Asian Waterbird Census 2024

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) is a part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) initiative, which aims to collect uniform data on waterbird diversity and habitat conditions globally. The census is conducted every year with the help of volunteers and collaborators. The AWC in 2024, which took place from January 6 to January 21, covered wetlands throughout India, with the participation of numerous birdwatchers and wetland enthusiasts. This event highlights the importance of citizen science in the conservation and management of wetlands.

To raise awareness about the status and trends of waterbirds in India among government stakeholders, knowledge institutions, and citizens, field-level data will be collected, processed, and summarized in a report. Press coverage from different states across India can be found below:

Andhra Pradesh

Asian Waterbird Census to enumerate avian species in 12 habitats in Godavari estuary in Andhra Pradesh – The Hindu

Birders in Visakhapatnam report a drop in number of species during the Asian Waterbird Census – The Hindu

Chandigarh

Barnacle Geese: Three Barnacle Geese Spotted At Mote Majra, A First For S. Asia? | Chandigarh News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Delhi NCR

https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/other-news/why-foreign-birds-migrate-from-india-and-delhi-in-cold-weather/articleshow/106854092.cms

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/okhla-sanctuary-sees-decline-in-number-of-migratory-birds-577017

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2024/state-editions/migratory-birds-skip-dhanauri-wetlands–awc.html#:~:text=Global%20climate%20change%20has%20taken,Asian%20Waterbird%20Census(AWC)

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/sultanpur-park-records-50-decline-in-migratory-birds-ornithologists-worried-581968

Birders: Spotted! City Birders Record 238 Species In Season’s Last Census | Delhi News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Gujarat

Around 10 lakh birds counted in Porbandar wetlands, double as compared to last year | Ahmedabad News – The Indian Express

Jammu and Kashmir

Asian Water bird Census 2024 launched – JK MONITOR

Asian Waterbird Census Launched to Gauge Health of Wetlands – Kashmir Observer

Wular Conservation & Management Authority launches Asian Water Bird census 2024 – Greater Kashmir

Asian water bird census launched for J&K wetlands : The Tribune India

Kerala

Wayanad wetland survey unveils avian diversity – The Hindu

Asian Waterbird Census records 5,412 birds of 70 species in Thiruvananthapuram – The Hindu

Census records a 65% increase in waterbird count in Thiruvananthapuram – The Hindu

Survey: Waterbird Numbers In Kochi Wetlands Dwindling | Kochi News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Asian Waterbird Census: Asian Waterbird Census in Kochi – Cochin Natural History Society | Kochi News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Wetlands in Ernakulam see spurt in species but decrease in individual birds: Census (newindianexpress.com)

Waterbird survey hints at decline in number of migratory ducks – The Hindu

Asian Waterbird Census records 11,470 birds of 83 species in Kollam – The Hindu

Water bird count throws up mixed results in Ernakulam – The Hindu

Maharashtra

Wings Over Ujani: Annual Asian Waterbird Census 2024 Takes Flight at Reservoir Sanctuary – PUNE.NEWS

Pune : Annual Asian Waterbird Census 2024 to take place at Ujani Reservoir – PUNE PULSE (mypunepulse.com)

Meghalaya

Press Releases | Meghalaya Government Portal

13 Species Of Waterbirds Spotted In Meghalaya | Shillong News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Shillong

Umiam wetland home to 155 waterbird species, says census – The Shillong Times

Umiam lake’s wetlands home to 155 water birds across 13 species: Asian Waterbird Census (hubnetwork.in)

Telangana

40 aquatic bird species identified at Kawal reserve during census (newindianexpress.com)

Uttar Pradesh

Fewer migratory birds this year at Ramsar site Soor Sarovar in Agra – Daijiworld.com

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/fewer-bird-species-spotted-at-soor-sarovar-this-winter-101642357472870-amp.html

Decline in migratory birds at Mathura wetland – Hindustan Times

Uttarakhand

Bird Census: Bird census: 141 species spotted at Asan Reserve Dehradun | Dehradun News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

The Biodiversity Board in Uttarakhand to count the migratory water birds under the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) | India News – News9live

Migratory Birds: 3k Migratory Birds Seen at Gularbhoj and Sitarganj Reservoirs – Biodiversity Census 2024 | Dehradun News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

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