Jharkhand’s first-ever bird survey on the lines of the animal census to officially count and record indigenous and migratory avian population and their behaviour patterns has said that the maximum number of species of birds was sighted at Udhuwa lake bird sanctuary (51), followed by Tilaiya dam (43), Masanjore (39), Garga Dam (29) and the minimum number of seek at Tapkara dam (9).
The latest report of Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2015, Jharkhand is the first-ever comprehensive report on population of water birds and wetland birds across the State. AWC forms a part of the International Waterbird census, a global programme coordinated by Wetlands International since 1967. The Census data clearly mentions that the highest count of bird species observed was lesser Whistling-Duck (12,809) noticed maximum at Tenughat Dam (5,000). Red-Crested Pochard (10,370) was seen in maximum numbers at Tilaiya Dam (2,500) and Patratu Dam. Common Coot (8,985) was also seen at most at Tilaiya dam (2,500) besides Chandil Dam (2,500).
Bar-headed Goose (7,008) was found most at Khandoli Dam (2,000) and Patratu Dam (1,500). Tufted Duck (5,559) was seen more at Masanjore Dam (3,000) followed by Chandil Dam (1,000) and Konar Dam (500). Northern Pintail (2,776) was noticed at Hatia Dam (1,200), along with Maithon Dam (600). Northern Shoveller (1,748) was noticed most at Getalshud Dam (1,500).
As many as 11 species of threatened birds like Darter, Oriental White Ibis, Ferruginous Pochard and Eurasian Curlew were found during the survey.The study was carried by Ranchi University Pro-Vice Chancellor M Raziuddin, Indian Bird Conservation Network State Coordinator Satya Prakash and Bird Researcher MD Dwivedi.
As about 25 water bodies including Important Birds Areas sites, Wildlife Sanctuaries and the sole National Park at Betla were selected for the census.“It is for the first time a comprehensive report for AWC covering a large geographical area has been prepared in Jharkhand. Most of the observations were made during 6:30 am to 5 pm. Earlier, there was no authentic report as the surveys were done in parts. Based on the observation of both kinds of researches, we found the exact types of water and wetland birds existing here in the recent scenario. It includes migratory and endangered birds as well,” Raziuddin told The Pioneer.
Meanwhile, Satya Prakash pointed out the influence of human beings on nature affecting the life of these water birds. “As winter is the only time when migratory birds relocate to other places and people go out most for outing, it is high time to restrict the anthropogenic pressure like playing music near the dams. We saw birds getting disturbed due to such elements,” he said.
“It was exciting to find a single White-capped Redstart at Masanjore Dam. The species usually resides and breeds in Himalayas and North East Indian Hills and winters south to Baluchistan and Bangladesh,” said Satya Prakash.