Waterbird census begins nationwide today

January 4, Kathmandu: A census of waterbirds is taking place across lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetland areas throughout the country from Saturday (January 4) until January 19. Conducted annually on the first Saturday of January, this census aims to gather data on the number, species, and habitats of waterbirds.

Laxman Prasad Poudyal, a senior ornithologist with the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU), noted that information will be collected on water-dependent and migratory birds. Last year’s census covered key regions like Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and various national parks, and these regions will be included again this year.

However, some mountainous lakes, such as Gokyo and Gosainkunda, have not had regular censuses, and birdwatchers have been asked to report sightings in these areas.

In the 2024 census, 63,900 waterbirds spanning 79 species were recorded across 84 sub-regions in 18 major wetland areas. The International Waterbird Census (IWC) has been monitoring populations in the South Asian subcontinent since 1987, functioning in 143 countries. Waterbirds are vital indicators of wetland health and provide essential social benefits such as food and tourism opportunities, connecting people and nature across cultures. The IWC supports conservation efforts by assessing species status and identifying important habitats.