Gurgaon: Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) conducted at Sultanpur National Park on Sunday recorded a healthy number of wintering waterbirds this season, but flagged rising disturbance inside and around the wetland that experts warn could disrupt bird behaviour in the long term.Part of Wetlands International’s annual waterbird monitoring programme, the survey documented over 6,000 birds belonging to 94 species, with wintering ducks dominating the count. However, the survey summary highlighted cattle and free-ranging dogs inside the habitat, an uncontrolled number of visitors, and illegal construction activity within a one-kilometre radius of the park as major sources of disturbance during the peak wintering season.
Among wintering ducks, Northern Shoveler (856) topped the list, followed by Northern Pintail (770) and Green-winged Teal (560). The wetland also recorded 130 Eurasian Wigeons. Among larger waterbirds, Painted Stork emerged as the most abundant species, with 982 individuals.Birder Pankaj Gupta of the Delhi Bird Society, who participated in the census, said such disturbances have direct ecological consequences. “Ducks and other wetland birds are extremely sensitive to repeated movement and noise. Frequent disturbance reduces feeding time, forces them to shift roosting sites and can eventually make them abandon certain patches,” he said.In 2025, the census recorded 2,593 migratory birds from 48 species—slightly lower than 2024’s count of 2,686 birds from 43 species. The count was significantly below 2023’s count of 9,026 birds from 51 species. Experts attribute these fluctuations to delayed monsoons, late winters, shrinking wetlands and increasing human pressure.While another bird count was conducted in the area on Jan 6, birders stressed that the AWC carries international significance. Gupta said survey findings will help in studying the migratory patterns of Asian waterbirds and assessing long-term avian conservation initiatives.Wildlife officials said steps are being taken to improve monitoring. “Cameras will be installed on all watch towers, covering both land and water zones. Drone surveillance will also be deployed to enable a more accurate census,” said divisional forest officer (wildlife) R K Jangra.AWC is conducted annually across Asian wetlands to build long-term datasets that help assess wetland health and track bird population trends. The census also helps flag rare or threatened species—such as pintails, bar-headed geese, spoonbills, storks and eagles—and guides habitat management, including water levels, vegetation and visitor zoning.
