Record-breaking bird count at Pong Dam lake reflects vital habitat for waterfowl. The 2025 annual bird census at Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh showed a record rise in waterfowl, with a total of 1,53,719 birds of 97 species. While the census, conducted on February 1, stood at 1,44,371 migratory birds from 55 species, it reflects an increasing importance of the sanctuary for avifauna depending on water.
One standout finding was the remarkable increase in the population of Bar-headed Geese, the flagship species of the sanctuary. Officials counted 90,959 Bar-headed Geese this year, a sharp increase from 37,501 in 2024, amounting to an increase of 53,458 birds-the highest count since the annual census began in 2004, said a senior wildlife officer from the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.
Some other notable species that were recorded included 10,785 Eurasian Coots, 9,692 Common Pochards, 8,497 Common Teals, and 8,053 Northern Pintails. The more obscure species observed included the Greater White-fronted Goose, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Red Crested Pochard, and Northern Lapwing.
Experts attribute the overall increase — 83,555 more individuals than counted in 2024 — to low water levels at the lake. With the receding water, new feeding grounds became exposed, and migratory birds from as far as the Trans-Himalayan range, Tibet, Central Asia, Russia, and Siberia flocked in. “This drop in water levels has exposed more of the lake bed, creating vast feeding areas that have undoubtedly boosted bird populations this year,” explained the wildlife officer.
There was a comprehensive survey that involved over 100 participants, including officers from the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and experts from Bombay Natural History Society, the Wildlife Institute of India, and the local bird enthusiast. The total area of this sanctuary was divided into 25 sections to get complete coverage over the various diverse habitats.
Pong Dam Lake is a Ramsar site, which is very important for migratory birds in winter. The unique ecosystem of the lake, enhanced by the exposed lake bed and rich food supply, has ensured its position as a haven for avian visitors.
In recognition of the importance of the sanctuary, the Himachal Pradesh government inaugurated a new Interpretation Centre at Pong Wetland on January 18, which Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dedicated to educating visitors about the wetland’s role in supporting migratory species and biodiversity.
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and its associates repeated the commitment to conserve and maintain this uniqueness in the birdlife at this lake so that future generations of birds — and birdwatchers — continue to experience the rich biodiversity offered by this sanctuary.