The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Morigaon district successfully conducted the Asian Water Bird Census (AWC) 2026 on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with activities extending over one or two days as per reports. The survey was carried out by the sanctuary authority in close collaboration with Aaranyak (not Aranyak as sometimes spelled), the Assam Bird Monitoring Network, local bird experts, students, and the Pobitora Jeep Safari Owner’s Association, Mayong.A total of 12 enumeration teams, comprising renowned experts and enthusiasts, meticulously monitored 13 water bodies and beels within the sanctuary. Key participants included prominent naturalist and ornithologist Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury, Sri Karuna Sarma (Kaziranga Welfare Society), Sri Mukul Tamuly (Retd. ACF and former Range Officer, Pobitora), Sri Dhrubajyoti Das (Range Officer, Khanapara), Dr. Deba Kumar Dutta (Rhino Conservation Division, Aaranyak), Dr. Nilotpal Mahanta (We Foundation), Dr. Khanin Changmai (Veterinarian), and local bird enthusiasts such as Nripen Nath, Dipak Deka, Hariprasad Mallik, Bidyut Bishaya, and Moniratna Deka.During the census, several notable migratory species were sighted, highlighting the sanctuary’s importance as a vital wintering ground for waterbirds. These included: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
Among these, sightings of the Lesser White-fronted Goose — a globally vulnerable species — and other rare migrants underscore the ecological significance of Pobitora.Preliminary observations indicate an increase in both the number of individual birds and species diversity compared to previous years, pointing to a thriving wetland ecosystem. This positive trend reflects effective conservation measures and the health of the habitat amid ongoing efforts to protect Assam’s avian biodiversity.The official waterbird count and comprehensive data compilation will be declared by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam, once all enumerations are finalized.The collaborative effort brought together Assam Forest Department officials, NGO members, bird experts, and enthusiastic student volunteers, exemplifying community-driven conservation in safeguarding migratory routes and winter habitats.Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, best known for its high density of one-horned rhinoceros, continues to prove its value as a critical stopover for migratory waterbirds along the Central Asian Flyway.This annual mid-winter census, part of the wider Asian Waterbird Census coordinated across the region, plays a key role in monitoring population trends, habitat conditions, and threats to waterbirds.