Population of Monsoon Birds Increases in Bhitarkanika

Kendrapara: As per the recent enumeration, the population of nesting birds has shown a marginal increase in Bhitarkanika National Park of Kendrapara district during the current monsoon season.

The recent monsoon bird census put the bird population in the national park at 1,30,123. They were of ten species. This hinted that the population of monsoon birds has increased in Bhitarkanika by 6,265 in comparison to 2023 when 1,23,867 birds were sighted.

As many as 27,282 nests atop 1300 mangrove trees were counted this monsoon season.

The census teams counted the birds at all the water bodies and mangrove forest areas of Mathadia, Laxmiprasaddia , Durgaprasaddia and Balidia heronries in and around the Bhitarkanika National Park.

Abundant fish in the river and creeks and distance from human habitation has made it a suitable congenial breeding place for thousands of birds.

Noted ornithologist Dr Salim Ali made a chance-discovery of Bhitarkanika birds’ habitat in 1981 while on a casual visit to Bhitarkanika.