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Rare Oriole Spotted in Chandigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
1 Feb
Summary
- A rare maroon oriole was sighted at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Waterfowl numbers at Sukhna Lake have declined since 2016-17.
- Sukhna Lake's Ramsar List nomination is pending government review.
A three-day waterbird census concluded at Sukhna lake and the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) on Friday. This census, supported by various experts and organizations, identified notable species, including the rare maroon oriole sighted within the SWS. While the oriole sighting was a highlight, the census also noted a decline in migratory waterfowl at Sukhna lake, a trend ongoing since the winter of 2016-17.
The declining numbers of waterfowl at Sukhna lake are attributed to factors like insufficient basking sites and deep waters limiting food availability. Consequently, these birds are seeking alternative locations in the greater Chandigarh region. This development contrasts with ongoing efforts to elevate Sukhna lake's status, with the UT Administration having submitted a proposal for its inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
The proposal for Sukhna lake's international recognition is currently under review by central government ministries. The collected data from the waterbird census is intended to strengthen the case for the lake's inclusion in the Asian Waterbird Census. The report will also be part of a larger rapid assessment of Chandigarh's biodiversity.
