Kollam district witnessed a 29% increase in the number of migratory water birds, along with a 25% increase in the number of species too. So far they have found 7592 birds belonging to 69 species. The increase is compared to the figures for 2021. Due to covid, no significant census was done last year.
In 2021, there were 5879 birds belonging to 55 species. According to the survey conducted by 10 teams consisting of 40 people in Polachira and other aquifers of Chatannoor-Chirakara panchayats, a significant increase in the number and species of birds was found. It is part of the Asian Waterfowl Census.
Bird watchers have expressed concern over wetland habitats. Apart from Polachira and Azhikal estuaries, 9 wetlands are under serious threat due to human interference. Kollam Kandachira and Karali Swamps are facing the ultimate destruction of wetlands and ecosystems due to land use changes. Polachira is polluted with plastic and other garbage. Most of the birds in the district are in Polachira.
Polachira
There are 2188 waterfowls belonging to 37 species including more than 1300 lesser whistling ducks, 100 wandering whistling ducks, 250 green whistling ducks, and 100 little cormorants.
Near Chittumala Devi Temple
You can find 1244 waterfowls in 32 species including 200 lesser whistling ducks, 250 waterfowls, 130 blue fowls, 450 field shearwaters, and 450 waterfowls.
Azheekal beach and nearby port
430 little egrets. 300 black hawks, 120 Indian cormorants, 34 arctic terns, 32 migratory terns, 68 lesser terns, and 38 black terns. There are around 1000 birds here.
Vellanathuruthu
60 Mongolian sandgrouses, 30 big sea urchins, 75 Common grebes, and 5 Great sandgrouses. Cheelur Lake, Ashtamudi–Monroe Island, Paravoor Pozikakara, and Kappil watersheds disappointed the bird watchers. 14 night herons were found at Monroe island.
Dr. Nirmal George Birdwatcher (Associate Professor, Sri Gokulam Medical College):
Surprisingly, as soon as the survey began at Polachira, about fifty whistling white ducks came in. One could see a large number of white ducks coming in large and small groups. This is the first time that so many whistling ducks were spotted. Flocks of black grouse and waterfowl were sunbathing in the trees. It goes to show that the vigilant conservation of water bodies is essential for the survival of the habitat.
