El Niño Threatens Kolhapur Migratory Birds

Why in News?

Migratory bird populations in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, are projected to decline as a result of changing weather patterns linked to El Niño.

Migratory Bird Species Observed in Kolhapur

• Migratory birds predominantly arrive in Kolhapur during October and November.
• These species migrate from regions including Central Asia, Russia, Kazakhstan, the Asian grasslands, and Africa.
• The following species have been recently observed at Masai Plateau:
  • Pallid Harrier – a rare migratory bird of prey.
  • Montagu’s Harrier – a migratory raptor.
  • Lesser Kestrel – a small falcon.
  • European Roller – a migratory bird.

Impact of El Niño on Migratory Birds

• Variability in rainfall patterns alters vegetation growth and modifies habitat conditions.
• Declines in vegetation and insect populations lead to reduced food availability for migratory birds.
• The reduction in water body size decreases the availability of suitable wetland habitats.
• Migratory birds may modify traditional migration routes to locate adequate food resources.
• Alterations in migration timing and physical condition can influence subsequent breeding cycles.

Important Bird Habitats in Kolhapur

• Kolhapur encompasses multiple grassland and wetland ecosystems that provide critical support for migratory bird populations.
• Important wetlands surveyed include:
  • Rankala Lake.
  • Kalamba Lake.
  • Rajaram Lake.
  • Mahalakshmi Lake, Peth Vadgaon.

A bird census conducted across these four lakes documented the presence of 94 distinct bird species.

Reference

ETV | Pallid Harrier and European Roller at Masai Plateau