Guwahati, Feb 25 (NationPress) A remarkable count of 105,540 water birds spanning 107 species was noted during the recent water bird survey at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), as informed by officials on Wednesday.

KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh revealed that the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count recorded a staggering 105,540 water and wetland-associated birds, representing 107 species. This synchronized survey took place from January 4 to 11, 2026, encompassing 166 wetlands across 10 ranges under the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the Biswanath Wildlife Division, and the Nagaon Wildlife Division.

The survey identified a diverse array of birds, including ducks and geese, waders, herons, egrets, marsh birds, and other wetland-dependent species. Notably, the Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail, and Lesser Whistling Duck were found to be the most populous species.

Ghosh stated that the survey report underscored conservation priorities by documenting one critically endangered species, one endangered species, two vulnerable species, and 14 near-threatened species as categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The waterbird count initiative was launched in 2018-19 by KNPTR management, and for the past three years, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has provided Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support for this citizen science project, which has engaged numerous ornithologists, college students, and wildlife photographers.

Assam’s Minister for Forests, Environment, and Climate Change, Chandra Mohan Patowary, expressed his excitement on social media, stating: “Elated by the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count! The first-ever sighting of Smew is a highlight in this record-breaking census of 105,540 birds. This stunning debut solidifies Assam’s wetlands as crucial biodiversity hotspots.”

Ghosh emphasized that the waterbird count has evolved into a vital management tool for wetland conservation in one of India’s premier tiger reserves over the years.

She noted that large perennial wetlands attracted significant bird congregations, while seasonal wetlands boosted species diversity, highlighting the importance of comprehensive river–beel conservation in light of altering hydrological patterns.

The survey reinforced Kaziranga’s significant role along the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a crucial habitat for migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia, as well as for resident species.

Designated as India’s seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site and the fourth for its natural attributes, the KNPTR boasts a conservation history spanning over 119 years.

With its distinctive combination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, it ranks among the finest protected areas globally.

The Tiger Reserve is home to the ‘Big Five’ mammals and is a preferred destination for birdwatchers, thanks to its exceptional avian diversity of over 500 bird species.

According to the latest official estimates, the park supports 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses (2022 census), 104 Bengal tigers (2022), 1,228 Asian elephants (2024), 2,565 wild water buffaloes (2022), and 1,129 eastern swamp deer (2022).

Spanning the districts of Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Biswanath, the park generated revenue exceeding Rs 10.90 crore in 2024-25 and more than Rs 8.81 crore in 2023–24. The KNPTR comprises three forest divisions: Eastern Assam Wildlife Division (Bokakhat), Biswanath Wildlife Division (Biswanath Chariali), and Nagaon Wildlife Division (Nagaon).