KOTTAYAM: The latest bird count by the Kottayam Nature Society (KNS) and the Natural History Society, Alappuzha, shows a significant reduction in the population of migratory birds in the coastal Alappuzha and Kollam districts.
While they recorded more than 1,000 migratory birds last year, it has come down to 247 now owing to factors including the destruction of their feeding places and the habitat change.
They recorded birds of 15 species during the survey from Alappuzha beach to Valiazheekkal from September 4 to 6 undertaken to evaluate the region's biodiversity.
Among them were greenshank — 70, greater sand plovers — 33, Eurasian Curlew — 1 (endangered species), the Ruddy Turnstone — 8 and Terek Sandpiper — 2.
Nine expert birdwatchers participated in the survey at 12 sites where the shorebirds arrive in the migration season. They scanned the sky and worked as a team.
“We monitored their activities across their flyways and recorded hotspots,” said Harikumar Mannar of KNS who took part in the survey. “This will also help their future conservation and management.” The counting was held from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
