In 2026, Bhutan has recorded a total of 31 individuals of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, marking a slight increase from last year’s count of 29. This growth, although minor at first glance, is substantial given that the global population is estimated at around 60, meaning Bhutan now hosts over half of the world’s remaining White-bellied Herons. The data was revealed at the second international White-bellied Heron Conference in Thimphu, organized by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), which gathered experts to discuss conservation strategies.
The conference also saw the launch of the White-bellied Heron Annual Population Survey 2026 report, which outlines both positive advancements and continuing challenges in the species’ conservation. Tshering Tobgay from RSPN attributed the population increase to ongoing conservation efforts and collaboration among various stakeholders, noting the presence of five individuals at a breeding center and 26 in the wild due to effective threat mitigation and support.
Despite this progress, the White-bellied Heron faces critical dangers, chiefly from its small population, which heightens its extinction vulnerability. Threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and human encroachment have adversely affected breeding and survival rates, particularly in Bhutan’s Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu river basins, where undisturbed ecosystems are vital for the species.
Conservationists urge caution, warning that the population rise should not foster complacency, as small losses could severely impact the species. RSPN has initiated various conservation measures, including habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and breeding programs to enhance genetic diversity. To combat human threats, such as collisions with power lines, bird flight diverters are being installed.
The Thimphu conference serves as a platform for international cooperation, where experts exchange knowledge and discuss effective strategies for the species’ protection. Lyonpo Gem Tshering, the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted the necessity of aligning all development with Gross National Happiness principles to ensure wildlife coexistence with human activities. He stressed the need for participant engagement in overcoming conservation challenges.
Long-term planning and commitment are essential for the White-bellied Heron’s conservation, focusing on habitat protection, regulated development, and community involvement. Local communities play a crucial role in safeguarding the species, and their awareness and cooperation are key components of successful conservation initiatives.
The discussions throughout the conference will address habitat management, policy interventions, research advancements, and community-based conservation, underscoring that saving the White-bellied Heron is crucial not only for the species itself but also for the health of broader ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and human communities. The slight population increase is an encouraging sign that conservation efforts can succeed, but continuous vigilance and proactive measures are necessary for lasting success.