchronised survey covered 166 wetlands across 10 forest ranges under the Eastern Assam, Biswanath and Nagaon Wildlife Divisions. More than 120 enumerators, 50 volunteers, forest staff, students and bird enthusiasts participated, making it one of the largest citizen-science conservation exercises in the region.
The much-anticipated report was released on February 22 at JDSG College, Bokakhat, by Kaziranga MP Kamakhya Tasa, IUCN SSC Chair Vivek Menon, and senior officials including Shivani Jerngal. The survey was compiled by the Kaziranga Park Authority in collaboration with the Assam Bird Monitoring Network team led by Nilutpal Mahanta, Smarajit Ojah and Bishwajit Chakdar.
The biggest highlight of this year’s count was the Smew, a striking black-and-white diving duck rarely recorded in India. A winter migrant from the Eurasian taiga, the species is typically seen in northern wetlands and only sporadically elsewhere in the country.
Its sighting at Rowmari and Donduwa beels in the Laokhowa landscape, as well as core Kaziranga sites, marks a significant addition to the park’s avifaunal records.
“Smew signals wetland health in India — its vagrant status may reflect climate-driven range shifts and underlines the need to protect critical refuelling habitats,” said ornithologist Nilutpal Mahanta.
Smarajit Ojah added that the species’ presence underscores the resilience of Kaziranga’s floodplain wetlands along the Central Asian Flyway, strengthening the case for anti-encroachment measures and habitat restoration.
Wetlands that stood out
Among the wetlands surveyed, Rowmari Beel (Laokhowa) recorded the highest number of birds at 15,661, followed by Donduwa Beel with 14,469. Katakhal recorded 4,979 birds, Sohola (combined) 3,612, and Khalihamari 3,463.
In terms of species diversity, Rowmari topped the list with 77 species, followed by Donduwa with 71 and Sohola with 69. Kawoimari–Bhoisamari–Diffulo recorded 57 species, while Very reported 53.
Among the most abundant species recorded were Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail and Lesser Whistling Duck.
The survey also documented species of conservation concern, including one Critically Endangered, one Endangered, two Vulnerable and 14 Near-Threatened species.
Citizen science driving conservation
Initiated in 2018–19 by the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve authority, the annual waterbird count has evolved into a critical management tool for monitoring wetland health.
With over 500 bird species recorded historically, Kaziranga’s wetlands — recognised as Important Bird Areas, continue to reaffirm their global ecological value.
Assam Forest and Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary described the findings as a milestone, stating that the record-breaking census and the Smew’s debut reaffirm Assam’s wetlands as vital biodiversity habitats along international migratory routes.