Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its biodiversity, hosts over 500 bird species, including several significant habitats like Kaziranga National Park. The waterbird census, supported by Numaligarh Refinery Limited since 2018, recently documented 105,540 waterbirds of 107 species across 166 wetlands, highlighting conservation concerns among various threatened species. Notably, the rare Smew was sighted during the 2026 survey, indicating wetland health and the need for habitat protection amidst threats like hunting and pollution. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and partnerships to safeguard Kaziranga’s ecological integrity.
