Bar-Headed Geese flock to Pong in record numbers, rising 67% from LY

Shimla, Feb 3,

The Bar-headed geese seem to have found an unbeatable winter retreat in Himachal Pradesh, with their numbers at Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary soaring by an incredible 60% compared to last year. The recently concluded Annual Water Birds Census recorded a staggering 90,959 bar-headed geese, a dramatic rise from the 37,501 counted in 2023. This high-altitude migratory species, known for its breathtaking flights over the Himalayas, now dominates the sanctuary’s avian population, making up nearly 60% of the total migratory bird arrivals.

The overall census, conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and local bird enthusiasts, counted 153,719 water-dependent birds from 97 species, reinforcing Pong’s status as a prime wintering ground along the Central Asian Flyway.

The sanctuary, sprawling across 307 square kilometers, was meticulously divided into 25 sections for precise counting. Equipped with binoculars and spotting scopes, teams braved the chilly winter mornings to document 144,371 migratory birds from 55 species, 7,382 resident birds from 31 species, and 1,966 birds from 11 other species. Apart from the bar-headed geese, the census recorded significant numbers of northern pintails, common pochards, ruddy shelducks, and Eurasian coots, along with rare species like the black-necked grebe and great crested grebe. An encouraging rise in raptors such as ospreys and Pallas’s fish eagles suggested a thriving ecosystem with a balanced food chain.

Bar-headed geese (Anser indicus), famed for their extraordinary endurance, undertake one of the most challenging migrations in the bird kingdom, flying at altitudes of up to 29,000 feet to cross the Himalayas from their breeding grounds in Central Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet. Their growing preference for Pong is attributed to favorable weather conditions, improved habitat management, and the sanctuary’s undisturbed environment.

Created in 1976 with the construction of Pong Dam on the Beas River, the wetland has transformed into one of India’s most significant bird sanctuaries. Its shallow waters, abundant aquatic vegetation, and absence of industrial pollution provide an ideal refuge for wintering birds, offering both ample food and secure roosting sites.

Conservation efforts led by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department have played a crucial role in this success. Strict regulations on fishing, control of invasive species, and community participation in conservation have significantly improved the sanctuary’s habitat quality.

Many local residents have been trained as bird guides, contributing to eco-tourism initiatives that provide alternative livelihoods while promoting awareness about avian conservation.

The annual bird festival at Pong has further cemented its appeal, drawing birdwatchers, photographers, and researchers from across the country, boosting the local economy through increased demand for accommodation, food, and transport services.

Despite these positive trends, Pong faces looming challenges such as climate change, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflicts. Unpredictable weather patterns, unseasonal rains, and extreme climatic events could disrupt migratory cycles in the coming years.

Conservationists stress the need for ongoing habitat monitoring, greater community involvement, and the use of advanced technologies such as satellite tracking and drone surveys to study migration patterns and enhance protection measures.

As a Ramsar site of international importance, Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary continues to be a beacon of successful wetland conservation in India.

With sustained conservation efforts, Pong stands poised to welcome even greater flocks in the years ahead, reaffirming its place as a vital stopover along one of the world’s most important migratory routes.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.