Endangered Skimmers Breed in Odisha's Mahanadi Gorge!

Endangered Indian skimmers have successfully laid eggs and bred for the first time on a sandbar in the Mahanadi gorge, within the Mahanadi Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha. This event marks a major conservation milestone, as the species, previously considered a winter migrant in the Satkosia gorge, has shown a behavioral shift by nesting and raising chicks within the protected area. As of April 25, 2026, 16 nests with 53 eggs were recorded, and 27 healthy hatchlings are now being nurtured by their parents. Wildlife officials and researchers are excited by this development, as it indicates Satkosia is emerging as a new breeding site for this globally threatened bird.

Traditionally, Indian skimmers breed between March and May in the Cuttack-Munduli belt, migrating to Satkosia for winter. However, improved habitat conditions in Satkosia appear to be retaining some birds throughout the summer. This change is largely credited to the no-fishing zone imposed on the Mahanadi River since 2019, which has helped in the recovery of gharials and significantly reduced human disturbances like fishing, sand mining, and other anthropogenic activities. The resulting undisturbed sandbars and abundant prey have created ideal microhabitats for the skimmers, fostering their successful breeding.