Malkangiri: Every year with the onset of winter, waterbodies in Malkangiri forest division play host to a variety of migratory birds.
Like every year, the Forest department on completion of Mid-Winter Waterfowl Census on January 10, a total of 14,230 birds were counted in Malkangiri forest division. Out of the 44 species of birds sighted, 22 species were identified as migratory birds.
“The mid-winter waterfowl census was completed in six ranges of our forest division on January 10. Around 14,230 birds belonging to 44 species were counted and out these 22 species were found to be migratory birds,” informed Range Officer of Malkangiri Jagannath Bisoi.
Bisoi said that 10 teams were involved in the census that was undertaken at nine places.
Maximum number of migratory birds were sighted at Satiguda dam in Malkangiri forest range and at Sibananja, Chitrakonda reservoir and Balimela earth dam in Mathili forest range.
“The sighting of migratory birds in large numbers has enthused bird lovers, environmentalists and the Forest department staff in the area. This has also created a new challenge for us to provide protection to the winged guests,” pointed out Bisoi.
The Forest department has increased its deployment of guards near large reservoirs to protect the avian guests apart from spreading awareness among the local populace, he added.
It is pertinent to mention here that while the bird count was 10,104 in Malkangiri forest division in 2022, it has increased to 14,230 this year.
