Why has the bird count at Wadhwana Lake decreased?

The bird count at Wadhwana Lake has decreased significantly due to fluctuating water levels, which are not conducive for the foraging habits of many migratory birds.

What was the bird count at Wadhwana Lake in 2022?

In 2022, the bird count at Wadhwana Lake recorded approximately 95,000 birds.

What are officials doing about the declining bird numbers at Wadhwana Lake?

Officials are analyzing the varying water levels and planning to make the environment more conducive for birds, aiming to attract more migratory species in the coming years.

Home / Environment / Wadhwana Lake Bird Count Halved, Officials Concerned

Wadhwana Lake Bird Count Halved, Officials Concerned

12 Feb

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Summary

Annual bird count at Wadhwana Lake recorded 47,700 birds.
This is nearly half the 95,000 birds counted in 2022.
Officials cite fluctuating water levels as a primary reason.

Wadhwana Lake Bird Count Halved, Officials Concerned

The once vibrant avian chorus at Wadhwana Lake has diminished, with the latest annual bird count revealing a concerning drop in migratory bird numbers. Officials recorded approximately 47,700 birds, a substantial decrease from the 95,000 counted in 2022, shortly after the wetland achieved Ramsar site status. This significant decline has prompted senior forest officials to explore measures to create a more favorable environment for the birds.

Conservator of Forests, Anshuman Sharma, explained that the varying water levels, maintained by the irrigation department for agricultural needs, are a key factor. Many migratory birds require shallow waters for foraging, but Wadhwana Lake consistently holds higher water levels. Efforts are underway to analyze these levels and develop strategies to attract more avian visitors in the future. Fluctuating water levels negatively impact aquatic plant growth, reducing food availability for birds, thus encouraging them to seek alternative wetlands. Duck species, for example, struggle to feed if the water is too deep, while waders need ample shallow marshy areas.