Migratory birds leave Chilika early; global warming effect: Experts | Bhubaneswar News
Berhampur: About 65% of migratory birds have departed early from Chilika lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, due to sudden rise in temperature, officials reported Thursday. This marks a significant shift from the usual departure time in mid-March.
“The exodus began in the third week of Feb and continues daily,” said Amlan Nayak, divisional forest officer (DFO), Chilika.
According to the Jan wildlife survey, the lake hosted over 11.27 lakh birds of 196 different species, including 10.87 lakh migratory birds of 109 species and 40,002 resident birds of 87 species.
Wildlife activist Biswajit Mohanty attributed the early departure of avian guests to global warming. “This is the second consecutive year we’ve witnessed such early return patterns,” said Mohanty.
The winged visitors, primarily from northern Eurasia, Caspian region, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Lake Baikal and other parts of Russia, typically arrive at Chilika in mid-Oct and stay until March.
Despite the mass departure, forest officials maintain their vigilance. “Our 21 temporary camps will remain operational until month-end to protect the remaining resident and local migratory birds,” Nayak added.
“The exodus began in the third week of Feb and continues daily,” said Amlan Nayak, divisional forest officer (DFO), Chilika.
According to the Jan wildlife survey, the lake hosted over 11.27 lakh birds of 196 different species, including 10.87 lakh migratory birds of 109 species and 40,002 resident birds of 87 species.
Wildlife activist Biswajit Mohanty attributed the early departure of avian guests to global warming. “This is the second consecutive year we’ve witnessed such early return patterns,” said Mohanty.
The winged visitors, primarily from northern Eurasia, Caspian region, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Lake Baikal and other parts of Russia, typically arrive at Chilika in mid-Oct and stay until March.
Despite the mass departure, forest officials maintain their vigilance. “Our 21 temporary camps will remain operational until month-end to protect the remaining resident and local migratory birds,” Nayak added.
