Flamingo population increases in Rajasthan: Report

JAIPUR: It's good news for environmentalists and bird lovers, particularly in the state and the general as a whole. The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) has counted 1,300 greater flamingos and 1,800 lesser flamingos so far in the wetlands of Gudha Jhapong and Devyani area in Sambhar Lake area. The census was completed on January 16. These birds are registered as endangered species and need protection in their sustainable habitat.

The main highlight of the survey is sighting of winter migratory species northern shoveler, pied avocet, Common Redshank and black-winged stilt which is local species. The number of these migratory birds had reduced to negligibly small in the last few years. However, the visible presence of these birds despite the shrinking lake has brought cheers to bird lovers.

"The survey will help maintaining the status of this wetland habitat of the migratory birds. Besides, the record of water birds population, species diversity and migration will help creating conservation awareness and for sustainable protection and conservation of this important wetland," said T K Roy, AWC, Delhi state coordinator, who was part of team that conducted the census.

The adequate number of flamingoes requires abundant blue-green and red algae along with small insects and small fish to sustain them for long in this season. Due to shrinking water bodies, the sustenance for birds for long is uncertain. It is reported that thousands of flamingos and migratory birds use to visit the lake until a few years ago. Even the trees in the lake acted as breeding ground for the birds.

"The number of trees has, however, declined to almost zero and the various channels of water have also dried up giving in to the increasing population pressure," an expert said.

The census report also revealed that on most of the parameters they found that the condition of the lake is deteriorating. The catchment areas of the lake is 245 km but currently there are only two small water bodies and the rest all dry due to less rainfall in the area.

The group has expressed its concern over the depleting quality of water which is acted as a deterrent for migratory birds. "The quality of water is such that it should be conducive for cultivation of vegetation and fish breeding, required by birds," Roy said. The group also suggested that the government needs to take up efforts to restore water in the lakes for ecological conservation.

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