Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a conservation legacy of over 119 years, is globally celebrated for its rich biodiversity. Beyond being home to the iconic Big Five mammals, the Tiger Reserve harbours more than 500 bird species, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers. The landscape comprises extensive terrestrial and aquatic habitats and includes two Important Bird Areas — Kaziranga National Park (IBA Code: IN-AS-03) and Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries (IBA Code: IN-AS-02) — both internationally recognized for their importance to migratory and resident waterbirds.
The waterbird census, first initiated in 2018-19 by the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve authority, has grown into one of India’s most significant citizen science movements in recent years. For the past three years, Numaligarh Refinery Limited has supported the initiative through its CSR programme, enabling large-scale participation of ornithologists, college students, forest staff, photographers, and volunteers. This year’s synchronised survey, conducted from January 4 to January 11, 2026, followed standardized scientific protocols and covered 166 wetlands across 10 ranges in the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Biswanath Wildlife Division, and Nagaon Wildlife Division. Over 120 enumerators and 50 volunteers and staff members participated in the exercise.
The survey documented 105,540 individual waterbirds belonging to 107 species, including ducks, geese, waders, herons, egrets, and marsh birds. Among the most abundant species recorded were the Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail, and Lesser Whistling Duck. The report also highlighted conservation concerns, identifying one critically endangered species, one endangered species, two vulnerable species, and fourteen near-threatened species listed under the IUCN Red List categories.
Rowmari Beel in Laokhowa recorded the highest bird congregation with 15,661 individuals, followed by Donduwa Beel with 14,469 birds. In terms of species diversity, Rowmari also led with 77 species, followed by Donduwa with 71 and Sohola with 69 species, underscoring the ecological richness of these wetlands.
The highlight of this year’s census was the sighting of the Smew (Mergellus albellus), a striking winter migrant diving duck rarely recorded in India. Males are known for their distinctive white plumage marked with bold black patterns, while females display mottled brown coloration. Native to the taiga forests of Eurasia, the Smew is globally estimated to have around 130,000 mature individuals but is experiencing gradual decline due to habitat loss and removal of nesting trees. In India, sightings are sporadic and localized, primarily in northern wetlands. Its appearance in the Rowmari–Donduwa beels and core Kaziranga areas during the January 2026 survey has generated considerable excitement among bird conservationists.
Ornithologist Dr. Nilutpal Mahanta noted that the Smew’s presence serves as an ecological indicator of wetland health and may also reflect climate-driven shifts in migratory routes. He emphasized the importance of protecting critical refuelling habitats amid threats such as hunting and oil pollution. Bird conservationist Dr. Smarajit Ojah added that the sighting reinforces the resilience of Kaziranga’s floodplain network and underscores the need for strong anti-encroachment and wetland protection measures.
The much-anticipated report was released on February 22, 2026, at JDSG College in Bokakhat by Shri Kamakhya Tasa, Member of Parliament from Kaziranga Lok Sabha constituency, in the presence of Shri Vivek Menon, Chair of IUCN SSC, Ms. Shivani Jerngal, IAS, and other dignitaries. Assam’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary expressed his delight on social media, describing the Smew’s debut as a spectacular moment that reaffirms Assam’s wetlands as vital biodiversity hotspots.
The findings provide an essential baseline for assessing wetland health, habitat use patterns, and long-term conservation strategies. As floods, siltation, invasive species, and climate change increasingly threaten riverine ecosystems, the survey emphasizes the need for holistic conservation of the entire floodplain-beel network. Strengthened partnerships between the Assam Forest Department, NGOs, scientific networks, and local stakeholders aim to ensure sustained monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard these globally significant habitats for generations to come.