Kerala   

Decline in migratory birds

WINGED BEAUTIES: The Kadalundi river, once a haven for migratory birds.

Ornithologists have expressed concern over the steady decline over the last few years in the number of migratory birds at the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. Changes in environment and activities in the area were cited as reasons for the phenomenon.

Heavy rain this season was cited as another reason, besides the spread of mangrove vegetation at the estuary, resulting in mud flats on which the birds congregate in search of food gradually shrinking.

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is one of the few locales in the country where some endangered birds species migrate from the beginning of September to April- May. More than 60 migratory species have been sighted here by bird lovers over the years.

Hundreds of species migrate from places as far away as Europe, the northern regions of the Asian sub-continent, including Siberia, to escape the severe winter. They congregate on the mud flats, providing a spectacular sight.

“The waders are denied feeding ground with the shrinking of mud flats owing

to the increase in mangrove vegetation,” said L. Namasivayan, ornithologist who has been studying the phenomenon of migratory birds at Kadalundi since the Seventies.

Mr. Namasivayan, who under the aegis of the Kerala Natural History Society was instrumental in creating awareness among the local people of protecting the birds, also warned about the possible negative impact from the newly constructed road bridge at the river mouth that could block the passage of gulls and terns. Also, retting, an age-old activity that was stopped a few years ago, should be resumed, he said.

“The grama panchayats should lease land to the local people for retting so that mud flats re-emerge.”

Mud flats to the extent of 25-30 acres that were exposed during low tide earlier have shrunk. Snails and crabs on mud flats provided plenty of food.

O. Bhakthavalsalan, Kadalundi grama panchayat president, said retting had been stopped a few years ago. “The micro-plan being prepared by the five-member community reserve people’s committee could include a study to probe the reasons for the decrease in the number of migratory birds.”

Spoon billed sandpiper, highly endangered of which only 300 pairs have been reported the world over, was sighted at the sanctuary for three years successively.

Maleeha Raghaviah

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