Migratory Birds Arrive In Odisha’s Chilika Before Winter; Is Climate Change To Blame?

Relevance: GS3 - Biodiversity & Conservation; Prelims

(Source: DTE, 10/11/2023)

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Why in the news?

• Recently, migratory birds have begun their annual journey to Chilika, India's largest waterbird habitat in Odisha, in advance of winter this year.
• Approximately 50 migratory birds, including ducks and wigeon species, were spotted in the Nalabana bird sanctuary area within Chilika on October 7, 2023.

Bird Migration to India

• Migratory birds at Chilika come from regions beyond the Himalayas in Northern Eurasia, including Siberia, Kazakhstan, and remote areas of Russia.
• In the last winter, as many as 1,131,929 birds of 184 different species had visited Chilika. This included 1,093,049 migratory birds from 105 various species and 38,859 resident birds belonging to 79 species.
• While in the previous year, the initial group of migratory birds was observed in the second week of October, when temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius,
  • This year they arrived even earlier, in the first week of October, with temperatures in the region and its vicinity ranging between 33°C and 35°C.

Factors influencing Bird Migration

• Natural Disaster Impact: Recent natural disasters in the Himalayan regions, such as the flash floods in Uttarakhand and Sikkim, have potentially disrupted the habitats of various bird species. The adverse effects of these calamities may have driven them to explore alternative locations, with Chilika emerging as a significant destination.
• Food Scarcity and Migration: Another crucial factor influencing bird migration is the availability of food in their native habitats. The scarcity of resources in their original surroundings has likely compelled these birds to embark on long and arduous journeys in search of suitable wetlands. Chilika, renowned for its rich biodiversity and abundant food sources, has become a preferred destination for these migrating birds.
• Climate change is causing significant alterations in weather patterns, which, in turn, have a profound impact on the migration patterns of various species, including birds, mammals, and even insects.

Why is Odisha's Chilika Lake a highly suitable habitat for Migratory Birds?

• Wetland Habitat: Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India, covering approximately 1,100 square kilometers. It is a dynamic and diverse wetland habitat that includes shallow and deep areas, mudflats, reed beds, and open water. This diversity of habitats provides ample opportunities for various bird species to find suitable foraging and roosting sites.
• Mild Winter Climate: The lake is located in a region with a relatively mild winter climate compared to the birds' native habitats, such as Northern Eurasia, the Caspian region, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Lake Baikal, and remote areas of Russia and neighboring countries. The relatively warm winter temperatures in Odisha make it an attractive destination for migratory birds seeking to escape the colder weather in their native regions.
• Abundant Food Resources: Chilika Lake is rich in aquatic life, including fish, crustaceans, and various invertebrates, which serve as a vital food source for the migratory birds. The lake's ecosystem provides a consistent and abundant food supply for the birds throughout the winter, supporting their survival and energy requirements.
• Protected Environment: Chilika Lake and its surrounding areas are designated as a protected wildlife habitat, ensuring that the birds are safe from human disturbances, such as poaching. The local authorities implement stringent protection measures to prevent illegal activities that could harm the birds and their habitat.
• Geographic Location: Chilika Lake's geographic location, along the East Coast of India, makes it an essential stopover for migratory birds traveling along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. It serves as a critical rest and refueling point for these birds during their long journeys.

Measures for the Protection of Migratory Birds

• Inclusion in Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Rare and endangered species of birds, including migratory birds, are listed in Schedule-I of this act, which provides them with the highest level of legal protection.
• Stringent Penalties: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 includes severe penalties for violations, discouraging activities that may harm migratory birds or their habitats.
• Designation of Protected Areas: Important bird habitats, including those used by migratory birds, are declared as Protected Areas under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. This designation aims to enhance conservation and safeguard the birds and their habitats.
• Financial and Technical Support: State and Union Territory governments receive financial and technical assistance for the protection and management of these Protected Areas, ensuring proper conservation measures are in place.
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau: The establishment of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is focused on combating the illegal trade in wildlife and its products, which can negatively impact migratory birds through activities like poaching and smuggling.
• India has also launched the National Action Plan for the conservation of migratory species under the Central Asian Flyway as India is a party to Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

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FAQs

MCQ

Question: If you walk through the countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses.

Which of the following is/are such bird/birds? (UPSC 2014)

1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 3 only