Coimbatore : Sixth year in running, Coimbatore Nature Society (CNS), has participated in the citizen-science programme of Asian Waterbird Census, conducted between January 5-20, this year.
Coimbatore : Sixth year in running, Coimbatore Nature Society (CNS), has participated in the citizen-science programme of Asian Waterbird Census, conducted between January 5-20, this year.
According to a release CNS reported the following:
The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC). This citizen-science programme is supporting conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide. The information helps to promote the designation and management of internationally important sites such as nationally protected areas, as well as helps in identifying and protecting new sites of importance for waterbirds. The result of the census and information are also used to promote national waterbird and wetland conservation and international cooperation.
27 wetlands in and around Coimbatore have been surveyed in the exercise which spanned two weeks with 20 participants taking part in the exercise which is usually done in the morning time when birds are mostly active. The no of wetlands covered is up from previous years highest of 22, and the teams were led by and include Selvaraj PR, Prakash G, Balaji PB, Gaja Mohanraj D, Sahithya Selvaraj, Sathish K, Thirumoorthy NV, Gandhi Kumar and Srinivas Rav among others.
A total of 134 bird species have been recorded and the total bird count (bird population) was estimated to be at 6276. Among the 134-bird species recorded, 99 of them are Resident and the remaining 35 are Migrants. The break up between waterbirds and other birds stand at 52 and 82.
On the bird count, 4430 birds were Resident in nature and 1846 birds were migrants. The break up between Water birds and other land birds seen around the wetland is 2845 and 3431 respectively.
Most populous birds were Barn Swallow (892), Little Cormorant (445), House Crow (241), Cattle Egret (228), Indian Pond-Heron (178), Indian Spot-billed Duck (165), Common Myna (163), Little Egret (162), Rose-ringed Parakeet (162) and Asian Palm-Swift (159).
Among migrant birds, the following were high in numbers: Barn Swallow (892), Rosy Starling (143), Western Yellow Wagtail (93), Blue-tailed Bee-eater (87), Wood Sandpiper (84), Blyth's Reed Warbler (80), Little Stint (72), Common Sandpiper (62), Little Ringed Plover (40) and Northern Shoveler (38).
Among waterbirds alone, the following were seen in high numbers:
Little Cormorant (445),
Cattle Egret (228),
Indian Pond-Heron (178),
Indian Spot-billed Duck (165),
Little Egret (162),
Black-winged Stilt (122),
Grey-headed Swamphen (Purple Swamphen) (112),
Small Pratincole (100),
Grey Heron (89)
Wood Sandpiper (84).
Vellalore with 76 bird species and 641 bird counts top the wetlands on both species and population accounts. This is followed by Achankulam (70, 446) Singanallur (54, 545), Senkulam (47,218) and Ukkadam (41, 358).
During the survey, Selvampathi lake and Kumarasamy lake were found to be present with least number of species and population. Average number of species found in a wetland stood at 37 while the average bird population of a wetland was at 232.
Little Egret and Indian Pond Heron were seen on the most wetlands, these species are well spread, and were recorded from 24 wetlands, followed by Barn Swallow (22 wetlands), Black Drongo (21 wetlands) and House Crow (21 wetlands). Among the migrants, apart from Barn Swallow, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Blyth’s Reed Warbler were recorded from 18 wetlands.
Interesting sightings recorded the survey include Bar-headed Goose, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Greater Spotted Eagle, Gull-billed Tern (all migrants to the Coimbatore wetlands) and Yellow Bittern, Oriental Turtle-Dove, Indian Grey Hornbill and Stork-billed Kingfisher.
The table clearly shows a drop in the bird population over the years during the month of January and the drop is mainly attributed to the migratory population dropping in numbers. The drop is as much as 29% in 2019, compared to 2017. While we saw a fluctuating level of population with respect to residents like Spot-billed Pelican, Black-winged Stilt and Glossy Ibis (which are seen in least numbers during the survey compared to previous years), the overall resident population is surprisingly static and steady.
Although we do not see an increase in the numbers of Residents which otherwise could have been interpreted as a favorable environment for birds to multiply, no decrease is still a consolation.
The relation between wetlands and birds is shaped by many factors including the availability, depth, and quality of water; the availability of food and shelter; and the presence or absence of predators, to quote Robert E. Stewart, Jr. It could well be that the migrants are increasingly finding it difficult to use Coimbatore wetlands as before for the lack of above-mentioned factors.
While the residents may move between wetlands depending on the food availability and other factors to manage a crisis, the incoming migrants during September and October months, may move out to better wetlands skipping the Coimbatore wetlands. We need to observe this trend for a few more years to firmly saythe increase or decrease and a suitable action plan must be taken by the wetland managers to provide a suitable habitat for birds as it is one of the best-known functions of wetlands. The quality of wetlands in the upper Noyyal fed areas are comparatively better than the lower areas and the quality of water continues to be of concern in these areas with known pollutants being the causes.
