PANAJI
In one of its kind attempt, bird watchers from Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) and officials from forest department counted 20 wetlands of importance for migratory and resident wetland birds and wetland associated bird species across the State of Goa in a single day on January 9.
In this massive effort called the ‘All Goa Waterbird Count’, 60 participants from GBCN and forest department came together under the aegis of the global event Asian Water Census (AWC).
“On a single day, teams of 5-10 birdwatchers, each led by one expert, visited wetlands across Goa and counted a total of 15,675 individuals representing 165 species of birds,” said AWC Goa Coordinator Pronoy Baidya.
“The Northern Pintail was the most counted migratory duck, with 1,628 individuals counted across seven wetlands. The stronghold of this species remains in the wetlands of South Goa in Maina-Raia Wetlands, Durga Lake (Chinchinim) and Amblour Lake (Verna).
The next most counted migratory duck is the Green-winged Teal, said Baidya, adding that 469 individuals of this species were counted across Goa from four wetlands.
“However, Navelim Wetland (Bicholim) remains the most preferred wintering ground of this species for 10 consecutive years.”
He informed that Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon and Ferruginous Duck were the three less common and important migratory duck species counted during this effort.
According to GBCN President Mandar Bhagat, the largest population of the resident Lesser Whistling Ducks were recorded in Carambolim - Dhado Wetlands (2,612 individuals) and Batim Lake (1,500 individuals).”
“In the coastal wetlands, Morjim-Chapora estuary and Agacaim Mudflats have remained top sites for coastal birds and a surprising Greater Flamingo was again spotted in the Chapora Estuary.”
“About 3,500 individuals of coastal birds were counted from this effort,” he added.
The GBCN in association with Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA) and Goa Forest Department conducted a waterbird count training programme at Saulem Wetland, Pilerne on February 20,” said Bhagat.
This was an initiative to make the All Goa Waterbird Count an inter-departmental effort, with participation from governmental stakeholders, under the leadership of Dr Pradip Sarmokadam (Member Secretary of GSBB) and head of the Nodal Agency of GSWA.
The event was hosted by the Pilerne Panchayat and Biodiversity Committee under the guidance of Pilerne Sarpanch Sandeep Bandodkar and Pilerne BMC Chairperson Shri. Sayaji Rane.
The participants included members of GBCN, officials from GSBB, GSWA, Pilerne Panchayat and Pilerne BMC.
“During this count, 245 individuals from 34 species were counted. From 2023, the All Goa Waterbird Count effort will include all seven notified wetlands in Goa along with the 21 other wetlands of importance for migratory birds,” said Bhagat.
