The recent Asian Waterbird Census 2023 (held between 7th and 22nd January) brought forth a significant development. The Godavari estuary in Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a principal and safe habitat for the endangered Indian Skimmer, with an impressive count of around 250 skimmers sighted in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Understanding The Indian Skimmer
Outside of the common name, the Indian Skimmer, this species is also referred to as the ‘Indian scissors bill’. This bird is more visible in winter and can be mostly found in the coastal estuaries of western and eastern India, specifically the areas near the Chambal River in Central India, parts of Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
Understanding the behavior and distribution patterns of these birds is pivotal to facilitating their protection and ensuring their survival. A fascinating aspect of Indian Skimmers is their dependency on rivers, hence making river territories indispensable to their existence.
Major Threats To The Indian Scissors Bill
A significant threat to the Indian Scissors Bills’ habitat comes from degradation and disturbances near the rivers. Excessive human activity and rampant development are major contributors to this situation, leading to a decline in their population. Disturbances not only affect the birds directly but also influence the overall ecological balance of their habitats.
The Conservation Status
As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Indian Skimmer falls under the ‘Endangered’ category on the Red List. However, it is not listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This underlines the urgency for effective measures to preserve the habitat of this bird species.
Focus on Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
In 1978, the Government declared a part of the Godavari mangrove system as Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary plays an essential role in the rehabilitation of the saltwater crocodile and also contributes to protecting other endangered species like Olive Ridley turtles and Indian Otter.
The sanctuary is also a thriving habitat for 120 species of resident and migratory birds that depend on this area for breeding and nesting. The recent sighting of Indian Skimmer adds to the biodiversity richness of Coringa.
The Role of Asian Waterbird Census
The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) serves as a crucial event in the global conservation scenario. Conducted every January, it involves thousands of volunteers from Asia and Australasia who visit wetlands across their respective countries to count waterbirds.
This citizen-science program greatly contributes to the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide. AWC forms an integral part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC), coordinated by Wetlands International, which offers a comprehensive global view of waterbird populations and their trends.
As per the latest AWC, the burgeoning population of Indian Skimmers in the Godavari estuary clearly indicates that conservation efforts are indeed moving in the right direction. However, consistent attention and determined action are still needed to ensure the survival and prosperity of these endangered birds.
