Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Sees Significant Surge in Water Bird Population

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Sees Significant Surge in Water Bird Population

Guwahati: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam has witnessed an impressive 50% increase in its water bird population, reaching nearly 11,000, as revealed by a recent survey. The Asian Water Bird Census, conducted on January 18, found a total of 10,933 water birds across 56 species, compared to 7,225 birds in 2024.

Pranjal Baruah, the Sanctuary’s Ranger, highlighted that the Tamuliduva wetland, the largest in the sanctuary, plays a key role in maintaining the area's rich biodiversity. The survey was carried out by 12 teams of 22 experts, including ornithologist Anuwaruddin Choudhary and officials from the Forest Department, who surveyed nine different 'beels' (water bodies) within the sanctuary.

The findings revealed that 80% of the birds were migratory, while the remaining 20% were resident species. The census results were officially released on World Wetland Day, celebrated at Pobitora with the theme 'Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,' in collaboration with the wildlife NGO Aaranyak.

Located in Morigaon district, about 35 km from Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1998. It spans an area of 38.81 square kilometers and is home to the world's highest density of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, including 22 mammal species, 27 reptiles, and 375 bird species, some of which are critically endangered.

During the 2023-24 tourist season, Pobitora attracted over 51,000 visitors, including more than 2,000 international tourists, who enjoyed the sanctuary's famous jeep and elephant safaris.