Annual Bird Census Begins in Odisha's Chilika Lake

The annual bird census in Odisha's Chilika Lake, which witnesses many migratory birds, has begun.

• Over 100 ornithologists, activists and researchers from organizations such as the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) participated in the lake bird census.
• A total of 21 teams, each comprising 5-6 ornithologists, have been tasked with counting the number of migratory and domestic birds in Chilika Lagoon. 
• Each team has been provided with binoculars, GPS scales, two-way radios (walkie-talkies) and other equipment necessary for the bird census. 
• The bird counting is being conducted in five different areas, namely Chilika, Balugaon, Satapada, Tangi and Rambha, under the Chilika Wildlife Division.

About Chilika Lakes

Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia, is located on the east coast of India at the mouth of the Daya River. Daya River flows into the Bay of Bengal.

NOTE: The largest brackish water lake in the world is the Caspian Sea, located in Europe and Asia.

Wular Lake of Jammu and Kashmir is the largest freshwater lake in India.

• Chilika Lake is spread over three districts in Odisha, namely Puri, Ganjam and Khorda and covers an area of approximately 1,100 square kilometres. 
• The lake is home to diverse flora and fauna, so it was designated a "Ramsar Site" - a wetland of International Importance in 1981. 
• The Nalaban Island, located inside the lake, is a Bird Sanctuary protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Additionally, the National Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs Committee of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, has identified Chilika Lake as a priority site for conservation and management. 
• Every year, migratory birds from faraway regions such as northern Eurasia, Siberia, the Caspian region, Kazakhstan, Lake Baikal and remote areas of Russia and other neighbouring countries visit the lake and return home before the onset of summer.