Counting the winter guests: Migratory bird census held across Kashmir wetlands

By: John Mohamad Mir
Block Officer, Pampore Wetlands

The Wetlands Division Kashmir of the Wildlife Protection Department, J&K, conducted the Asian Waterfowl Population Estimation (AWPE) 2026 on 12 February 2026 across wetlands and water bodies of the Kashmir Division. The annual scientific exercise covered both protected areas and wetlands outside protected zones, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of wintering migratory bird populations in the Valley.

The estimation formed part of the broader Asian Waterbird Census carried out along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory bird routes. Kashmir’s wetlands continued to serve as crucial wintering and stopover habitats for thousands of migratory waterfowl arriving from Central Asia, Siberia, China and other regions. The exercise aimed to assess population trends, species diversity and habitat conditions, which help guide conservation planning and policy decisions.

In a significant step toward community-based conservation, the exercise witnessed the participation of a wide range of stakeholders. Students and faculty members from the University of Kashmir, SKUAST-K, various colleges and schools, along with NGOs, Wetland Mitras, bird enthusiasts and local volunteers actively assisted field teams during the estimation.

Their involvement not only strengthened the data collection process but also promoted awareness about wetlands and migratory birds among the younger generation. Such collaborative initiatives helped build a sense of stewardship and encouraged citizens to contribute to biodiversity conservation.

Field teams comprising wildlife officials, researchers, students and trained volunteers from different NGOs were deployed across major wetlands including Hokersar, Wular, Haigam, Chatlam, Mirgund, Shallabugh, Pampore wetlands and other water bodies.

Each wetland was divided into sectors to ensure accuracy and avoid duplication of counts. Teams conducted the exercise simultaneously in the early morning hours when waterfowl activity was at its peak.

The Asian Waterfowl Population Estimation plays a crucial role in monitoring population trends of migratory and resident waterfowl, assessing the health and ecological status of wetlands, identifying emerging threats such as pollution or disturbance, supporting policy decisions and conservation planning, and strengthening India’s commitments under international conventions like the Ramsar Convention and the Central Asian Flyway Action Plan.

Kashmir’s wetlands remain among the most important wintering grounds for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent. Regular monitoring helps ensure timely conservation interventions and contributes to maintaining ecological balance.

The Wildlife Protection Department, J&K, through its Wetlands Division, has continued to play a pivotal role in safeguarding these fragile ecosystems. From habitat management and anti-poaching measures to awareness programmes and scientific monitoring, the department has remained committed to conserving migratory birds and their habitats.

The department has also actively promoted community participation through initiatives such as Wetland Mitras, ensuring that local communities become partners in conservation.

The estimation exercise conducted on 12 February 2026 reflected a collective commitment toward protecting Kashmir’s wetlands and migratory bird heritage. The participation of students, researchers, NGOs and volunteers highlighted a growing awareness that conservation is a shared responsibility.

Such exercises not only generate valuable scientific data but also inspire a culture of environmental stewardship. As teams spread across the Valley’s wetlands for the enumeration, the effort stood as a testament to the region’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity for future generations.

The Asian Waterfowl Population Estimation 2026 therefore remained more than just a counting exercise — it also served as a celebration of Kashmir’s wetlands, its migratory visitors and the people working tirelessly to protect them.