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Over 12,600 Birds Counted in Odisha's Chandaka Sanctuary During Asian Census

The Asian waterbird census recorded 12,645 birds, with 4,071 being migratory, at Odisha's Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. The count involved 12 teams and 82 volunteers, documenting numerous species including Northern pintail and black-headed ibis. Simultaneously, a three-day dolphin census has commenced in Chilika Lake to assess the population and habitat of Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins. The dolphin survey is being conducted along 18 predefined routes by teams in boats.

Key Points: Asian Waterbird Census Spots 12,645 Birds in Odisha Sanctuary

  • 12,645 birds counted at Chandaka
  • 4,071 were migratory birds from 73 species
  • Concurrent dolphin census begins in Chilika Lake
  • 18 GPS-defined routes for dolphin survey
  • Last year's count recorded 174 dolphins in Chilika
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Asian waterbird census: Nearly 12,645 birds spotted in Odisha's Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary

Odisha's Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary records 12,645 birds, including 4,071 migratory birds, in the Asian waterbird census. A dolphin census also begins in Chilika Lake.

"Many kinds of bird species were spotted at Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. - Binod Acharya"

Bhubaneswar, January 21

As per the Asian waterbird census, nearly 12,645 birds have been spotted during winter at Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, officials said on Tuesday.

Of the total, 4,071 were migratory birds, representing 73 different species. The census was conducted by 12 teams and 82 volunteers.

Many bird species were observed at the sanctuary, including Northern pintail, tufted ducks, gadwall, Red-crested pochard, river lapwings, black-bellied tern, river tern, great thick-knee, darter gargarney, Pacific golden plover, spot-billed pied duck harrier, and black-headed ibis, among others.

"Many kinds of bird species were spotted at Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary," Binod Acharya, DFO and Wildlife Warden of Chandaka, Bhubaneswar, told ANI.

Meanwhile, a three-day dolphin census exercise commenced in Odisha's Chilika Lake following sightings of dolphins at several locations across the lagoon, officials said.

The enumeration drive is being carried out by the Chilika Wildlife Division in coordination with the Chilika Development Office to assess the current population, distribution, and habitat use of dolphins in Asia's largest brackish water lagoon.

"The dolphin census has begun today and will continue for another two days. Two locations have been identified where the dolphin census units will operate: Balugaon and Satapada," Amlan Nayak, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Chilika Wildlife Division, told ANI.

He added, "A total of 18 routes have been identified. These routes have already been defined using GPS points by the scientists at the Chilika Development Authority."

Boats have been deployed for the exercise, with each boat carrying five to six trained members. "The exercise started at 6 a.m. and is expected to be completed by 12 noon, as some routes are short while others are a bit longer. Last year's census results recorded a total of 174 dolphins, of which 159 were Irrawaddy dolphins, and 15 were humpback dolphins," Nayak said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Excellent initiative. The simultaneous dolphin census in Chilika is also crucial. These annual counts are vital for conservation policy. However, I hope the data leads to concrete action against pollution and encroachment, not just remains a report.
R
Rohit P
12,645 birds! That's impressive. Makes me want to plan a trip to Chandaka this weekend with my kids. It's important for the next generation to see and appreciate this biodiversity. More power to the 82 volunteers!
S
Sarah B
As a birdwatcher visiting from the UK, I've been to Chilika and it's spectacular. Good to see such systematic efforts. The list of species is amazing – Pacific golden plover and black-headed ibis are beautiful sightings. Keep up the good work, Odisha!
K
Karthik V
Positive news for a change. Our natural heritage is our real wealth. But let's be honest, the real challenge is maintaining this habitat year-round with all the development pressure around Bhubaneswar. Hope the forest department gets the support it needs.
M
Meera T
So proud of our state! 🐬 Both Chandaka and Chilika are biodiversity hotspots. The detailed planning for the census using GPS points shows good scientific approach. Waiting eagerly for the dolphin count results now.

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