Begin typing your search...
Over 25,000 birds arrive to roost in Pallikaranai marshland
After three years, the Pallikaranai marshland has attracted over 25,000 birds, including migratory and rare birds. Birdwatchers say that the wetland had around 20,000 birds in 2013-14, but things changed for the worse during 2015-16 due to the Chennai floods and Cyclone ‘Vardah’, respectively. However, ideal grounds have once again emerged for the arrival of the birds.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
The birdwatchers also noted that had there been one more sharp spell in the North-east monsoon that has officially ended, the number of birds in the marshland would have touched 30,000.
KVRK Thirunaranan, founder, Nature Trust, which documented the birds in the marshland confirmed the increase in the number of birds.
“Our team is regularly visiting the wetland and carrying out a census of the birds. Since water is continuously receding from the land, we are expecting more number of waders, which are commonly found along shoreline and mud-flats and feed in the mud or sand.”
He also pointed that “From the beginning of the south-west monsoon, the number of birds like ducks, ruff, Little stint, wood sandpiper and Grey-headed lapwing has gradually been increasing. Even rare bird-comb ducks have been spotted in the marshland.”
The forest officials have already undertaken necessary works like removing encroachment and desilting works in order to make the ground suitable for the birds.
KV Sudhakar, president, Madras Naturalists’ Society (MNS) is hopeful of more winged visitors. “Since the migratory season will last till March, birds from various countries will visit the wetland. Going by the present scenario, many birds have been staying not only in Pallikaranai, but also in other areas like Perumbakkam, Vedanthangal and Sholinganallur,” he said.
When contacted, G Kiran, District Forest Officer (in-charge), Chennai about the safety of birds, he said “Besides creating a ten-member team of Anti-Poaching Watchers (APWs), forest staff also watch the marshland from the watchtowers.” The DFO also noted that marshland improvement works are also under way.
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android
Next Story
