A rare sighting of the endangered Indian Skimmer, scientifically known as Rynchops albicollis, occurred along the Ghaghra River in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. These unique birds are part of the skimmer family, named for their distinct feeding behavior of skimming the water’s surface for fish. Their habitat includes sandy lowland rivers, lakes, marshes, and estuaries. While they were once distributed across several Asian countries, their population has significantly declined, with about 20% nesting along the Chambal River. The Indian Skimmer is easily identifiable by its black and white plumage, long orange bill, and yellow tip. Conservation efforts are critical as they are endangered.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Dudhwa Tiger Reserve: Located on the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, it comprises Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Sanctuary, and Katerniaghat Sanctuary, known for their diverse wildlife, including tigers, fishing cats, and a wide variety of bird species.
- Skimmer Family (Rynchopidae): A family of birds known for their unique feeding behavior of skimming the water surface to catch prey, primarily fish. Indian Skimmer is one such species in this family.
- IUCN Red List: The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List is a global database that assesses the conservation status of species. “Endangered” signifies that a species is at high risk of extinction in the wild.
- Ghaghra River: A significant river in northern India, which serves as a habitat for various wildlife, including the Indian Skimmer.
- Sal Forests (Shorea robusta): A type of North Indian Moist Deciduous forest with Sal trees as the dominant species, found in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, contributing to its unique ecosystem.
