The death of eight Pelicans in two bird sanctuary’s in Karnataka has created a scare and Karnataka Forest Department is worried over deaths of huge birds as they are not so far able to establish the reason for the death of these wingers.
The Pelicans died in Kukkarahalli lake in Mysuru, Kokkare Bellur near Mandya in Karnataka where all these are natural bird sanctuaries which has large population of Pelicans and other migratory birds. Even though the State Forest Department officials deny any outbreak of avian Influenza so far they have not been established the reason for the death of these migratory birds.
According to officials early on Tuesday, two spot-billed pelicans died at Kokkare Bellur, while another is ill. Officials said it is unlikely to recover.
The first pelican died at Kokkare Bellur on December 4, and experts from Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAHVB), Bengaluru, said the death was due to gastroenteritis.
As IAHVB officials could not establish the cause of death for the other seven birds, Forest department has asked National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, for assistance. Karnataka forest officials are awaiting test results from NIHSAD to take up precautionary measures at all three pelican havens — Kukkharalli lake in Mysuru and Kokkare Bellur and Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, both in Mandya.
Officials said four birds had taken ill — three at Kukkarahalli lake and one at Kokkare Bellur — and were sent to IAHVB, Bengaluru for medical care, but had died. A healthy pelican has been sent to IAHVB for study.
Deputy conservator of forests (wildlife) V Yedukondalu told the media that two pelicans died at Kokkare Bellur, taking the toll at two lakes to eight in the last two weeks, while another one is critically ill.
“We are expecting test reports from Bhopal and will soon take up measures to protect the birds,” he said.
Experts from IAHVB, Venkatesh and Halagappa, visited Kukkarahalli lake and Kokkare Bellur recently.