Sambhar Lake Records Major Rebound in Migratory Waterbird Population During Asian Waterbird Census 2026
India’s largest inland saltwater wetland, Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, has recorded a significant rebound in migratory bird populations during the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2026. The census reported nearly 2.3 lakh migratory waterbirds belonging to 47 species, reaffirming Sambhar Lake’s ecological importance as a major wetland ecosystem on the Central Asian Flyway. The revival is being viewed as an encouraging development for wetland conservation after years of ecological stress and bird mortality events in the lake ecosystem.
Sambhar Lake functions as a key stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds arriving from:
The lake forms an important part of the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory bird routes extending from Arctic regions to South Asia. The 2026 census was conducted across:
The exercise was led by noted environmentalist and bird enthusiast Abid Ali Khan in collaboration with forest department officials and volunteers.
Migratory birds accounted for nearly 99.5% of the total bird population recorded at Sambhar Lake. Flamingos dominated the census figures.Key observations included:
| Species | Approximate Count |
|---|---|
| Lesser Flamingos | Nearly 1.4 lakh |
| Greater Flamingos | More than 37,000 |
| Northern Shovelers | Over 31,000 |
| Avocets | Nearly 6,000 |
| Common Teals | Around 4,300 |
| Gadwalls | Around 1,400 |
| Little Stints | Over 1,000 |
| Marsh Sandpipers | 327 |
The huge flamingo concentration turned vast stretches of the hypersaline lake ecosystem pink, aided by favourable rainfall and suitable shallow-water conditions.
The census indicates a sharp ecological rebound when compared with earlier years.Important trends include:
The rise in water levels due to favourable rainfall is considered a major factor behind improved habitat conditions.
Despite the encouraging recovery, the census report highlighted persistent threats to the wetland ecosystem.Major concerns include:
The ecological fragility of Sambhar Lake became evident during the 2019 avian botulism outbreak, which killed over 20,000 birds.
The Asian Waterbird Census is an annual citizen-science initiative aimed at monitoring waterbird populations and wetland ecosystems across Asia.The census helps in:
The year 2026 marks:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rajasthan |
| Type | Inland saltwater wetland |
| Importance | India’s largest inland saline lake |
| International Status | Ramsar Site |
| Ecological Role | Important habitat for migratory birds |
| Flyway Association | Central Asian Flyway |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Major migratory bird route |
| Extent | Arctic regions to South Asia |
| Importance | Supports migratory waterbirds and wetland ecosystems |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Annual waterbird monitoring programme |
| Objective | Monitoring migratory and resident waterbird populations |
| 2026 Significance | 40th AWC and 60th International Waterbird Census |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands |
| Importance | International recognition for ecologically significant wetlands |
Updated – 28 January 2026 ; 02:28 AM |Times of India News Source