Why have flamingos largely disappeared from Gujarat's Nalsarovar and Thol wetlands?

Flamingos have largely moved to wetlands in Kutch, such as Nadabet, due to improved breeding conditions, better feeding grounds, and enhanced water availability in those areas.

What were the overall bird numbers recorded in Gujarat's wetlands?

Gujarat's wetlands hosted a record-breaking total of nearly 7.2 lakh birds, with Nalsarovar recording 6.42 lakh and Thol logging 74,000.

Did tourism affect bird numbers in Gujarat's wetlands?

Experts suggest that the suspension of tourism activities at Nalsarovar may have contributed to the increased abundance of other bird species by reducing human interference.

Home / Environment / Flamingos Vanish: Gujarat's Wetlands See Bird Boom

Flamingos Vanish: Gujarat's Wetlands See Bird Boom

12 Feb

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Summary

Gujarat wetlands host 7.2 lakh birds, a record high.
Flamingo numbers at Nalsarovar and Thol drastically declined.
Kutch's Rann wetlands now a thriving flamingo hub.
Reduced tourism potentially boosted overall bird counts.

Flamingos Vanish: Gujarat's Wetlands See Bird Boom

Gujarat's wetlands have recorded an unprecedented 7.2 lakh birds during the annual waterbird census. Nalsarovar alone hosted a historic 6.42 lakh birds, while Thol saw its best count in 15 years with 74,000. This surge in overall bird numbers occurred alongside a significant decrease in flamingo populations at these Ramsar-recognized sites, with only about 1,622 recorded combined.

Foresters have documented around 10 lakh flamingos in Nadabet wetland in Kutch, indicating a major shift in their migratory patterns. Experts attribute this to improved breeding conditions and habitat in the Rann of Kutch, where unseasonal rainfall has enhanced vegetation and feeding grounds. This makes Kutch the primary hub for flamingos this season, a contrast to their scarcity at traditional sites like Porbandar and Thane Creek.