Nature enthusiasts have expressed concern over the sharp decline in the number of migratory birds visiting the Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal’s Birbhum district this year. , photo credit: KR Deepak
Nature enthusiasts have expressed concern over the sharp decline in the number of migratory birds visiting the Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal’s Birbhum district this year.
He claimed that by 2022, thousands of feathered guests were seen at the sanctuary, but the population of migratory birds is low this year.
This wildlife sanctuary, which is spread over an area of only 2 sq km, is home to three large ‘Jheels’ (water bodies) – Tank 1, Tank 2 and Tank 3 – which host migratory as well as resident birds.
He claimed that while some avian species reached Tank 2, the number of birds arriving at Tank 3 has dropped significantly this year.
Sandeep Chatterjee, a Kolkata-based bird watcher and a neurosurgeon who frequently visits Santiniketan, said, “Last year also birds used to visit Tank 1, but I haven’t seen a single bird there this year”.
According to the number of birds, last year 47 birds were seen in Tank-1, 15,765 in Tank-2 and 5,311 in Tank-3.
The exercise for this year is likely to be held on January 23.
Describing the dwindling bird population as “worrying”, Chatterjee attributed it to overgrowth of weeds and a drop in the water level of the tanks.
“Decreasing water levels in Deer Park Lake, which is a feeding area for birds, could be a major factor,” he said.
Birbhum-based government-recognised wildlife volunteer Dinabandhu Biswas said, “It is true that this year the area has seen less number of migratory birds. There are some reasons.
“Vegetation cover on waterbird habitat has a direct correlation with bird populations. Effective water level and vegetation management are critical to the future of Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary as an important wintering ground for migratory waterbirds.”
Bolpur Forest Range Officer Pradeep Halder said, “I have come here recently so I cannot say how many birds used to come here earlier. There is a ‘haat’ (crafts market) nearby. Hundreds of people visit this area. visits and their vehicles create noise pollution.”
Besides, there are musical instruments played which scare away the birds, he said.
But Haldar denied that the water level has receded to such an extent that it cannot attract migratory birds.
“There is enough water in the lake for the birds,” he said.
The water bodies of the sanctuary are important sites for migratory water birds, including lesser whistlings, pintails and teals.
The sanctuary is also home to spotted deer, blackbucks and jackals.