THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) has reported a significant increase in the number of waterbird population in Thiruvananthapuram district.
The AWC, conducted by WWF-India, which covered nine bird-rich locations in the district counted 4,442 birds belonging to 77 species including 27 migratory ones. In 2016, the count was 2,431 birds belonging to 49 species.
In Punchakkari, the hotspot of birding in Thiruvananthapuram, birders sighted the Great Bittern. This bird had been spotted a few weeks ago in Thiruvananthapuram by a team from the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), almost after a gap of ten years.
Four species of Sandpipers, two species of Plovers, 4 species of Wild Ducks comprising 6 Spotbilled Ducks, Eurasian Spoonbills and a comparatively large group of egrets were sighted in this wetland.
“Though a comparatively high count was obtained during the AWC in the district, all the teams shared their concern over the habitat loss and degradation at each site, the reasons being very specific,” WWF-India said in a statement.
But encouraging signs were also noticed. Akkulam, once a haven for waterbirds which had degraded due to unscientific development and pollution, is showing signs of recovery, the organisation said. Among the major finds here included the Northern Showeller, Garganey, Northern Pintails and a flock of 42 Spot-billed Ducks which are migratory.
Aruvikkara reservoir and its environs threw up 27 species including the Pheasant-tailed Jacana.
“A very good population of Egrets and White-breasted Waterhens also were reported from this site,” according to WWF-India.
Locations within the city area, including the wetlands in Kesavadasapuram and near the medical college and the two ponds within the museum and zoo compound also reported an encouraging bird population.