Migratory birds found dead at sanctuary in S'mogga; lakewater contamination likely

SHIVAMOGGA: Hundreds of migratory birds such as Eurasian Spoonbill, Black Ibis, and the black-crowned Night Heron have been found dead at Gudavi bird sanctuary in Soraba. The avians are suspected to have consumed contaminated water from the surrounding lake.

Spread over 180 acres of land, the sanctuary, located 15km from Soraba town and about 100km from the district centre, is a major tourist attraction that includes 50 acres of a lake and is home to 217 different bird species.

Its archaeological importance dates back to the empire of Kadamba's Banavasi. The migration season is from June to December, with the birds returning to their original habitats after winter. This year, though, the sanctuary's lake appears to have turned into a death trap, with bird carcasses found lying in the partially dried-up waterbody and in the surrounding shrubs.

To ensure no further loss of avian life, staff at Kargal Wildlife Circle had released fish fingerlings into the lake, though those were of little help. Wildlife experts are of the opinion that the avian deaths were caused by water contamination in the partially dry lake.

Shivamogga zoo veterinarian Murali Manohar said the bird deaths call for an immediate probe.


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