KENDRAPARA: The population of nesting birds in Bhitarkanika National Park has registered a marginal rise this monsoon season, according to the latest Bhitarkanika bird census 2025 released by forest officials on Monday. The census counted 1,30,796 birds belonging to 10 species, spread across 27,646 nests on 1,409 trees. In comparison, the 2024 census had recorded 1,30,123 birds in 27,272 nests on 1,300 trees, indicating a slight but positive increase in the nesting population.
Methodology of Bhitarkanika bird census 2025
Divisional forest officer (DFO) Varadaraj Gaonkar explained that the report is based on the direct count method. Monitoring was conducted between August 30 and September 1, covering all water bodies and mangrove areas of Bhitarkanika. Three teams comprising 21 members—including ornithologists, wildlife officials, and activists—participated. The census focused on four mixed heronry sites: Mathaadia, Laxmiprasaddia, Durgaprasaddia, and Balidia.
Species highlights in Bhitarkanika bird census 2025
The Asian open-billed stork dominated the nesting colonies, with 15,919 nests, reaffirming its status as the most abundant species in the park. Other key species included black-headed ibis, purple heron, large egret, intermediate egret, little egret, grey heron, little cormorant, black-crowned night heron, and darter. Among the nesting sites, Laxmiprasaddia (13,594 nests) and Mathaadia (13,261 nests) emerged as major hubs. Preferred nesting trees were Bani (Avicennia officinalis), Guan, Kerauan, Oruan, Sinduka, and Sundari.
Trends observed in Bhitarkanika bird census 2025
Historical data from the Forest Department shows steady growth in the nesting population over the last five years. In 2020, 97,866 birds were counted, rising to 1,08,639 in 2021, 1,16,070 in 2022, 1,23,867 in 2023, and now 1,30,796 in 2025. The consistent rise highlights the improving habitat quality of Bhitarkanika’s mangroves and successful conservation measures.
Ecological importance of Bhitarkanika bird census 2025
Officials emphasized that Bhitarkanika’s mangroves are one of Asia’s largest heronries, supporting diverse colonial waterbird species. The annual nesting congregation enriches the ecological balance of the wetland system while serving as an indicator of bird population health. According to DFO Gaonkar, these findings underline Bhitarkanika’s role as a critical site for biodiversity conservation, offering valuable insights into the ecological status of water birds.
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