Asian Waterbird Census 2026 records 60% jump in Kollam’s waterbird count

The Asian Waterbird Census 2026 reveals a 60% increase in Kollam's waterbird count, but also troubling ecological trends.

Data from the recently concluded Asian Waterbird Census 2026 indicate a substantial upward trend in avian frequency in Kollam district.

With a documented total of 19,555 birds representing 87 species, the census shows a 60% quantitative increase over the previous year’s figures. While environmental factors are at play, the broader scope of this year’s study, specifically the integration of the Pochappuram wetlands, contributed to this notable spike in recorded biodiversity.

Black-tailed Godwit | Photo Credit: Special Correspondent

The survey was a major collaborative effort led by the WWF-India and the Kollam Birding Battalion, with support from the Social Forestry Division of the Kerala Forest department and Fatima Mata National College, Kollam. A dedicated team of 73 volunteers, including students from Fatima Mata College, S.N. College, and St. Gregorios College, Kottarakara, carried out the extensive field exercise to map the district’s avian diversity.

The Vellanathuruthu beach emerged as the district’s top birding hotspot, hosting 3,983 birds from 42 species. The area was particularly popular with migratory shorebirds, including large flocks of Lesser black-backed gulls and Brown-headed gulls.

Meanwhile, the Sakthikulangara-Neendakara harbours recorded the second-highest numbers with 3,248 individuals, though the diversity was lower, consisting primarily of Little egrets and Brahminy kites.