Migratory birds in Chilika decline by over 50,000

Bhubaneswar: The number of migratory birds has declined by 53,729 in Odisha’s Chilika and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary this winter as compared to previous year, the annual bird census revealed.

According to the annual bird census report released on Thursday, a total of 8,93,390 birds of 147 species were spotted in Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lake, this winter in comparison to 9,47,119 birds during 2016-17.

Similarly, 3,20,826 birds were spotted in Nalabana during the winter season in 2017-18. Out of total number birds, the highest number of birds was spotted in Nalabana area. Only 720 birds were spotted in Rambha.

A new species of bird namely River laping was spotted in Chilika this year, informed Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bikash Ranjan Das.

While the number of Flamingos was recorded 314, the number of pintail birds was 1,36,874, Gadwall birds 1,34,369, Common Coot birds 84,958 and the number of Eurasian wigeon birds was 1,56,671.

Frequent poaching activity in the Chilika lake has come as a major discouragement for the migratory birds who come as far as from Siberian region for their annual sojourn.

The bird census was conducted by 21 groups comprising 100 members from wildlife organisations, several ornithologists, OUAT, Bombay Natural History of Society, wildlife activists, bird lovers and students of various universities on January 3 morning in Balugaon, Tangi, Chilika, Satapada and Rambha range under Khordha forest division and Brahmagiri range under Puri forest division.

At risk

• A total of 8,93,390 birds of 147 species were spotted in Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lake, this winter in comparison to 9,47,119 birds during 2016-17
• 3,20,826 birds were spotted in Nalabana during the winter season in 2017-18. Out of the total number of birds, the highest number of birds was spotted in Nalabana area.
• Only 720 birds were spotted in Rambha.