Asian Waterbird Census Conducted Across 27 Wetlands in Kashmir
Srinagar, KNT: The Asian Waterbird Census 2026 was conducted on Thursday across 27 wetlands of the Kashmir Valley in a major biodiversity monitoring exercise undertaken by the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu and Kashmir, through its Wetland Division Kashmir in coordination with the Wular Conservation and Management Authority.
The census was carried out simultaneously at 58 designated points across north, central and south Kashmir following an orientation and preparatory session held a day earlier to familiarise participants with standard census protocols and scientific methodologies.
Ecologically significant wetlands including Hokersar, Shalbugh, Haigam, Wular Lake, Dal Lake, Anchar Lake, Nigeen Lake and Chatlam were covered during the exercise. These wetlands form an important part of the Central Asian Flyway and serve as wintering and staging habitats for migratory waterbirds arriving from Siberia and Central Asia.
More than 350 participants including scholars and students from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, University of Kashmir, colleges of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam districts, local schools, conservation NGOs, trained volunteers and birdwatchers took part in the field activity.
Wildlife Warden Wetland Division Altaf Hussain said the census is a scientifically structured estimation process aimed at analysing population trends that help assess wetland suitability for migratory and resident waterbirds.
Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Ahmad Deva said final figures will be known after compilation and analysis of data.
Chief Executive Director WUCMA Manzoor Ahmad Qadri said encouraging inputs were received from Wular Lake regarding migratory bird presence and noted that restoration measures are beginning to show positive outcomes. [KNT]
