Bird count drops at Kolab reservoir in Koraput

Koraput: There has been a drop in the number of birds in Koraput district as per the latest bird census which is being carried out from Kolabnagar to Ganjaipadar at Kolab reservoir. Forest department sources said over 25 special camps have been set up for the counting of migratory birds.

"Apart from four new species, around 919 migratory birds have visited the reservoir this year which is quite less compared to previous year,” said Koraput forest department official SubashKhuntia.

Apart from Koraput, the counting of birds has also started at Nandankanan Zoological Park. As per reports, 2468 migratory birds of 28 species were sighted against 2514 migratory birds last year.The drop in bird count is attributed to sharp drop in temperature this year.

Meanwhile, three units of forest officials are carrying out the census at three different places in Brahmagiri. The wildlife wing of the Odisha forest department has began the annual bird census in Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Sources said, 21 team comprising forest officials are engaged in the bird census drive.

On the other hand, the counting of crocodiles will be carried out at Bhitarkanika, Mahanadi, Ghodahada and Simlipal from January 6 to January 24 and the dolphin census at Chilika is expected to start from January 19.