Pygmy Goose | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Aroor: The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2023, a citizen-science programme supporting conservation of waterbirds, has spotted the presence of a total of 15,335 birds belonging to 113 species, in 13 selected areas of 12 panchayats in Alappuzha.
They were identified by around 80 bird watchers, who monitored the birds for four hours from 6.30 am till 10.30 am.
Reportedly, the survey was conducted in 13 areas of northern Cherthala, including Neendakara, Changaram, Kannattu, Pallithodu and Chembakassery among others.
The survey was completed by the Alappuzha Social Forestry wing and ‘Ezhupunna Birders’, an NGO that promotes bird watching in the area.
In addition, a number of birdwatchers from Malappuram, Thrissur, Kottayam and Ernakulam also took part in the initiative.
As per the survey estimates, there has been a drop in the number of migratory waterbirds, especially duck species, in the area owing to climate change.
A total of 10 species of migratory ducks were spotted in the area five years ago. However, the number has now gone down below five.
However, climate change impacts on migratory birds can be confirmed only on the basis of further studies and reports.
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