Bihar recently inaugurated its first state-level bird festival, ‘Kalrav,’ at the Nagi-Nakti bird sanctuaries in the Jamui district. The three-day event is anticipated to attract both experts and bird enthusiasts from across India.
The Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries
The Nagi and Nakti dams are two proximate sanctuaries that can be regarded as a single bird area. These sanctuaries are home to both a diverse range of indigenous bird species and migratory birds. Every winter, these feathery visitors travel from far-off regions such as Eurasia, Central Asia, the Arctic Circle, Russia, and Northern China to make the sanctuaries their temporary abode.
Avian Diversity in the Sanctuaries
The sanctuaries have reported sightings of over 136 species of birds. Among them, around 1,600 bar-headed geese, equating to roughly 3% of the global population of this species, have been spotted here. This notable occurrence has led BirdLife International, a global organization, to declare the Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary as an important bird area due to its significant role in bird conservation. It’s worth noting that Wetlands International reported this remarkable event, a non-profit organization committed to conserving and restoring wetlands.
About BirdLife International and Wetland International
BirdLife International is a global alliance of conservation organizations (NGOs) working tirelessly to protect birds, their habitats, and global biodiversity. Their mission extends to promote sustainability in the utilization of natural resources. On the other hand, Wetland International is a worldwide non-profit group dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands.
Other Significant Avian Species
Apart from the bar-headed geese, the sanctuaries are known to host other significant bird species such as Indian Courser, Indian Sandgrouse, Yellow-wattled Lapwing and Indian Robin.
Threats to the Sanctuaries’ Biodiversity
Several challenges threaten the biodiversity of these sanctuaries. Agricultural runoff is a major concern, contributing to pollution and habitat destruction. A land dispute between the Irrigation and Forest Departments also poses a threat to the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. The site’s leasing for fishing activities presents another challenge to the preservation of its natural biodiversity.
Other Bird Sanctuaries in Bihar
Bihar is home to several other bird sanctuaries that serve as crucial habitats for various avian species. These include the Gautam Budha bird sanctuary in Gaya, the Kawar Jheel bird sanctuary in Bigusarai, and the Kusheshwar asthan bird sanctuary in Darbhanga. These sanctuaries play essential roles in maintaining local and global biodiversity while offering bird lovers unique opportunities to witness diverse avian life up close. Information source: HT.
