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Chilika Lake Bird Census 2025
🌿 A soaring diversity but dipping numbers — migratory birds signal ecological shifts at Asia’s largest brackish lagoon.
🪶 Chilika Lake Overview
- 🌊 Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, spanning 1,165 sq km.
- 🐦 Acts as a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds from as far as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Himalayas.
📊 Bird Census 2025 — Snapshot
- Total Birds Counted: 1,127,228
- Species Counted: 196
- Migratory Birds: 1,087,226 (from 109 species)
- Resident Birds: 40,002 (from 87 species)
📉 Year-on-Year Comparison
| Year | Total Birds | Total Species |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,131,929 | 184 |
| 2024 | 1,137,759 | 187 |
| 2025 | 1,127,228 | 196 ⬆️ |
📌 While species diversity increased, total bird numbers showed a slight drop.
🌧️ Why the Dip?
- Untimely rains in Dec 2024 raised water levels.
- Mudflats submerged, reducing feeding grounds.
- Birds shifted to nearby farmlands for habitat.
🐦 Top Species Spotted
- 🦆 Gadwalls – 201,926
- 🦢 Northern Pintails
- 🦆 Eurasian Wigeons
- 🦩 Greater Flamingos – increased to 2,638
🏞️ Other Wetland Highlights
- Hirakud: 377,732 birds, 122 species (increase)
- Bhitarkanika: 151,614 birds, 118 species (stable)
🧪 Census Methodology
- Led by Chilika Wildlife Division & Chilika Development Authority
- Involved 126 ornithologists, experts & volunteers
- Covered multiple sectors across the lake and nearby wetlands
🌍 Ecological Importance
Chilika isn’t just a bird paradise — it’s a climate-sensitive hotspot. These annual migrations are early indicators of ecological changes, vital for conservation strategies.
