Understanding the 40th Asian Waterbird Census and Its Ecological Importance

Introduction

The 40th Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) and the 60th International Waterbird Census (IWC) are scheduled for January 10 and 11, 2026. This important event will take place at the Godavari estuary, which includes the ecologically significant Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. This large-scale biodiversity initiative underscores India’s increasing involvement in wetland conservation, migratory bird monitoring, and global ecological research.

Importance of the Census

This census is particularly noteworthy as the Godavari estuary is one of the few locations in India where two globally endangered migratory birds, the Indian Skimmer and the Great Knot, can be observed together. This makes it a crucial landscape for avian conservation efforts.

Organizing Institutions and Collaboration

The census at the Godavari estuary will be collaboratively conducted by:

• Andhra Pradesh Forest Department
• Bombay Natural History Society
• Wildlife Institute of India
• World Wide Fund for Nature

This multi-institutional collaboration ensures scientific accuracy, global comparability of data, and encourages community participation, with local birdwatchers and volunteers invited to join the census efforts.

About the Asian Waterbird Census

The Asian Waterbird Census is a longstanding citizen science and scientific monitoring initiative, coordinated annually across Asia as part of the global International Waterbird Census. Conducted every January, it tracks the population status, distribution, and trends of both migratory and resident waterbirds across wetlands. The 2026 edition marks the 40th Asian and 60th International Waterbird Census, highlighting six decades of continuous global ecological monitoring.

In Coringa, this will be the 10th iteration of the census, reflecting the site’s long-term significance in waterbird research.

Key Species in Focus

The 2026 census will focus on four migratory waterbird species that visit the Godavari estuary in winter for feeding and roosting:

• Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis): Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, known for its unique feeding style of skimming the water surface with its elongated lower mandible. It relies on undisturbed sandbars and estuarine habitats, with India hosting a significant portion of its global population.
• Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris): Also classified as Endangered, this bird migrates from Arctic breeding grounds to coastal wetlands in Asia and Australia. Habitat loss in intertidal zones has resulted in a sharp global decline, making the Godavari estuary a vital wintering site.
• Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata): A Near Threatened species and the world’s largest wader, its decline is linked to wetland degradation and climate change. Its presence provides insights into coastal mudflat health.
• Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus): This striking coastal bird depends on shellfish-rich intertidal zones. Its population numbers serve as indicators of coastal ecosystem productivity and food availability.

Why the Godavari Estuary Matters

Located along India’s eastern coast, the Godavari estuary is a complex network of mangroves, mudflats, creeks, and sandbars. The Coringa mangroves are the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India, following the Sundarbans. This estuarine system provides:

• Rich feeding grounds for migratory birds
• Shelter from predators and harsh weather
• Breeding and nursery habitats for fish and crustaceans

The coexistence of the Indian Skimmer and Great Knot at this site enhances its global significance for waterbird conservation.

Scientific and Conservation Significance

Waterbirds are regarded as bio-indicators, meaning their population trends reflect the overall health of wetlands. Data collected through the Asian Waterbird Census is utilized to:

• Assess wetland health and degradation
• Track long-term population trends
• Identify priority conservation sites
• Support Ramsar site management and policy decisions

For India, such data reinforces commitments under international biodiversity frameworks, including the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Conclusion

In summary, the 40th Asian Waterbird Census and the 60th International Waterbird Census will be held on January 10–11, 2026, at the Godavari estuary, including the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. The focus will be on key species like the Indian Skimmer and Great Knot, highlighting the estuary’s significance for wetland conservation, migratory bird monitoring, and biodiversity policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Asian Waterbird Census?
Answer: The Asian Waterbird Census is an annual monitoring programme that tracks the population status and trends of migratory and resident waterbirds in Asia's wetlands.

Q2. Why is the Godavari estuary significant for birds?
Answer: The Godavari estuary hosts endangered species like the Indian Skimmer and Great Knot, making it a critical site for avian conservation and biodiversity.

Q3. What organizations are involved in the census?
Answer: The census is conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, Bombay Natural History