Annual bird count begins in Nalabana bird sanctuary, Chilika

With the beginning of the annual bird count begins in Nalabana bird sanctuary, Chilika, there is a restriction on entry of visitors into the 15.59 sq km bird sanctuary - the restriction has been imposed for three days due to the annual bird count in the lagoon. Tourist boats will also not venture into Mangalajodi.
Most of the migratory waterfowls that visit the lake are concentrated in Nalbana. The migratory birds also descend upon Mangalajodi, Bhusandapur, Sorana Prikuda and Chadheighara islands.
This has been reported in thestatesman.com dated 8 January 2017.

The restriction has been imposed to ensure that the birds are not disturbed and also for smooth conduct of the census. Fishing would not be restricted in other parts of the 1,100 sq km lake during the period.
The enumerators will be given necessary training one day before the actual count. Experts from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), noted ornithologists, research scholars and forest and wildlife officials, forestry students of Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) will be participating in the exercise.
This will be the first time ever that all 20 DFOs (wildlife) in the state will be involved in the mammoth exercise because, the annual bird census this time assumes significance due to the impact of climate change on migration pattern of birds.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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Forest fire has devastated large areas of Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra and, the burnt carcass of a large 10 foot python was found. A baby hog deer (fawn) and baby wild boar (piglet) were rescued by NGO Wildlife SOS's Rapid Response Unit when the news of the forest fire reached them.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 6 May 2016.

In the fire that broke out in Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra, hundreds of birds, reptiles and animals were killed and injured and several hectares of forest were damaged. The fire was attributed to a spark of the high-voltage electricity wires that pass through the sanctuary to provide electricity to the neighboring villages.
Located within the sanctuary is India's largest bear rescue center and it also came under threat. It is run by wildlife conservation organisation Wildlife SOS and at present has over 210 sloth bears.
Among the animals that were severely affected were a hog deer fawn and wild boar piglet that were found orphaned. The forest officials are tending to these baby animals and Wildlife SOS is providing medical care and treatment. Once they recover, and certified fit for release, they will be released back into the wild in the presence of the forest department officials.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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