The Wayanad Wetland Bird Count, conducted by the Hume Center for Ecology and Wildlife Biology in collaboration with Social Forestry Wayanad, recorded 1,470 birds of 140 species, including 46 wetland exclusive birds. The two-day event was organized as a part of the Asian Waterbird Census.
The citizen science initiative tried to enumerate resident and migratory waterfowl associated with major wetland ecosystems in the district such as the Banasur and Karapuzha reservoir areas; Arattuthara, Valliyur Kavu, and Panamaram paddy fields; and Ammavayal and Golur reservoirs inside Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conservation biologist CK Vishnudas, who supervised the survey, said the major species that were recorded during the counting were spot-billed duck, common teal, painted stork, lesser whistling duck and river tern. He said a red-breasted flycatcher, a migratory bird from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, was spotted near the Golur reservoir.
“Although low in numbers compared to other parts of Kerala, the waterbird count reflects the tendency of many wild ducks to gradually establish themselves in the wetlands of Wayanad. Spot-billed ducks and common teal were very rare in Wayanad about 10 years ago. When the Karapuzha reservoir was partially commissioned, the shallow reservoirs close to the hills created ideal habitats for many waterfowl to thrive and breed. The spot-build duck and common teal populations are showing an increasing trend,” he said.
However, it was worth noting that the population of low-whistling ducks had declined significantly. Although ducks were seen in good numbers in the Karapuzha wetlands, only three birds were recorded this year, according to RL Ratheesh, an ornithologist who led the survey.
Wetland ecosystems play a major role in maintaining the water resources of an area and are considered the kidney of the earth. He said the data generated from the annual event contributes to global efforts to understand changes in avian populations in response to changes in climate and ecosystems.
More than 50 bird enthusiasts, including members of the Ratufa Nature Club, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Pukode, took part in the survey. A Harilal, Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Wayanad provided logistics support for the programme.
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