Annual Asian Water Bird Census underway in five lakes across Hyderabad

Asian Water Bird Census (AWC) is an annual exercise that records waterbird populations in wetlands and water bodies. It is a citizen-based programme. The census is conducted not only to get a count of the birds but also to monitor the health of the wetlands as water birds are key indicators of wetland health.

AWC is part of the Global International Waterbird Census organized by Wetlands International.

In India, AWC is conducted by Wetlands International South Asia and Bombay National History Society (BNHS). NGOs, students, birders, researchers, and locals volunteer for the census. This year, for the first time Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) were also involved in the census.

For the first time, the National Biodiversity Authority, government of India, through its State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils partnered with Wetlands International South Asia and BNHS in conducting AWC 2022. For this, the Telangana State Biodiversity Board (TSBDB) identified sites across the state and instructed the respective BMC members to take an active part in the census. TSBDB also conducted virtual training sessions for students, BMC members, and volunteers who were taking part in the census.During the census, volunteers fill a form listing the bird's features and the exact location (longitude and latitude) where it was spotted. The collected data is sent to BNHS.

In Telangana, around 50 Biodiversity Management Committees and 100 students from all over the state participated in the census program. In Manikonda, the census was conducted in five lakes – Neknampur lake, Mushki Cheruvu, Peeram Cheruvu, Alwal Cheruvu, Chintal Cheruvu.

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (APSBDB) on Saturday sought out bird enthusiasts, NGOs, and others to participate in the AWC in the state. Chinta Koteswara Rao from the APSBDB said two NGOs have reached out and are currently seeking more volunteers.

Goal of the census

The aims of the census are to monitor the waterbird populations, to describe changes in numbers and distribution of these populations, to identify wetlands of international importance for waterbirds during all seasons, and to provide information to assist protection and management of waterbird populations through international conventions, national legislation, and other means.

AWC also aims to increase public awareness on issues related to wetland and waterbird conservation.