The sightings of a migratory bird species, threatened vulture species and several raptor species at Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary have surprised the bird lovers and ecologists.
A team of Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), a branch of the Bombay Natural History Society, which conducted two days birds’ survey at Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamba district of Himachal have recorded 42 bird species including a migratory bird species— ‘Gadwall’ and a threatened vulture species — Himalayan Griffon.
The surprising sighting was of a flock of ‘Gadwall’, a winter visitor in India. The sighting indicates an early arrival of this long distant winter migratory water bird species that migrate from Central and East Asia to India (South Asia) in winter during non-breeding period.
“A small flock of ‘Gadwall’ on the tiny degrading Khajjiar lake at the height of 1940 m was spotted during the birds’ survey. This place is the main tourist attraction of this picturesque Khajjiar meadow surrounded by pine forests known as Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh,” said TK Roy, member IBCN and ecologist while talking to The Pioneer.
He said, “Also, the sighting of flock of threatened vulture species—Himalayan Griffon indicated healthy and rich biodiversity of the sanctuary. During the survey, the sightings of raptor species such as Common Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby, Black-eared Kite, Steppe Eagle at the higher elevation above 2745 m of the sanctuary is also significant.”
“A total of 42 bird species were recorded during the two days survey. Among the common bird species here, House Sparrow and Russet Sparrow were spotted,” said Roy.
The ecologist said, “In the Sanctuary at the higher elevation of pine forest habitat, good population of Koklass Pheasant is reported but it is very difficult to spot them except in the early morning hours as Koklass Pheasant is a shy bird."
Other prominent bird species recorded were five species of tits including Great Tit, Black-throated Tit, Rufous-naped Tit, Black-lored Tit, Green-backed Tit and Black-headed Jay. Bird species namely Striated laughing Thrush, Red-billed Blue Magpie and long-tailed Minivet were also spotted, added Roy.
He said, “The survey was conducted with the assistance of the concerned wildlife Department. After the findings, an annual bird diversity survey is advisable to the wildlife Department to record current bird diversity with special focus to threatened bird species for overall protection and conservation.”
The sanctuary area is well laid out for trekking trails both at Kalatop and Khajjiar. There is a dense deodar and fir forest covering 19.63 km² of the sanctuary.
Notably, Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary is declared one of the 466 IBA sites in India (Important Bird Area – world bird conservation project of the Birdlife International, USA) with special focus to threatened bird species. And, after 10 years, all the IBA Sites are being resurveyed to record present bird and biodiversity status.