Assam: 146 avian species recorded during Kati Bihu Bird Count 2025 in Kaziranga

The Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve in Assam hosted a vibrant edition of the #KatiBihuBirdCount 2025, attracting birdwatchers, conservationists, and local enthusiasts.

Organised by the Assam Bird Monitoring Network (ABMN) in collaboration with park authorities, the event celebrated the Assamese festival of Kati Bihu while promoting citizen-led efforts to monitor and conserve biodiversity.

The bird count spanned five ranges of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 63 participants documenting an impressive 146 bird species. Notable sightings included the endangered Swamp Grass Babbler, a rare species native to the Brahmaputra floodplains, and the vulnerable Pallas’s Fish Eagle, whose global population is declining. The tally also recorded two endangered, six vulnerable, six near-threatened, and 132 least concern species, highlighting Kaziranga’s role as a vital haven for avian life in Northeast India.

Park officials praised the initiative as a cornerstone of citizen science, fostering community engagement and generating critical data for biodiversity conservation. The findings will feed into regional and national databases, aiding in tracking species trends and shaping future conservation strategies.

Conservationists emphasised the event’s role in raising awareness about avian protection and nurturing environmental responsibility among locals. As Kaziranga gears up for the tourist season, the #KatiBihuBirdCount underscores its status not only as a tiger sanctuary but also as a premier destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.