Waterbird species diversity decreased in National Zoological Park wetlands
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Waterbird species diversity decreased in National Zoological Park wetlands

Last breeding season in monsoon, lesser number of the only migratory bird arrived for breeding

Waterbird species diversity decreased in National Zoological Park wetlands

New Delhi: Water birds are one of the key indicators of wetland’s health and provide four kinds of ecological services. Wetlands provided feeding, resting, roosting, and foraging habitats for these charismatic species. Rich species diversity of water birds and population on a wetland indicates the wetland's health.

Wetlands International’s largest annual waterbird census, “Asian Waterbird Census” (AWC) 2023 started on 07 Jan 2023 across Asia & Australasia including the Indian subcontinent. Ecologist, Conservationist, TK Roy with several other residents of Delhi and ecologists visited National Zoological Park. NZP has a cluster of four smaller wetlands that support the habitat for water birds both resident and migratory and especially migratory breeding birds Painted Stork’s large breeding colony for the past many decades.

With active support from the NZP authority AWC 2023 was carried out successfully on 08th Jan 2023 at the NZP’s wetlands by a small team of volunteers from Delhi University, Kumaon University, Delhi’s birders, and NZP’s Curator & staff in the presence & coordination of AWC Delhi State Coordinator.

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Due to global climate change impacts as observed this time throughout northern India including NCR of Delhi (6th warmest winter as per Indian Meteorological Dept) delays winter and accordingly delays, slow pace of migration and lesser migration of the long distant winter migratory water birds in northern India in comparison to previous years which usually migrates from far central Asia, north Asia including Russian & Siberian part almost everywhere.

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Last breeding season in monsoon, lesser number of the only migratory bird arrived for breeding i.e. Painted Storks in the park and surprisingly common resident birds Little Cormorant and Painted Stork’s much-delayed breeding in winter instead of monsoon to autumn still going on as recorded during last year. Only one species of a pair of long distant winter migratory ducks i.e. Common Teal recorded this time while no migratory species were recorded last year. Several other common species of winter migratory water birds have had no arrival record for the past few years. Resident other species numbers too sharply decreased and some other resident species do not breed & reside here for the last few years indicating the unhealthiness of the wetland habitats.

TK Roy, Ecologist, and Conservationist says "Because of the poor health of wetlands or water bodies, the number of migratory birds has decresed as compared to the past years. It s very important for all of us to understand the importance of birds and also wetlands. We all should conserve water bodies and help local and migratory birds so they can live and travel safely."

TK Roy

He further tells us that during the census, they have recorded partial lesser species diversity: 13 from 16 (2022) of water birds and decreased population: of 651 from 1,279 (2022) and mainly the dominating species Painted Storks: 350 from 1,032 (2022) and Indian Cormorant: 99 from 137 (2022) in comparison to the previous year. Out of 13 species diversity 15 species of resident water birds and only 01 species of migratory breeding bird Painted Stork.

The following resident species number have decreased:- Little Egret, Common Moorhen, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Little Grebe as compared to the last four years' AWC record.

Credits: Supplied