7,265 Sightings: Aquatic Bird Census Reveals Rich Avian Diversity At Tadoba Reserve
Chandrapur: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has released its aquatic bird census report, revealing significant findings on the health and biodiversity of water bodies in and around the reserve.
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Conducted in January this year, the census covered all the major wetlands, lakes and reservoirs within the reserve landscape.
Nearly 7,265 birds from 101 species were recorded during the survey. The Irai Dam, the largest water body in the region, emerged as the most populated site with 3,906 birds, followed by Naleshwar Lake (660) and Mahadore Lake (540).
According to the species-wise data, the Red-crested Pochard stood out with a count of 1,605, making it the most recorded species.
Swallows, including Barn Swallow, Wire-tailed Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, and Bank Swallow, were collectively numbered at 1,161.
The census was carried out across several key locations including Tadoba, Katwal, Teliya, Jamni, Kolsa, Gadi, Mama Belara, Mahador, Madnapur, Naleshwar reservoir, Rantalodhi, Naval Tal, Irai Dam, Nimdhela waterbody and Chargaon Dam.
Rare and noteworthy sightings included the Peregrine Falcon and Brown-headed Gull at Irai Lake, Lesser Adjutant Stork in three water bodies, Black Stork in two, and Bar-headed Geese in three.
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle was reported in good numbers and showed strong territorial behaviour.
One significant outcome was the widespread presence of the Lesser Whistling Duck, recorded in almost every surveyed water body.
However, the report also flagged certain gaps in identification, especially among wader species, suggesting that some were misidentified. Waders, often indicators of healthy shallow water habitats, were generally fewer, highlighting a potential lack of shallow feeding grounds.
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The census also noted ecological insights, stating that high numbers of diving ducks and low numbers of upending ducks point towards deeper water bodies with less availability of shallow zones.
Interestingly, low numbers of Black-winged Stilts, a species tolerant of polluted water, hint at low pollution levels in the surveyed areas, the report states.
The Tadoba management has recommended that such censuses be conducted regularly. Not only do birds serve as bioindicators of wetland health, but regular observations also aid forest staff in improving species identification skills. The report further stresses the need to systematically fill in the AWC site forms to enhance scientific monitoring.
WINGED WONDERS
Birds counted: 7,265
Species identified: 101
Birds in water bodies
Irai Lake: 3,906
Naleshwar: 660
Mahadore: 540
Top bird species
Red-crested Pochard: 1,605
Swallows (Barn, Wire-tailed, Red-rumped, Bank): 1,161
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
7,265 Sightings: Aquatic Bird Census Reveals Rich Avian Diversity At Tadoba Reserve
Chandrapur: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has released its aquatic bird census report, revealing significant findings on the health and biodiversity of water bodies in and around the reserve. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Conducted in January this year, the census covered all the major wetlands, lakes and reservoirs within the reserve landscape. Nearly 7,265 birds from 101 species were recorded during the survey. The Irai Dam, the largest water body in the region, emerged as the most populated site with 3,906 birds, followed by Naleshwar Lake (660) and Mahadore Lake (540). According to the species-wise data, the Red-crested Pochard stood out with a count of 1,605, making it the most recorded species. Swallows, including Barn Swallow, Wire-tailed Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, and Bank Swallow, were collectively numbered at 1,161. The census was carried out across several key locations including Tadoba, Katwal, Teliya, Jamni, Kolsa, Gadi, Mama Belara, Mahador, Madnapur, Naleshwar reservoir, Rantalodhi, Naval Tal, Irai Dam, Nimdhela waterbody and Chargaon Dam. Rare and noteworthy sightings included the Peregrine Falcon and Brown-headed Gull at Irai Lake, Lesser Adjutant Stork in three water bodies, Black Stork in two, and Bar-headed Geese in three. The Grey-headed Fish Eagle was reported in good numbers and showed strong territorial behaviour. One significant outcome was the widespread presence of the Lesser Whistling Duck, recorded in almost every surveyed water body. However, the report also flagged certain gaps in identification, especially among wader species, suggesting that some were misidentified. Waders, often indicators of healthy shallow water habitats, were generally fewer, highlighting a potential lack of shallow feeding grounds. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The census also noted ecological insights, stating that high numbers of diving ducks and low numbers of upending ducks point towards deeper water bodies with less availability of shallow zones. Interestingly, low numbers of Black-winged Stilts, a species tolerant of polluted water, hint at low pollution levels in the surveyed areas, the report states. The Tadoba management has recommended that such censuses be conducted regularly. Not only do birds serve as bioindicators of wetland health, but regular observations also aid forest staff in improving species identification skills. The report further stresses the need to systematically fill in the AWC site forms to enhance scientific monitoring. WINGED WONDERS Birds counted: 7,265 Species identified: 101 Birds in water bodies Irai Lake: 3,906 Naleshwar: 660 Mahadore: 540 Top bird species Red-crested Pochard: 1,605 Swallows (Barn, Wire-tailed, Red-rumped, Bank): 1,161
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