40th Asian Waterbird Census to Be Held in Godavari Estuary on January 10–11, 2026

Coringa Sanctuary to Host International Count of Migratory Waterbirds

The 40th Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) and the 60th International Waterbird Census (IWC) will be conducted on January 10 and 11, 2026 in the Godavari estuary , covering the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining wetlands in Andhra Pradesh. The exercise will provide critical data on the status of migratory and resident waterbirds in one of India’s most ecologically significant coastal landscapes.

Census Organisation and Partners

The census will be jointly organised by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with leading conservation and research institutions, including the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) , Wildlife Institute of India (WII) , and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) . This will mark the 10th time the waterbird census is being conducted in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding wetland habitats, reflecting the site’s long-term importance for avian monitoring.

Focus on Threatened Migratory Species

The 2026 census will place special emphasis on four migratory waterbird species that use the Godavari estuary as a winter feeding ground:

• Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) – Endangered

• Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris) – Endangered

• Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) – Near Threatened

• Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

Notably, the Godavari estuary is among the few sites in India where the Indian Skimmer and Great Knot can be sighted together , highlighting its global conservation value.

Community Participation and Conservation Value

According to Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary officials, local birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be encouraged to participate alongside trained census teams. Such citizen involvement helps improve data coverage while building awareness about wetland conservation.

What to Note for Exams?

• Asian Waterbird Census is conducted annually across Asia

• Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Godavari estuary ecosystem

• Indian Skimmer and Great Knot are Endangered species

• Eurasian Curlew is listed as Near Threatened

• Census dates: January 10–11, 2026

Broader Significance

Data from the census supports habitat protection, species conservation planning, and India’s commitments under international biodiversity frameworks, reinforcing the Godavari delta’s role as a critical migratory bird hotspot.