Mon Jan 27 19:05:56 UTC 2025: ## Coimbatore Waterbird Census Reveals Sharp Decline in Migratory Birds
**COIMBATORE, INDIA (January 28, 2025)** – The recently concluded Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in Coimbatore district has revealed a significant decline in the population of migratory waterbirds. The 12th edition of the census, conducted by the Coimbatore Nature Society (CNS) from January 14-19, recorded 9,119 birds of 149 species across 31 wetlands. This represents a dramatic drop from the 16,069 birds of 201 species counted in 2024.
The decline is particularly concerning for migratory birds. The number of migratory species fell from 20 in 2017 to just 12 this year, with the overall population plummeting from 1,282 to 300. While the Barn Swallow remained the most populous migrant species (740), the Wood Sandpiper population dropped significantly.
Krishnampathy wetland hosted the highest number of bird species (95) and the largest overall population (1,212). However, the overall decrease is attributed to several factors, including declining water quality due to untreated sewage, habitat degradation from desilting and vegetation removal, increased competition for food from fishing, and loss of shoreline habitats. The report also cites invasive species and reduced roosting spaces as contributing to the decline of species like Sandpipers, Ospreys, and Marsh Harriers.
The CNS report emphasizes the urgent need for scientifically driven wetland management and collaborative action to reverse this trend and restore these vital ecosystems. The AWC is an international initiative launched by Wetlands International in 1986.
First Piper 