Hirakud Wetland Census 2025: Teams Tally Migratory Bird Population Across 21 Sectors

Bhubaneswar: The eagerly awaited Hirakud Wetland Census 2025 commenced today, with a dedicated team of 70 birders spread across 32 teams conducting the enumeration. Covering the expansive 550 sq. km wetland, the census spans 21 sectors, from the Hirakud Lake to the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, aiming to document the region’s rich avian diversity.

The previous census in 2024 recorded an impressive 3.42 lakh birds, representing 113 species, including 20 new species that had not been sighted in recent years. The highlight of last year’s census was the congregation of 52,000 Tufted Ducks, 49,000 Lesser Whistling Ducks, and 33,000 Red-Crested Pochards, showcasing the wetland’s vital role as a winter refuge for migratory birds.

This year, the census began with birders equipped with GPS devices, binoculars, and life jackets to ensure accurate data collection and safety. The collaborative effort aims to assess the current population trends of migratory birds and identify potential changes in species diversity.

Hirakud Wetland, one of India’s significant birding sites, has consistently attracted global attention for its thriving bird population and ecological significance. The findings of this year’s census will play a crucial role in shaping conservation strategies and understanding the health of this vital wetland ecosystem.

The results of the 2025 census are eagerly awaited, with conservationists and bird enthusiasts hopeful for another record-breaking year in avian sightings, underscoring the wetland’s status as a sanctuary for migratory and resident bird species.