Wetlands International started the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in the Indian subcontinent in 1987. To support this effort, Nepal has also been consistently participating in the AWC since 1987. This is Nepal's longest-running regular wildlife monitoring program, with most of the participation coming from citizen scientists.
Every year, the waterbird census begins on the first Saturday of January to collect information about the number, species, and habitat conditions of waterbirds found in lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands across the country. This year's census was conducted from January 4 to 19 (from Paush 20 to Magh 6). During this period, data was collected on resident and migratory birds that depend on and live around water.
Wetlands International started the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in the Indian subcontinent in 1987. Nepal has consistently participated in the AWC since then to support this effort, making it Nepal's longest-running regular wildlife monitoring program, largely driven by citizen scientists.
Dr. Hem Sagar Baral coordinated this initiative from 2002 to 2024. Laxman Prasad Poudyal has now taken over the coordination role for 2025 and onwards. The Nepalese Ornithological Union coordinated this year's census program, working in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Wetlands International. Various national parks, wildlife reserves, forest offices, and other organizations actively took part in this important initiative. The 2025 waterbird census mobilized 466 volunteer counters to survey 78 smaller sites located within 18 major wetland areas nationwide.
The waterbird census was conducted in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its surroundings; Chitwan, Banke, Bardiya, Shuklaphanta, and Rara National Parks and their vicinities; the lakes and reservoirs of Janakpurdham and the Kamala River; and Hetauda, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, Bisahajari Lake, Ghodaghodi, and Jagdishpur. A total of 96,565 individuals representing 94 waterbird species were recorded.