Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Climate change brings endangered birds to Kerala

  • 9, 378 birds belonging to 65 species were spotted in areas near Ashtamudi lake
  • Spotting of Eurasian Spoonbills is considered as an indication of increasing temperature in Kerala
  • IUCN has included Oriental Darters in the list of endangered bird species
Endangered darters climate change Kerala

Even as regular birding areas in the state are facing threats like pollution and land reclamation, this year Kerala saw an increase in the number and species diversity of migratory birds. Some of them like Eurasian spoonbills are an indication of increasing temperature in the state as these birds usually migrate to areas of higher temperature and were never spotted in Kerala earlier. 
 

Asian Waterbird Census 2017 conducted by World Wildlife Fund- India (WWF-India) and Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department spotted Oriental Darters, which are designated endangered by Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As many as 55 Darters were found in Polachira wetlands in Kollam. 
 

The census conducted by social forestry wing of Forests Department also found that more variety of bird species and a higher number of birds have come to the state this year. As many as 9, 378 birds belonging to 65 species were spotted in areas near Ashtamudi lake. Of them, 32 were migratory species while only 5, 303 birds belonging to 59 species were spotted at the same time of the year. 
 

The birds included Eurasian Coots, Spot-billed Ducks, Purple Swamp Hens, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Garganey Ducks, Eurasian Spoonbills, Whiskered Terns and Oriental Darters. Birds like Eurasian Spoonbills are found in Kerala for the first time indicating an increase in temperature. Earlier, with the beginning of winter, these birds used to migrate from north India to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, which are hotter in comparison to Kerala. Spotting of Spoonbills is considered an indication of changing the climate in the state. 
 

In Sakthikulangara-Neendakara harbour as many as 1, 442 Little Egrets were found. Other than this there were Little Cormorants, Cattle Egrets, Intermediate Egrets, Brahmini Kites, Whiskered Terns and Northern Pintails. Recently, for the first time, Indian Spotted Eagle was found at Periyar Tiger Reserve. 
 

However, the team that conducted census said birding areas in the state are facing a threat from land reclamation, deforestation and pollution. "Though there is a considerable hike in the number of water birds, its diversity and species, majority sites are facing degradation and loss of habitat. Invasive species, unscientific development activities and lack of agriculture also pose a threat to birds in the state," A K Sivakumar WWF-India senior education officer said. 
 

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios