Population of local and migratory birds has declined in Okhla Bird Sanctuary as human interference in Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) area is disturbing the natural habitat. The popular wetland witnessed only 46 different bird species this year.
According to Asian Waterbird Census 2016, the numbers of winter migratory birds have been decreased while ecologists said wetland once was a home for water bird species.
The Pioneer visited the wetland area of the sanctuary and observed that various disturbing activities were being performed by the locals. In 1.27 km northern side of ESZ area of sanctuary a cricket practicing playground is visible while in 100 metre eastern side trees have been chopped down.
Reacting on the declining of bird population, Ornithologist, TK Roy said despite declaring the wetland a bird sanctuary and notified a special ESZ, no sanctuary norms are being followed by the locals. Naming the few migratory birds he said this winter, migratory water birds counted less.
“Migratory birds arrive in the sanctuary in the November every year whereas this season, birds landed in January which is abnormal. Winter migratory species Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail and Common Pochard were not observed ,” he added.
As per the census report, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-tailed Godwit, CombDuck, Garganey, Temminck’s Stint and Pheasant-tailed Jacana — winter migratory bird species — arrived late while little Grebe, little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Black-winged Stilt and Grey Heron are extinction residents birds in Okhla wetland area.
On the late arrival of winter migratory birds, Roy said due to climate change long distant winter migratory water birds arrived late.
“In the end of January 2016 onward partially water bird diversity (51 species diversity) and population of few winter migratory species increased as several perennial rain-fed wetlands in and around Delhi dried up and affected birds diverted to the existing other wetlands including Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
Bar-headed Geese, Graylag Geese, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Coot, Black-headed Ibis, Gadwal Pallas’s Gull, Brown-headed Gulls and Black-headed Gulls are those migratory birds which were seen this year.