A shift in migration patterns of waterbirds appears to be taking place as revealed by a recent survey conducted in the northern parts of Alappuzha. A detailed assessment of the survey, conducted as part of the Asian Waterbird Census 2023, shows the populations of some migratory waterbirds, especially duck species, visiting the region are falling.
The survey jointly organised by the Social Forestry wing of the Forest department and Birders Ezhupunna, a birdwatching group, recorded 15,335 birds of 117 species. Last year, the survey sighted some 9,500 birds. Though at a glance the number of birds sighted in the region has recorded an increase, birders say that it does not reflect the reality of bird migration to the region. “Last year, we conducted a bird survey at seven places. This time, the census was held at 13 locations in 12 local bodies. Going through the details, we can say the number of migratory birds visiting the region is actually on the decline,” says Sumesh B., president, Birders Ezhupunna .
Climate change impact
The most shocking aspect was that duck species like Northern Shoveler, Common teal and Eurasian wigeon, sighted in the previous surveys, were totally missing this time around. “Climate change has affected the number of birds visiting the region. However, the precise impact of climate change on bird migration and the environment can only be known after conducting more studies and analysing the results of bird census in the coming years,” says G. Anilkumar, joint secretary, Birders Ezhupunna.
As many as 50 birders from different parts of the State took part in the census. They observed 68 bird species at Chembakasseri wetlands in Pattanakkad. It is followed by Changaram wetlands in Ezhupunna (67 species), Patthithode wetlands in Thuravoor (59), Kottalappadam wetlands in Pattanakkad (58), Perumbalam North (57), Pallathuruthy North in Alappuzha (52), Parayakad-Kannat wetlands in Thuravoor (52), Neendakara wetlands in Ezhupunna (44), Elipanam wetlands in Mannancherry (40), Elanjipadam, Areeparambu in Cherthala (35), Ulavaipu wetlands in Thycattuserry (35), Kannankara wetlands in Thaneermukkom (26), and Vembanad wetlands in Pathiramanal island (23).
Reports to local bodies
As many as 3,838 Lesser whistling ducks were sighted during the survey, followed by Whiskered tern (1,419), Little cormorant (1,106), Indian pond heron (998), Grey-headed swamphen (820), Barn swallow (830), Cotton pygmy goose (657) and Little egret (526).
Organisers of the survey are in the process of submitting the bird census reports to respective local bodies. The survey was inaugurated by K. Saji, deputy conservator (social forestry), Alappuzha, on January 8. A seminar was also held.