Population of white-bellied sea eagles goes up in Visakhapatnam
By : Aruna
Update: 2024-12-15 16:37 GMT
Visakhapatnam: The coastal city of Visakhapatnam is witnessing a remarkable resurgence in the population of white-bellied sea eagles. Once considered endangered, these majestic birds have begun to breed successfully again.
According to avian enthusiast Vivek Rathod, a board member of the Wildlife Conservation Through Research and Education (WCTRE), birdwatchers observed a significant decline in these sea eagles between 2010 and 2015, with only four recorded.
However, Rathod told Deccan Chronicle that the population of white-bellied sea eagles has steadily increased during the past decade. Visakhapatnam is now home to about 10 pairs of these eagles.
Despite the positive trend, these sea eagles continue to face several threats. One major challenge is their difficulty in finding suitable nesting sites. Rapid urbanisation in the area has led to the removal of large trees essential for nesting. Cyclones, such as Hudhud, have also destroyed their habitats. The avian enthusiast says human activity near nesting areas negatively impacts their breeding.
White-bellied sea eagles primarily hunt aquatic animals, including fish, turtles, and sea snakes. Therefore, they need to nest close to the sea. This species is monogamous, with pairs remaining together for life. If one bird dies, the surviving mate quickly seeks a new partner.
Typically, these sea eagles prefer tall trees, such as casuarina, for nesting. However, when suitable trees are unavailable, they use artificial structures, such as pylons and cell phone towers. They often look for locations with good vantage points to survey their surroundings.
Typically, these sea eagles prefer tall trees, such as casuarina, for nesting. However, when suitable trees are unavailable, they use artificial structures, such as pylons and cell phone towers. They often look for locations with good vantage points to survey their surroundings.
In terms of appearance, the white-bellied sea eagle has a white head, rump, under parts, and a dark or slate-grey back and wings. When in flight, the black flight feathers on its wings are easily visible from below.
Notable nesting sites of these eagles in Vizag include the Velammapeta BSNL cell tower in a densely populated area, a crane at Hindustan Shipyard, a cell tower at Dolphin Hills, another at Thimmapuram, a large tree at INS Kalinga, and a palm tree at Vizag zoo.
The situation of the white-bellied sea eagles in Srikakulam is similar.
Avian enthusiasts say resurgence of these eagles in Visakhapatnam and surrounding areas highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect their habitat.