Meerut, Feb. 22 -- The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2025 has revealed both positive and concerning trends in waterbird populations within the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjacent wetlands. In all, 34 species of waterbirds were recorded, including 19 resident species and 15 winter migratory species, with an overall increase in the total number of waterbirds compared to the previous year.

The census recorded 2,408 individual birds, a significant rise from the 903 birds recorded in 2024. However, species diversity remained low, with several species absent from the census this year.

One positive highlight was the increase in the number of threatened species recorded. In 2024, only four threatened species were documented, whereas i...