Bird population decline in Athagarh forest division

There has been decline in the population of birds in Athagarh forest division in Cuttack. At least 16,948 birds were sighted in the forest division during the bird census which was carried out in the first week of January. The number of birds counted this year is much less against last year's 19,476. Adding to it, not a single migratory bird has been spotted in the region this time. It is a matter of concern as in previous years migratory species like Red Crested Pochard (Netta rufina), northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Gadwall (Mareca strepera), Brahmani duck (Tadorna ferruginea) and Wigeon (Anas penelope) were spotted in the division. Even in 2015, a rare species of bird Small Pratincole (Glareola lactea), was also sighted in Athagarh division. In that year, over 28,000 birds were counted during the census.

Source:Times of India, Jan 15, 2018
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/cuttack/odisha-bird-population…