NAGPUR: The region around Nagpur has witnessed major reduction in population of water birds. Compared to last year's count of 15,000, the number came down to around 10,000 this year during the annual waterfowl census.
The first phase of census was recently conducted in and around 33 prominent waterbodies of the district. The census was jointly conducted by Birds of Vidarbha (BOV), forest department and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) with an aim of studying various birds found around water bodies and their habitats. The census was carried out by 63 avid birdwatchers for about five hours. A total of 78 species of waterfowls were recorded. "There is a reduction in waterfowl numbers by one-third in comparison to first phase of last year's census," said AvinashLondhe from BOV.
Major threats to bird habitats were observed at two lakes — Surabardi on Amravati Road and Futala lake of the city-- that contributed to the reduction in number of birds. "Surabardilake, which is excellent nesting site of birds like Ring Plover and nightjars, faces serious threat due to human disturbance. Main reasons behind the habitat's degradation are mushrooming of resorts near the lake, cattle farms, brick manufacturing units and human interference for washing and bathing purposes," said Nimish Kane who conducted the census at Surabardi.
Surrounded by botanical garden and agroforestry, Futala (Telangkhedi) lake is also an important habitat for water and forest birds. But the census revealed that the lake was fast deteriorating, mainly because of heavy dumping of garbage. "As it is a public place, human interference cannot be stopped. The bird habitat is on the verge of destruction as the lake has been turned into a garbage dump. The polluted water is harmful for birds like Northern Pintails which go inside water," said Londhe. He added that excessive fishing and poaching were common threats at almost all water bodies. "Crop rotation is also leading to habitat loss. Instead of traditional crops, preference is being given to cash crops that disturb the bird habitat," he said.
Vena Lake on Amravati Road recorded the highest count of 1451 birds while the lowest count of 23 was recorded at Bhivkundlake on Hingna Road. Over 1000 Red-Crested Pochards were seen at Vena Lake. More than 300 Bar-headed Geese and over 200 Northern Pintails were recorded at Ukarwahilake on Umrer road. Another notable sighting was of rare bird 'Dunlin' by SanketDharashivkar at Chargaonlake near Kalmeshwar.
