The vast tracts of wetlands in central Kerala have been witnessing a considerable increase in the arrival of birds that use kole fields and small water bodies in dry lands as their habitats.
According to an initial survey of the Kerala Bird Race-2010, the Painted Stork and Glossy Ibis that live in the wetlands of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have been spotted in large numbers in central Kerala.
“Since the birds are considered as an indicator species, the large-scale presence of these species could be seen as an indication of the water bodies in central Kerala drying up'', said P.O. Nameer, head of the wildlife department in the Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur.
The day-long race conducted in the major bird habitats to spot the avifauna in and around central Kerala, also threw light on the developmental onslaught that is increasingly posing a threat to the existence of the avifauna.
The most interesting finding from the Ernakulam zone was the spotting of a Malabar Pied Hornbill in the low-lying evergreen forest area of the Athirapally region.
Indicating a change in the ecology, the commonly found variety of house sparrows has been declining at an alarming rate over the years.
The other birds that were least spotted during the race included the Night Cranes, Purple Moorhen and the Tailor Bird.
Based on the results of the survey last year, the organisers of the event made a representation to the authorities on the decline of the house sparrows. On the basis of this, a scheme has been implemented for conserving the species which envisages establishing nest boxes in and around Thrissur for facilitating breeding by the bird.
As many as 130-odd birders divided into 31 teams covered an area extending from the kole fields in Thrissur to the birding hotspots in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts, looking for birds. The race was followed by a get-together of the participants at a hotel near Nedumbassery to interact with one another and recount their day's experiences. Prizes were given to the teams which spotted the most number of birds.
At the session, V.A. Sunil Kumar, M.L.A, was presented with an award in absentia for the efforts to preserve the ecology of the kole lands in Thrissur, which has been facing threats from the land mafia.
The event was held as part of commemorating the birthday of renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali on November 12.
Transport Minister Jose Thettayil inaugurated the evening session at which the chief forest conservator B.S. Corrie; environmental activist Sunjoy Monga; and P.O. Nameer spoke. The event was organised by Kerala Birder, an Internet discussion forum for the bird aficionados in association with the HSBC Bank.
Source: The Hindu, 16-11-2010
According to an initial survey of the Kerala Bird Race-2010, the Painted Stork and Glossy Ibis that live in the wetlands of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have been spotted in large numbers in central Kerala.
“Since the birds are considered as an indicator species, the large-scale presence of these species could be seen as an indication of the water bodies in central Kerala drying up'', said P.O. Nameer, head of the wildlife department in the Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur.
The day-long race conducted in the major bird habitats to spot the avifauna in and around central Kerala, also threw light on the developmental onslaught that is increasingly posing a threat to the existence of the avifauna.
The most interesting finding from the Ernakulam zone was the spotting of a Malabar Pied Hornbill in the low-lying evergreen forest area of the Athirapally region.
Indicating a change in the ecology, the commonly found variety of house sparrows has been declining at an alarming rate over the years.
The other birds that were least spotted during the race included the Night Cranes, Purple Moorhen and the Tailor Bird.
Based on the results of the survey last year, the organisers of the event made a representation to the authorities on the decline of the house sparrows. On the basis of this, a scheme has been implemented for conserving the species which envisages establishing nest boxes in and around Thrissur for facilitating breeding by the bird.
As many as 130-odd birders divided into 31 teams covered an area extending from the kole fields in Thrissur to the birding hotspots in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts, looking for birds. The race was followed by a get-together of the participants at a hotel near Nedumbassery to interact with one another and recount their day's experiences. Prizes were given to the teams which spotted the most number of birds.
At the session, V.A. Sunil Kumar, M.L.A, was presented with an award in absentia for the efforts to preserve the ecology of the kole lands in Thrissur, which has been facing threats from the land mafia.
The event was held as part of commemorating the birthday of renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali on November 12.
Transport Minister Jose Thettayil inaugurated the evening session at which the chief forest conservator B.S. Corrie; environmental activist Sunjoy Monga; and P.O. Nameer spoke. The event was organised by Kerala Birder, an Internet discussion forum for the bird aficionados in association with the HSBC Bank.
Source: The Hindu, 16-11-2010
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