Bhitarkanika National Park played host to only 68,514 winter migrant birds from trans-Himalayan region this year, which is an estimated 15 per cent less than the number of feathered guests visiting the place during the previous year.
While at least 81,401 migrant avian species had made Bhitarkanika their temporary winter sojourn last year, this year the number dropped to 68,514 birds, according to the census findings of these birds released by the forest department here today.
"Factors that led to the downward trend of birds arrival are yet to be ascertained. Experts are studying the matter," said forest officials.
If the latest census of these winged species, which concluded recently, is any indication, birds accorded endangered and rare status made their flight to Bhitarkanika for temporary winter sojourn.
"Back-headed godwit, an endangered avian species from cool environs of Himalayan region thronged the wetland sites in large number. Over 2,000 gotwits virtually laid siege at Bhitarkanika skyline. These species trans migrated from Siberia, Ladakh, Lake Manosarovar and Himalayan region," said Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, Kedar Kumar Swain.
"The enumerators have also spotted hordes of Greater crested tern, common shell duck and blue tailed godwits. All these species come under rare and threatened category. Their flight owed it origin to Central Asian region. Unable to cope with extreme cold in their original habitat, the feathered species preferred these congenial wetland spots," he said.
The prominent species who have made Bhitarkanika their winter home are Brahmin Duck, Bar-headed Geesse, Godwin, Pintail, painted stork, seagauls, commonteal, tawny eagle, osprey.
Other prominent winged visitors to Bhitarkanika this time are Indian Skimmers, Grey Pelicans and White-backed vultures, Lesser adjutant, Grater spotted eagles. All of these sighted species are conferred endangered status under the International Union for Conservation for Nature (IUCN)'s Red Book Data containing the list of highly threatened animals worldwide.
