Avifauna of Chilika, Odisha: Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Changes

Abstract

Waterbird populations in Chilika were systematically monitored since 2011 for assessment of status and trends and conservation needs. A gradual increase in the population of migratory species such as; Common Teal Anas crecca, Greylag Goose Anser anser Garganey Spatula querquedula and Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala was observed over the last 4 years. On the contrary, the population trends show a general decline for two common dabbling ducks, Northern Pintail Anas acuta and Gadwall Mareca strepera and major diving ducks Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula and Common Pochard Aythya ferina. Decline in population of waders like Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Little Stint Calidris minuta and Ruff Calidris pugnax since 2011 corresponds with their global decline. The observed counts for 45 species recorded during the study exceeded their known 1% of the bio-geographical population.