Bhubaneswar: Chilika lagoon saw a marginal drop in the number of migratory birds this year. The largest brackish water lagoon of Asia is hosting over 10 lakh winged guests of 183 species this winter, compared to 12.42 lakh birds of 190 species the previous year.
A total of 10,74,173 birds of 107 waterbird species and 37,953 of 76 wetland-dependent species were sighted at the Ramsar site during the annual survey of Chilika Development Authority (CDA), State Wildlife Organisation and Bombay Natural History Society (BHNS on Tuesday.
According to an official release, 3,58,889 birds (97 species) were sighted at Nalabana Sanctuary, a drop of 65,899 from the previous year. Among three species of ducks, Northern Pintail (1,72,285), Gadwall (1,53,985), Eurasian Wigeon (1,50,843) were counted over one lakh in numbers, the highest contribution to this year count.
However, the number of Gadwall & Eurasian Wigeon were less than the previous year. There was a marginal decrease in the number of Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Red-Crested Pochard. The enumerator also observed a decline in the number of local species like Cotton Teal and Lesser Whistling duck. There was, however, a noteworthy increase in the population of species like Northern Pintail, Common Coot and Common Pochard.
The increase in numbers of Greater Flamingo at Nalabana indicated that the mudflat restoration at Nalabana is effective, the release said, adding that it was highest in the last one decade.
Local resident species such as Purple Swamp-hen, Purple heron, Indian Moorhen, and Jacanas were found in higher numbers.
The decrease in the number of waders species at Nalabana was attributed to the higher water level in the lagoon. Among the waders, there was a sizeable increase in the number of Near-Threatened Black-tailed Godwit.
The shifting of ducks from Northern Sectors to Southern Sector was also visible. Among the Geese, the Bar-headed Goose number has decreased marginally but the Graylag Goose has shown a slight increase.
A total number of 3,58,889 birds of 97 species were counted at Nalabana which is lesser than the number in previous years by 65889. This decrease in population is due to high water level and the presence of water in the cultivated field in the adjoining areas.
The census witnessed a rare sighting of an uncommon Mongolian Gull in the lagoon this year, it added.
