Bhutan Now Home to the Highest Number of White-bellied Herons in the World

With 31 individuals now recorded, Bhutan is officially home to half of the global White-bellied Heron population. Learn about the record-breaking conservation efforts shared at the 2026 International Conference in Thimphu.

In a world where biodiversity is often in retreat, Bhutan has carved out a sanctuary of hope. The 2026 White-bellied Heron International Conference, hosted by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) on 25-26 March 2026, opened with a historic announcement: the kingdom’s population of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron has reached a record-breaking 31 individuals.

Half the World’s Population

While an increase of two birds may seem modest to some, in the context of global extinction, it is a monumental victory. With the estimated global population hovering around sixty, Bhutan now serves as the primary guardian for half of the species.

“It is small, yet a big achievement. We are talking about this particular species that needs our help more than ever to survive. Its number increased by two this year. Bhutan now has 31 of them. Yes, we are looking at the White-bellied heron.”

This total of 31 surpasses the previous record of 30 birds set back in 2003. According to the White-bellied Heron Annual Population Survey Report 2026, the current census includes 26 birds in the wild—primarily in the Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu basins—and 5 individuals being raised at the Conservation Breeding Center.

A Decade in the Making

The conference returns to Thimphu after a ten-year hiatus, bringing together experts from Australia, China, the Czech Republic, India, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Austria, Singapore, and Thailand. The gathering is a centerpiece of a five-year project supported by Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI).

Tshering Tobgay, a research officer with RSPN, highlighted the dual approach of habitat protection and captive breeding:

“We have five individuals that we have raised currently in the conservation breeding centre, and 26 that are in the wild. So it’s mainly because of the threat mitigation that we have done, and also the support that we have received.”

Navigating Modern Threats

Despite the celebration, the path to survival is fraught with modern obstacles. Climate change, habitat loss, and infrastructure pose constant risks. One of the most pressing dangers is the kingdom's power infrastructure.

Jigme Tshering, Chief of the Species Conservation Division, noted:

“One of the main challenges is the threat of power lines, especially to hatchlings when they are born, they aren’t used to man-made structures. Therefore, collision with transmission lines is a major challenge.”

To combat this, RSPN is collaborating with the Department of Energy and Bhutan Power Corporation on innovative solutions. As Tshering Tobgay explained:

“We always have some mitigation activities. For instance, for transmission lines, we are installing the fly diverters to avoid the collision of the birds with electric lines and in terms of the mitigation of other activities, we always consult with the government, consult with the stakeholders.”

The Path Forward

The RSPN is not resting on its laurels. The "way forward" involves doubling down on both in-situ (wild) and ex-situ (captive) conservation. Future strategies include:

• Enhanced Monitoring: Deeper research into climate change impacts.

• Infrastructure Safety: Expanding underground power lines and fly diverters.

• Community Engagement: Strengthening local livelihoods to ensure residents remain the heron’s first line of defense.

As Jigme Tshering concluded, the kingdom remains optimistic about its role as a global leader in avian conservation:

“Conservation and mitigation measures are currently underway and we are engaging with government partners. Bhutan is currently on the right path since conducive efforts are in place for heron conservation.”

Keen to explore the wildlife of Bhutan? Consider embarking on a birdwatching tour.