More birds descend at Kakinada sanctuary

 

This was revealed in an ornithological survey conducted on January 27. The survey was conducted from Vakalapudi beach to S.Yanam through Kakinada port and Koringa Sancutary.

 

The 11 teams that carried out the survey found an increase in birds in the vicinity of Kakinada. But, there was a decrease in the Konaseema area such as Balusutippa, Molletimoga, S. Yanam and other places, a previous haunt of the feathered visitors. More birds were found in the slushy areas, the survey reported. 

 

“Worms and insects breed in the slushy areas,  attracting a large number of birds,” said P. Sathiya  Selvam, conservation Biologist of the East Godavari Riverine Estuarine and Ecosystem (Egree) Foundation. The Egree is run by the UNDP, the Centre and the state government.

 

Mr Selvam said 71 species were found against 66 last year; of these 38 are long-distance migratory birds. According to the survey, about 5,800 the Black Tailed godwits, coming from Central Asia, were spotted, as against 1,700 last year. 

 

The survey found 4,700 Lesser-Sand plovers, 2,600 Pacific Golden plovers, 3,314 Brown-headed gulls, 1,050 Vistard terns, 1,660 Curlew sand wipers, among others.

But, the population of birds, especially some local varieties, has fallen by up to 50 per cent. Egree Foundation state coordinator K. Tualsi  Rao said the report would be sent to Singapore.

 

Despite the healthy number of migrants, conservationists wanted to government to ensure that the areas were not unduly affected.