Asian Waterbird Census in Kollam records 11,525 birds from 81 species

The survey encompassed 15 well-known wetlands in the district that are important habitats for waterbirds

The annual Asian Waterbird Census in Kollam district has counted 11,525 birds from 81 species, including 46 migratory species. This is a slight increase from the 2024 census, which recorded 11,470 birds from 83 species.

The survey encompassed 15 well-known wetlands in the district that are important habitats for waterbirds. The census observed a decline in wild duck numbers, likely due to low water levels in traditional wetland habitats.

Notably, Kollam recorded a higher-than-usual count of Asian Woolly Necked Stork, a local migrant listed as near threatened by the IUCN, for the first time, indicating rising temperatures in the district. Large-sale habitat degradation and loss, mainly attributed to anthropogenic intervention and fluctuating climate conditions, were reported across all surveyed sites.

The survey conducted on January 26 was a collective effort of 70 birders and volunteers mobilised jointly by the WWF-India, Kollam Birding Battalion, and Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, with the support of the Social Forestry Division (Kollam) of the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department and Wildlife Trust of India. “The presence of 46 migratory species demands regular monitoring in these sites and a well-designed strategy to be in place for conserving these bird habitats in the district, says A.K. Sivakumar, Sarlin P.J. and Ampady Sugathan, the coordinators of the AWC, Kollam.

Pavumba wetlands, while hosting the highest count at 1,824 birds (49 species), saw a significant decrease from last year’s 3,170. Key species included migratory birds such as Painted Storks, Asian Openbills, Wood Sandpipers, Bar-tailed Godwits, and Barn Swallows. Polachira wetlands recorded 1,627 birds (44 species), featuring migratory species such as Painted Storks, Asian Openbills, Black-headed Ibises, Wood Sandpipers, Eurasian Spoonbills, Spot-billed Pelicans, and a Grey-headed Lapwing. Chittumalachira tallied 1,402 birds (32 species), mostly resident species along with some migratory Barn Swallows, Wood Sandpipers, and Painted Storks. Vellanathuruthu Beach, a shorebird haven, counted 1,152 birds (42 species), dominated by migratory species like Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Brown-headed Gulls.

Azheekkal Beach, another site for shore birds contributed 1,035 birds of 21 species. The Neendakara- Sakthikulangara harbours reported around 954 birds including 630 Little Egrets, 210 Brahmini Kites, along with cormorants and pond herons. Ashtamudi Belt was the hub of resident birds like Indian Cormorants and the same was the case of Umayanalloor. The team on the Kappil-Pozhikkara beaches recorded 102 Brahmini Kites and migratory birds like 85 Lesser Creased Terns and 17 Greater Crested Terns. The Karali Marshes, previously a sanctuary for birds, recorded only 341 birds from 33 species. However, it was the sole location to report 38 Cotton Pygmy Goose this time, aside from 6 observed at Chittumala.

All other sites showed low bird counts. Munroe Island, previously notable, recorded only 291 birds (20 species). While Cheeloor Lake had 248 birds (19 species, 5 migratory), Kandachira’s bird count decreased, though species diversity remained similar to last year. Sasthamkotta Lake, a new site, yielded a disappointing 291 birds (26 species).