Satara's Wetlands Emerge as Vital Hub for Migratory Birds in Asian Waterbird Census 2026
The wetlands and grasslands of Man and Khatav tehsils in Satara district have once again proven to be a significant destination for migratory birds, as revealed by the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2026. Conducted between January 3 and 18, this comprehensive survey documented an impressive 3,706 birds belonging to 150 different species across 15 wetland, riverine, and grassland sites in the eastern parts of the district. This finding is particularly noteworthy given that Satara is a drought-prone region, making these habitats crucial for avian survival.
Key Findings and Species Highlights
Led by wildlife researchers and ornithologists Chinmay Prakash Sawant and Praveen Shivling Chavan of the Kiraksal Conservation Project, the census reaffirmed that the Man–Khatav landscape serves as an important wintering and stopover site on the Central Asian Flyway. This flyway is one of the world's major migratory bird routes, connecting Asia and Europe. A standout observation this year was the sudden reappearance of the Gadwall duck, a migratory species not recorded in the region since 2021. Researchers counted 107 Gadwalls in wetlands such as Yeralwadi, Suryachiwadi, and Pingali.
Chinmay Prakash Sawant explained, "Gadwalls depend on submerged aquatic vegetation. Their return in such large numbers suggests that water quality and underwater plant life in these lakes have improved significantly." This positive trend indicates healthier aquatic ecosystems in the area.
Population Increases and New Species Discoveries
The census also recorded a major rise in the population of the River Tern, a species listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This year, 240 River Terns were documented across wetlands including Andhali Dam, Rajewadi Dam, Suryachiwadi, and stretches of the Yerala River basin, compared to around 100 individuals in previous counts.
Praveen Shivling Chavan noted, "River Terns are strongly linked to healthy fish populations. Their increase indicates that the wetlands are currently supporting a robust aquatic food chain, which is essential for biodiversity."
Additionally, the survey identified 10 bird species that were unrecorded in previous annual census counts in the region. Notable among these were the Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, and Temminck's Stint, highlighting the changing habitat conditions and increasing diversity of the wetlands. Among the most abundant species, the Rosy Starling dominated with 732 individuals, followed by the Indian Spot-billed Duck (367) and Northern Pintail (187). Deep-diving ducks like the Red-crested Pochard and Common Pochard were also recorded, adding to the ecological richness.
Conservation Concerns and Habitat Threats
Despite these encouraging findings, conservationists have raised serious concerns over increasing pressures on these vital habitats. Praveen Shivling Chavan warned, "Wetland reclamation for agriculture in Khatav and rapid land-use changes in Man are becoming major threats. Our data from 2020 onwards shows that if scrublands and grasslands around wetlands are lost, nearly 20% of the region's biodiversity could disappear."
This warning underscores the delicate balance between development and conservation in Satara district. The findings of the Asian Waterbird Census 2026 not only celebrate the region's ecological significance but also call for urgent action to protect these wetlands from further degradation. As migratory birds continue to flock to these areas, their preservation becomes increasingly critical for maintaining global biodiversity and supporting the Central Asian Flyway.
