The wetlands of Pathanamthitta, once bustling with thousands of waterbirds, are witnessing a worrying decline. The latest annual survey has recorded a significant drop in bird numbers, highlighting the impact of shifting agricultural patterns and changing climate on the delicate ecosystems of the region.
The survey, conducted on January 10 and 11 across ten major wetlands as part of the Asian Waterbird Census, aimed to assess the ecological health of wetlands and monitor the status of resident and migratory waterbirds. Across southeast Asia, the census is held simultaneously in January at key wetland sites in India.
A total of 58 participants, comprising birdwatchers, forest officials and students recorded 3,766 waterbirds across 50 species, a notable decrease from the 6,170 waterbirds documented in last year’s survey. In addition to waterbirds, observers recorded all bird species present in the study areas. According to survey coordinator Aneesh Sasidharan, a total of 6,656 birds across 128 species were documented during the census.
Teams covered wetlands including Karingali Puncha, Poozhikkad, Mavarappuncha, Vallikkode Puncha, Ulanad Polachira, Aranmula-Nalkalikal Wetland, Nannur Inchanchal, Kaviyoor Puncha, Idinjillam and Mepral in upper Kuttanad.
The survey also recorded 21 long-distance migratory species, including Garganey, Marsh Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover, Common Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Whiskered Tern, Western Yellow Wagtail, Greater Spotted Eagle and Western Marsh Harrier, along with short-distance migrants such as Black-winged Stilt and Grey Heron.
The census was conducted by Pathanamthitta Birders, a group of birdwatchers, in collaboration with the Social Forestry Division of the Forest department. Students from Christian College Chengannur, NSS College Pandalam and Pramadom Netaji Higher Secondary School also participated in the survey.
Published – January 17, 2026 06:39 pm IST
