Sambalpur: The mid-winter waterfowl census conducted in Hirakud reservoir January 6 showed an increased number of migratory birds as compared to last year’s count, reports said.
According to reports, the wildlife teams spotted a total of 92 bird species and around 1,45,946 avian guests in Hirakud (WL) Division and forest divisions of Sambalpur & Jharsuguda, during the annual census drive.
In 2018, a total of 82 bird species and around 1,36,835 migratory birds were spotted in Hirakud reservoir. In comparison to last year’s data, the recently conducted census showed a marginal increase in the head count of avian species during the winter season.
Reportedly, the bird census was conducted in the entire reservoir area which was divided into 21 sectors (18 sectors in the reservoir and three sectors in the power channel), and each sector was covered by one team. All the sectors were covered by the 21 teams simultaneously.
Apart from forest department staff, a total of 68 persons including representatives from various NGOs, students from OUAT and Utakl University participated in the bird census.
Similarly, staffs from Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Bargarh forest divisions and 17 experts were engaged in the exercise. Each team had two experts and a bird enumerator, who were provided binoculars and cameras. The teams after carrying out the census had submitted their reports to the state Forest and Environment Department.
As per reports, the wildlife observing teams spotted mostly Lesser Whistling Duck (32,670), Common Coot (16978), Common Pochard (12514), Red Crested Pochard (11,528) and Tufted Duck (9,966), the sources added.
PNN