Cyclone Fani takes a toll on avian species in Chilika!

Chilika: The number of avian species at Chilika Lake has decreased drastically ostensibly due to cyclonic storm Fani that caused large scale devastation in coastal parts of Odisha over three weeks ago.

The summer bird census at India’s largest brackish water lake revealed a gory picture after the annual exercise concluded last week on May 21.

The number of feathered guests has dropped to 38, 261 as compared to 50, 541 enumerated during corresponding period last year. This year, a total 106 species were spotted of which 18, 932 birds of 53 foreign species were recorded.

The census was conducted in all five ranges (Balugaon, Chilika, Tangi, Satapada and Rambha) of Chilika Wildlife Division.

Last year, 50, 541 birds were sighted at biggest waterfowl habitat.

“The number of birds has probably decreased due to cyclonic storm Fani and intense heat wave conditions prevailing in this part of the state,” DFO Bikash Ranjan Dash said.

It may be mentioned here that Nalabana Bird Sanctuary or Nalabana Island is the core area of the Ramsar designated wetlands of Chilika Lake. The sanctuary has suffered extensive damage due to cyclone Fani. However, very few winged species were spotted during the census this time, an official said.