By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 1: The Fifth Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2026 was successfully conducted at Umiam Lake in Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, highlighting the region’s rich wetland biodiversity and the importance of conserving critical habitats for migratory and resident waterbirds.
The census was organised by the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board in collaboration with the Forest Department, Meghalaya State Wetlands Authority, the Departments of Environmental Science and Zoology of Shillong College, along with stakeholders, research scholars, interns and members of the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) from catchment areas surrounding Umiam Lake.
The census was carried out simultaneously across five sites—Mawlyndep BMC, Umbir BMC, Umsaw Khwan BMC, Umniuh Khwan BMC and the Orchid Resort Viewpoint—covering key wetland areas of Umiam Lake.
The event commenced at Orchid Resort, Umiam, where participants were briefed on the significance of the Asian Waterbird Census as part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC). The AWC is a citizen-science initiative conducted annually between January and February, aimed at supporting the conservation, monitoring and sustainable management of wetlands and waterbird populations across Asia and Australasia.
Volunteers across participating countries visit wetlands to count waterbirds in coordination with national waterbird census programmes.
As part of this global initiative, data collected through the AWC contributes to long-term monitoring of waterbird populations and aids in informed decision-making for wetland protection and conservation strategies.
During the 2026 census at Umiam Lake, a total of 140 waterbirds belonging to 13 different species were recorded.
Prominent species observed included the Great Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe. Other species documented during the survey were the Oriental Darter, White Wagtail, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Common Kingfisher and various Pipit species.
