The Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) is a globally Endangered waterbird whose population has declined sharply across South Asia. Bangladesh is an important wintering stronghold for the species, regularly supporting significant concentrations along the Meghna Estuary and adjacent coastal areas. However, information on population size, site use, movements and threats has long been limited, constraining effective conservation action.

Through this project, SCOPE Foundation conducts annual, targeted counts of Indian Skimmers at key coastal and estuarine sites, documents distribution and site use, and improves understanding of connectivity and movement using leg-flag resightings. This work has led to the identification of previously overlooked wintering sites, including major concentrations near Sandwip and has demonstrated regular connectivity between Bangladesh and India, highlighting the need for coordinated, flyway-scale conservation.

In May 2016, surveys by SCOPE members also resulted in the first confirmed breeding records of Indian Skimmer in Bangladesh, with three nests recorded on riverine sandbars, indicating a very small and vulnerable breeding population. Although breeding has not been confirmed in subsequent years, partly due to limited survey coverage during the breeding season — this discovery underscores the conservation importance of Bangladesh’s riverine habitats and the need for continued targeted research and protection.