Asian Waterbird Census 2026 to Be Held at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

40th Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) and the 60th International Waterbird Census (IWC) will be conducted on January 10 and 11, 2026 at the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining wetlands.

The census will document the diversity, distribution, and population trends of migratory and resident waterbirds in one of India’s most significant coastal ecosystems.

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Asian Waterbird Census 2026 to Be Held at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Multi-Agency Collaboration for the Census

The census will be organised by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with:

• Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
• World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

This coordinated effort highlights Coringa’s importance as a key wetland habitat on India’s east coast.

Milestone Survey at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

The 2026 exercise will mark the 10th waterbird census conducted at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding wetlands.

Located near the Godavari River estuary, Coringa is renowned for:

• Extensive mangrove forests
• High avian diversity
• Long-term importance for migratory bird monitoring

Focus on Endangered and Migratory Species

Special attention will be given to four key migratory species that winter at the Godavari estuary:

• Indian Skimmer – Endangered
• Great Knot – Endangered
• Eurasian Curlew – Near Threatened
• Eurasian Oystercatcher

The Godavari estuary is among the few sites globally where the Indian Skimmer and Great Knot are observed together during winter.

Community Participation and Conservation Value

According to Coringa Sanctuary Wildlife Ranger Vara Prasad, local birdwatchers will be encouraged to take part in the census.

Benefits of community participation:

• Strengthens data accuracy
• Enhances public awareness
• Supports citizen-led conservation

The collected data will feed into global waterbird databases and assist in conservation planning for threatened migratory species along India’s eastern coastline.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• 40th Asian Waterbird Census to be held in January 2026
• 60th International Waterbird Census conducted simultaneously
• Venue: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
• Located near the Godavari estuary
• Focus on Indian Skimmer, Great Knot, Eurasian Curlew, Eurasian Oystercatcher
• Census involves BNHS, WII, WWF, and AP Forest Department

Question & Answer

Q1. Where will the 40th Asian Waterbird Census be conducted in January 2026?
(a) Chilika Lake
(b) Pulicat Lake
(c) Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Bhitarkanika National Park
Answer: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Q2. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located near which river estuary?
(a) Krishna
(b) Mahanadi
(c) Godavari
(d) Cauvery
Answer: Godavari

Q3. Which of the following migratory birds monitored at Coringa is classified as Endangered?
(a) Eurasian Curlew
(b) Indian Skimmer
(c) Black-tailed Godwit
(d) Painted Stork
Answer: Indian Skimmer

Q4. The Asian Waterbird Census is best described as which of the following?
(a) A one-time national bird survey
(b) An annual international monitoring programme
(c) A forest biodiversity census
(d) A climate change assessment
Answer: An annual international monitoring programme

Q5. Which organisations are collaborating in the Coringa Waterbird Census?
(a) ISRO and IMD
(b) BNHS, WII, WWF
(c) ASI and INTACH
(d) NGT and CPCB
Answer: BNHS, WII, WWF

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