As many as 36 waterbird species including two threatened species were spotted at the Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary during the annual waterbird census. The findings of the census have shown a fall in the population of waterbirds and surge in the number of species as compared to last years’ census.
A team led by TK Roy, Asian Water bird census (AWC) Delhi State Coordinator, which conducted the census at Nangal, recorded a total of 36 species of waterbirds including 17 resident species and 19 winter migratory species. The avian enthusiasts were delighted at the rare sight of Great White-fronted Goose, which was spotted for the first time in Punjab during the census exercise.
Among the winter migratory water birds diversity recorded during AWC 2015 were Graylag Geese, Eurasian Coot, Gadwal, Ruddy Sheldduck, Red-crested Pochard, Mallard, Great-crested Grebe, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard.
The threatened species namely Oriental Darter and River Tern were also spotted by the census team at Nangal. Both these species are included in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list of Threatened species.
While talking to The Pioneer, TK Roy said that as per the data collected after one day census, a total population of 2,899 water birds which is lesser than last year 3,456 was recorded.
“Though the total population of waterbirds have witnessed considerate decline, the bird diversity has increased at the Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of 36 species were recorded this year while 22 waterbird species were recorded last year. The global climatic change has impacted the migration trend of waterbirds and late migration, arrival of lesser number of birds in comparison to earlier years has been recorded all over the country,” said Roy.
Roy informed that single Great White-fronted Goose in the flock of Bar-headed Geeese was recorded for first time in Punjab. This migratory species is rare in India and was earlier recorded at Pongdam in Himachal in 2013 and 2014. Great White-fronted Goose breeds in north Asia and migrate to Central, East and South Asia in winter.
Among major migratory species with larger populations sighted at Nangal are Graylag Geese (163), Gadwal (188), Eurasian Coot (965), Eurasian Coot and Mallard (49).
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary has rich wetland habitat for bird diversity and attracts long distant winter migratory water birds from central Asia, north Asia, Siberian part every year.The water birds reach Nangal by mid-November from Siberia, Central Asia, and the upper Himalayas and their stay lasts till March or April.
The visit of migratory birds depends on the climatic conditions every year. And, the birds’ migration is response to the changes in habitat, weather and food availability in a particular area they are living.