Coimbatore: The bird count has increased from 9,494 to 16,069 in the wetlands in the Coimbatore forest division, as per the first phase of the synchronised bird census conducted by the forest department on January 27 and 28.
As many as 25 wetlands across the Coimbatore district were identified for the census. As many as 25 teams, comprising birding experts, forest staff, bird enthusiasts and students from various institutions, were formed to carry out the census.A total of 140 people participated in the exercise.
Walayar backwaters, Kurichi, Ukkadam, Sengulam, Vellalore, Singanallur, Kannampalayam, Pallapalayam, Irugur, Perur, Krishnampathi, Kolarampathi, Narasampathi, Selvampathi, Vedapatti, Sulur, Achankulam, Kalapatti, Ukkulam, Pethikuttai (Sirumugai), Athikadavu, Chinnavedampatti, Nandankarai, Perur Chettipalayam and Valankulam wetlands were covered by the teams.
District forest officer N Jayaraj, forest range officers, and members of Coimbatore Nature Society (CNS), The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS), and WWF-India participated in the exercise.
The teams reported 201 bird species and 16,069 bird population counts.
Among these were 60 waterbird species with a population count of 7,234. Waterbird species spotted are waterfowls, grebes, rails and crakes, wader, gulls and terns, storks, darters and cormorants, and ibises, herons & pelicans.
The population count range was between 141 and 2,288 across wetlands, with an average of 643 bird count per wetland.
The highest bird counts were reported from Ukkulam (2,288), Walayar backwaters (1,797), followed by Krishnampathi (1,387). Low bird counts were reported from Irugur, Vedapatti and Narasampathi wetlands.
The number of bird species across wetlands varied from 31 to 101, with an average of 57 species per wetland. Highest bird species counts were reported from Pethikuttai (101) and Krishnampathi (101). These two wetlands have reported the highest species from the last census too. Low species numbers are reported from Irugur (31) and Vedapatti (32) wetlands.
In comparison with 2023 findings, an increase in average bird species per wetland (from 54 to 57) and an increase in average bird count per wetland (from 474 to 643) were observed. Overall bird count also increased from 9,494 (in 2023 across 20 wetlands) to 16,069.
The second phase is scheduled to be held on March 1 and 2, aiming at terrestrial birds.
We also published the following articles recently
As many as 25 wetlands across the Coimbatore district were identified for the census. As many as 25 teams, comprising birding experts, forest staff, bird enthusiasts and students from various institutions, were formed to carry out the census.A total of 140 people participated in the exercise.
Walayar backwaters, Kurichi, Ukkadam, Sengulam, Vellalore, Singanallur, Kannampalayam, Pallapalayam, Irugur, Perur, Krishnampathi, Kolarampathi, Narasampathi, Selvampathi, Vedapatti, Sulur, Achankulam, Kalapatti, Ukkulam, Pethikuttai (Sirumugai), Athikadavu, Chinnavedampatti, Nandankarai, Perur Chettipalayam and Valankulam wetlands were covered by the teams.
District forest officer N Jayaraj, forest range officers, and members of Coimbatore Nature Society (CNS), The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS), and WWF-India participated in the exercise.
The teams reported 201 bird species and 16,069 bird population counts.
Among these were 60 waterbird species with a population count of 7,234. Waterbird species spotted are waterfowls, grebes, rails and crakes, wader, gulls and terns, storks, darters and cormorants, and ibises, herons & pelicans.
The population count range was between 141 and 2,288 across wetlands, with an average of 643 bird count per wetland.
The highest bird counts were reported from Ukkulam (2,288), Walayar backwaters (1,797), followed by Krishnampathi (1,387). Low bird counts were reported from Irugur, Vedapatti and Narasampathi wetlands.
The number of bird species across wetlands varied from 31 to 101, with an average of 57 species per wetland. Highest bird species counts were reported from Pethikuttai (101) and Krishnampathi (101). These two wetlands have reported the highest species from the last census too. Low species numbers are reported from Irugur (31) and Vedapatti (32) wetlands.
In comparison with 2023 findings, an increase in average bird species per wetland (from 54 to 57) and an increase in average bird count per wetland (from 474 to 643) were observed. Overall bird count also increased from 9,494 (in 2023 across 20 wetlands) to 16,069.
The second phase is scheduled to be held on March 1 and 2, aiming at terrestrial birds.
We also published the following articles recently
S Bengal bird count dips, ducks and waders give hot spots a miss
According to Divisional Forest Officer Satyajit Roy, river terns and several bird species have also shown decreased sightings in South 24 Parganas. Apurba Chakraborty of Prakriti Sansad mentioned that species like little tern and great-crested tern were missing in Jambudweep.
According to Divisional Forest Officer Satyajit Roy, river terns and several bird species have also shown decreased sightings in South 24 Parganas. Apurba Chakraborty of Prakriti Sansad mentioned that species like little tern and great-crested tern were missing in Jambudweep.
Residents have a plan for restoring Ennore wetlands
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Fishing villages in Chennai launched the Peoples Plan for the Eco-Restoration of the Ennore Wetlands, recommending better health, livelihood, and protection against pollution and hazards. The plan, collated by the Coastal Resource Centre, suggests emergency preparedness plans, drills, and training for disasters. It also addresses illegal sewage discharge and the loss of biodiversity in Ennore.