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Kosi Wetlands Teem With Rare Migratory Birds
8 Feb
Summary
- Over 4,900 birds of 92 species sighted in Kosi region.
- Rare Baikal Teal and Fulvous Whistling Teals were spotted.
- Wetland conservation urged due to encroachment and neglect.
The Asian Waterbird Census in Bihar's Kosi region concluded recently, documenting an encouraging presence of migratory bird species. Over three days, surveyors identified 4,982 birds belonging to 92 distinct species within the Kosi region. The survey, initiated by the Bihar government in 2022, noted the return of the rare Baikal Teal, a migratory duck from Siberia and Russia, which had not been observed in the Kosi region for several years.
Additionally, significant numbers of Fulvous Whistling Teals, a rare variety, were sighted alongside common Lesser Whistling Teals. Other rare migratory species observed included Gadwall, Northern Pintail, and Shoveler, among others. The increasing numbers of migratory birds at protected wetlands underscore the critical need for their conservation, especially as many face threats from encroachment and neglect despite Bihar being a wetland-rich state.
The data also points to broader conservation challenges, with factors like climate change, habitat shrinkage, and inadequate food supply contributing to the endangered status of some native bird species. The Bihar government is implementing conservation measures to address these issues.
