𝗥𝗲𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

One of the main highlights of the ongoing White-bellied Heron International Conference 2026 in Bhutan was the official launch of the 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. The report was launched during the opening ceremony of the conference today by the Hon’ble Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Dasho Benji, Ms. Taina Dyckhoff of the German Embassy in New Delhi, and Dr. Kinley Tenzin, Executive Director of RSPN.

This year’s report marks a record-breaking achievement with a total of 𝟯𝟭 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘀 in Bhutan, surpassing last year’s count of 29 and exceeding the highest recorded number of 30 individuals in Bhutan so far since 2003. The 31 individuals include observation of 26 individuals in the wild and 5 individuals currently being raised at the Conservation Breeding Centre. This year, the survey also observed 5 numbers of active nests of heron in Bhutan; the highest count of nests in Bhutan in recent years. Four nests are located within Punatshangchhu basin and one in Mangdechhu basin. The population survey is annually conducted by RSPN in collaboration with Department of Forest and Park Services and local communities. This year, the survey was carried out from 1-5 March engaging more than 100 surveyors.

This milestone reflects the tireless efforts of conservation partners, local communities, and all stakeholders dedicated to protecting this Critically Endangered species. The report not only provides the current status of the species but also emphasizes the urgency and shared responsibility to safeguard Bhutan’s rarest bird. RSPN extends our heartiest gratitude to all conservation partners and local communities whose dedication has contributed to this remarkable achievement!