Another interesting observation with respect to average no of species per wetland is showing an increasing trend which we hypothesis to increased pressure of species to move out from their regular operational area for lack of food and habitat may be. The wetlands which are close to the forests, increasingly show the presence of few otherwise forest dwellers predominantly.
We need more observation to confirm this theory. Vellalore, Sulur, Achankulam, Krishnampathy, Kolarampathy wetlands assume significance in the wake of these provide suitable breeding habitats for Pelicans, Herons & Egrets, Swamphens & Coots, Ducks such as Lesser Whistling and Spot-billed. Achankulam, a few years ago were attracting migrants in good numbers and now Krishnampathy lake seems to be doing the same with respect to migrants and rare bird sightings. These wetlands need special protection due to birds breeding.
One can write to Coimbatore Nature Society to get more information on the survey data: [email protected]
Highlights
• Sixth year in running, CNS has participated in the Asian Waterbird Census
• 27 wetlands have been covered in 2019, up from previous year highs of 22
• 134 bird species and 6276 bird counts were recorded during the survey
• Most populous birds were Barn Swallow, a migrant, with 892 counts, followed by Little Cormorant, a Resident bird with 445 counts
• Vellalore with 76 bird species and 641 bird counts top the wetlands with respect to avian presence followed by Achankulam, Singanallur and Senkulam. Average bird species and population for a wetland were at 32 and 232 respectively
• Little Egret and Indian Pond Heron were the resident birds recorded from most wetlands (24 wetlands) and among Migrants, these were Barn Swallow, Common & Wood Sandpipers
• Bar-headed Goose, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Greater Spotted Eagle, Gull-billed Tern are interesting sightings during the survey
• AWC Data over last 3 years show that the overall bird population is on decline. This is mainly attributed to the drop in migrant bird population (by 29%), while the Residents show a steady level (no increase/ decrease).
• Long term continued assessment is necessary to evidently conclude the drop in migratory population, the trend of which is detected now.
• Wetland managers to provide a suitable habitat for birds as it is one of the best-known functions of wetlands
• Signs of birds seeking newer habitat from their regular habitats is detected
• Vellalore, Sulur, Achankulam, Krishnampathy, Kolarampathy wetlands need special protection as they act as breeding place for birds
• CNS is planning to continue the exercise in the years to come and try adding more wetlands
• Please write to [email protected] to get more information
According to a release CNS reported the following:
The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC). This citizen-science programme is supporting conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide. The information helps to promote the designation and management of internationally important sites such as nationally protected areas, as well as helps in identifying and protecting new sites of importance for waterbirds. The result of the census and information are also used to promote national waterbird and wetland conservation and international cooperation.
27 wetlands in and around Coimbatore have been surveyed in the exercise which spanned two weeks with 20 participants taking part in the exercise which is usually done in the morning time when birds are mostly active. The no of wetlands covered is up from previous years highest of 22, and the teams were led by and include Selvaraj PR, Prakash G, Balaji PB, Gaja Mohanraj D, Sahithya Selvaraj, Sathish K, Thirumoorthy NV, Gandhi Kumar and Srinivas Rav among others.
A total of 134 bird species have been recorded and the total bird count (bird population) was estimated to be at 6276. Among the 134-bird species recorded, 99 of them are Resident and the remaining 35 are Migrants. The break up between waterbirds and other birds stand at 52 and 82.
On the bird count, 4430 birds were Resident in nature and 1846 birds were migrants. The break up between Water birds and other land birds seen around the wetland is 2845 and 3431 respectively.
Most populous birds were Barn Swallow (892), Little Cormorant (445), House Crow (241), Cattle Egret (228), Indian Pond-Heron (178), Indian Spot-billed Duck (165), Common Myna (163), Little Egret (162), Rose-ringed Parakeet (162) and Asian Palm-Swift (159).
Among migrant birds, the following were high in numbers: Barn Swallow (892), Rosy Starling (143), Western Yellow Wagtail (93), Blue-tailed Bee-eater (87), Wood Sandpiper (84), Blyth's Reed Warbler (80), Little Stint (72), Common Sandpiper (62), Little Ringed Plover (40) and Northern Shoveler (38).
Among waterbirds alone, the following were seen in high numbers:
Little Cormorant (445),
Cattle Egret (228),
Indian Pond-Heron (178),
Indian Spot-billed Duck (165),
Little Egret (162),
Black-winged Stilt (122),
Grey-headed Swamphen (Purple Swamphen) (112),
Small Pratincole (100),
Grey Heron (89)
Wood Sandpiper (84).
