Every winter, thousands of waterbirds migrate from the freezing regions of the Northern Hemisphere—including Russia, China, and Mongolia—to the diverse wetlands of Nepal. Seeking favorable temperatures and abundant food sources like fish and insects, these birds find sanctuary in Nepal’s lakes, rivers, and protected areas.
- Milestones: 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) and the 40th anniversary of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC).
- Nepal’s Legacy: Nepal has participated in the AWC since its inception in 1987. It remains the country’s longest-running wildlife monitoring program driven by citizen science.
The 2026 census was conducted between January 3 and January 18. Led by the DNPWC and coordinated by Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), the survey mobilized 411 volunteer counters across 18 major wetland complexes and 78 sub-sites. Binoculars, spotting scopes, high-resolution cameras, and boats for deep-water access. Data was recorded using standardized Wetlands International formats.
The total waterbird population recorded in 2026 reached 90,688 individuals across 89 species. This indicates a slight decrease compared to 2025, which saw 96,565 individuals across 94 species.
Notable Observations: Five species recorded in 2026—Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Bittern, Greater White-fronted Goose, Ruddy-breasted Crake, and Western Water Rail—were absent in the 2025 census.
The census highlighted the presence of several globally and nationally threatened species:
- Critically Endangered (National): Black-necked Stork, Western Water Rail.
- Endangered (National): Northern Pintail, African Comb Duck, Ibisbill, Black Bittern, Eurasian Bittern.
- Vulnerable (Global): Sarus Crane, Common Pochard.
The 2026 Asian Waterbird Census reinforces the critical importance of Nepal’s wetlands as a vital link in the Central Asian Flyway. While some sites like Shuklaphanta and Lumbini showed positive growth, the decline in Koshi Tappu and Jagdishpur serves as a wake-up call for intensified habitat management and pollution control.