Chandigarh: In what comes as an ominous development, wetlands in Punjab have recorded a fall in the number of migratory birds visiting these habitats. The numbers have dropped from 77,772 in 2025 to 71,129 in 2026. In contrast, the number of species rose significantly from 278 to 304, indicating changing ecological patterns rather than a simple decline in numbers.The figures were revealed in a census, which covered Harike Wildlife Sanctuary, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Keshopur Wetlands, Ranjit Sagar Wetlands, Ropar Wetlands and Kanjli Wetlands. According to comparative data, Harike Wetland, the state’s largest, saw bird numbers fall from 57,251 to 52,707, even as the species count increased from 80 to 87.A similar trend was observed at Keshopur Wetland, where bird numbers declined from 13,675 to 10,450, while species’ count rose from 75 to 78. In contrast, Ropar Wetland registered growth on both fronts, with bird numbers increasing from 1,486 to 2,313 and species count inching up from 44 to 45. Nangal Wetland also recorded a strong improvement, with bird numbers rising from 2,411 to 3,169 and species count jumping from 36 to 44. At Ranjit Sagar Dam, bird numbers dropped from 2,500 to 1,867, though species count saw a slight increase from 20 to 21. Meanwhile, Kanjli Wetland posted encouraging gains, with bird numbers rising from 449 to 623 and species count increasing from 23 to 29.Basanta Rajkumar, chief wildlife warden, Punjab, attributed the overall dip in bird numbers largely to the impact of the massive flood last year, which significantly affected wetlands such as Ranjit Sagar, Harike and Keshopur. In comparison, Ropar, Kanjli and Nangal remained relatively less affected, reflected in their improved counts.Despite the habitat disruption caused by the floods, an encouraging sign emerged at Keshopur Wetlands, where a flock of 441 Common Cranes was recorded. In Punjab, this species is confined to the Keshopur-Shalla Pattan belt. In another notable observation, 11 Black-necked Grebes were sighted at Nangal, a species rarely reported in Punjab and across north-western India.Punjab’s wetlands hold global ecological significance. Harike, Ropar, Kanjli, Keshopur and Nangal are recognised as Ramsar sites. Despite having less than 7% forest and wildlife cover, the state has six wetlands designated as wetlands of international importance, the third highest in India after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.The CensusThe census was conducted in Jan 2026 following Asian Waterbird Census protocols, with wetlands divided into survey blocks to ensure comprehensive coverage and avoid double counting. Observations included species-wise enumeration, flock size estimation, habitat use and disturbance factors.The exercise was carried out by the Punjab Forest Department in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society, Wildlife Institute of India, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, WWF-India, Punjab Agricultural University, Guru Nanak Dev University and Panjab University, along with local birding groups and volunteers.FOR TABLE: How The Birds Fared Harike2025Count | Species57,251 | 802026Count | Species52,707 | 87Keshopur2025Count | Species13,675 | 752026Count | Species10,450 | 78Ropar2025Count | Species1,486 | 442026Count | Species2,313 | 45Nangal2025Count | Species2,411 | 362026Count | Species3,169 | 44Ranjit Sagar2025Count | Species2,500 | 202026Count | Species1,867 | 21Count | SpeciesKanjli2025Count | Species449 | 23Count | Species623 | 29 MSID:: 129847193 413 |