Vellalore with 76 bird species and 641 bird counts top the wetlands on both species and population accounts. This is followed by Achankulam (70, 446) Singanallur (54, 545), Senkulam (47,218) and Ukkadam (41, 358).
During the survey, Selvampathi lake and Kumarasamy lake were found to be present with least number of species and population. Average number of species found in a wetland stood at 37 while the average bird population of a wetland was at 232.
Little Egret and Indian Pond Heron were seen on the most wetlands, these species are well spread, and were recorded from 24 wetlands, followed by Barn Swallow (22 wetlands), Black Drongo (21 wetlands) and House Crow (21 wetlands). Among the migrants, apart from Barn Swallow, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Blyth’s Reed Warbler were recorded from 18 wetlands.
Interesting sightings recorded the survey include Bar-headed Goose, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Greater Spotted Eagle, Gull-billed Tern (all migrants to the Coimbatore wetlands) and Yellow Bittern, Oriental Turtle-Dove, Indian Grey Hornbill and Stork-billed Kingfisher.
The table clearly shows a drop in the bird population over the years during the month of January and the drop is mainly attributed to the migratory population dropping in numbers. The drop is as much as 29% in 2019, compared to 2017. While we saw a fluctuating level of population with respect to residents like Spot-billed Pelican, Black-winged Stilt and Glossy Ibis (which are seen in least numbers during the survey compared to previous years), the overall resident population is surprisingly static and steady.
Although we do not see an increase in the numbers of Residents which otherwise could have been interpreted as a favorable environment for birds to multiply, no decrease is still a consolation.
The relation between wetlands and birds is shaped by many factors including the availability, depth, and quality of water; the availability of food and shelter; and the presence or absence of predators, to quote Robert E. Stewart, Jr. It could well be that the migrants are increasingly finding it difficult to use Coimbatore wetlands as before for the lack of above-mentioned factors.
While the residents may move between wetlands depending on the food availability and other factors to manage a crisis, the incoming migrants during September and October months, may move out to better wetlands skipping the Coimbatore wetlands. We need to observe this trend for a few more years to firmly saythe increase or decrease and a suitable action plan must be taken by the wetland managers to provide a suitable habitat for birds as it is one of the best-known functions of wetlands. The quality of wetlands in the upper Noyyal fed areas are comparatively better than the lower areas and the quality of water continues to be of concern in these areas with known pollutants being the causes.
Another interesting observation with respect to average no of species per wetland is showing an increasing trend which we hypothesis to increased pressure of species to move out from their regular operational area for lack of food and habitat may be. The wetlands which are close to the forests, increasingly show the presence of few otherwise forest dwellers predominantly.
We need more observation to confirm this theory. Vellalore, Sulur, Achankulam, Krishnampathy, Kolarampathy wetlands assume significance in the wake of these provide suitable breeding habitats for Pelicans, Herons & Egrets, Swamphens & Coots, Ducks such as Lesser Whistling and Spot-billed. Achankulam, a few years ago were attracting migrants in good numbers and now Krishnampathy lake seems to be doing the same with respect to migrants and rare bird sightings. These wetlands need special protection due to birds breeding.
One can write to Coimbatore Nature Society to get more information on the survey data: [email protected]
Highlights
• Sixth year in running, CNS has participated in the Asian Waterbird Census
• 27 wetlands have been covered in 2019, up from previous year highs of 22
• 134 bird species and 6276 bird counts were recorded during the survey
• Most populous birds were Barn Swallow, a migrant, with 892 counts, followed by Little Cormorant, a Resident bird with 445 counts
• Vellalore with 76 bird species and 641 bird counts top the wetlands with respect to avian presence followed by Achankulam, Singanallur and Senkulam. Average bird species and population for a wetland were at 32 and 232 respectively
• Little Egret and Indian Pond Heron were the resident birds recorded from most wetlands (24 wetlands) and among Migrants, these were Barn Swallow, Common & Wood Sandpipers
• Bar-headed Goose, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Greater Spotted Eagle, Gull-billed Tern are interesting sightings during the survey
• AWC Data over last 3 years show that the overall bird population is on decline. This is mainly attributed to the drop in migrant bird population (by 29%), while the Residents show a steady level (no increase/ decrease).
• Long term continued assessment is necessary to evidently conclude the drop in migratory population, the trend of which is detected now.
• Wetland managers to provide a suitable habitat for birds as it is one of the best-known functions of wetlands
• Signs of birds seeking newer habitat from their regular habitats is detected
• Vellalore, Sulur, Achankulam, Krishnampathy, Kolarampathy wetlands need special protection as they act as breeding place for birds
• CNS is planning to continue the exercise in the years to come and try adding more wetlands
• Please write to [email protected] to get more information