The number of migratory birds has declined by 53,729 in the Chilika and Nalabana bird sanctuary this winter as compared to previous year, the annual bird census revealed.
According to the census report released on Wednesday, a total of 8,93,390 birds of 147 species were spotted in lake Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lake, in comparison to 9,47,119 last year.
Similarly, 3,20,826 birds were spotted in Nalabana this time. Out of the total birds, the highest number was spotted in Nalabana and only 720 birds were sighted in Rambha.
A new species of bird, namely River lapping, was spotted in Chilika this year, informed DFO Bikash Ranjan Das.
While the number of flamingos was 314, that of pintail birds was 1,36,874, gadwall birds 1,34,369, common coot birds 84,958 and Eurasian Wigeon 1,56,671.
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 Wednesday morning in the Balugaon, Tangi, Chilika, Satapada and Rambha Ranges under the Khordha Forest Division and the Brahmagiri Range under the Puri Forest Division.
