Waterbird numbers soar in South Bihar, new sightings delight researchers

Patna: The wetlands of south Bihar have witnessed a heartening rise in waterbird populations this year, offering a rare ecological bright spot, according to the latest Asian Waterbird Survey conducted by scientists of the Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) and officials of the forest department.

The survey, carried out from Jan 18 to Feb 8, was flagged off by the chief wildlife warden and Gaya circle nodal officer and undertaken by a team of experts led by Ram Pratap Singh, head of the life science department at CUSB. Researchers covered 12 wetlands spread across six districts of south Bihar.


Survey findings indicate that bird numbers in several wetlands were significantly higher than last year with similar trends recorded at most sites. Detailing the results, Singh said the Indrapuri Barrage Wetland, one of Bihar’s largest wetlands, supported 7,829 birds belonging to 66 species this year. In comparison, only 2,268 birds of 58 species were recorded there last year, marking a more than threefold increase.

Eight new species were added to the wetland’s checklist this year with the Common shelduck being sighted for the first time. The bulk of the counts comprised long-distance migratory ducks such as Gadwall, Red-crested pochard, Eurasian wigeon, Common teal, Cotton teal, Northern pintail and Ruddy shelduck.

The surge in migratory birds has enhanced the region’s visual appeal and points to ecological and environmental improvement.

In Nawada district, Hardiya Dam and Jog Jalashay emerged as key habitats, recording 2,061 and 1,975 birds belonging to 58 and 50 species respectively. The sighting of 15 Bar-headed geese at Jog Jalashay was seen as a positive indicator of improved ecology capable of supporting high-altitude migrants. Barandih wetland in Gaya district also showed a modest increase, underlining its status as a wetland of national importance.

Dharaut pond in Jehanabad stood out as a surprise, supporting 2,301 waterbirds, including large congregations of Northern pintail, Northern shoveler, Gadwall, Eurasian wigeon and Black-tailed godwit. The Gangetic river basin from Mahuli ghat to Maner ghat in Bhojpur district was also surveyed, where 2,008 birds from 45 species were recorded. Large flocks of Small pratincole, Little stint, Temminck’s stint and Dunlin created striking visual displays, while several Gangetic dolphins were also sighted.

Singh said the survey also assessed habitat conditions, providing vital data on suitability, human intervention, pollution, water depth, dependence of local communities and poaching, which would aid long-term conservation planning.