Gurugram: Sultanpur park records 50% decline in migratory birds, ornithologists worried

Sumedha Sharma

Gurugram, January 16

According to the Asian Water Bird Census (2024) conducted at the Sultanpur National Park under the chairmanship of ornithologist TK Roy, the park recorded a decline of more than 50 per cent in the total number of migratory birds, and a decline of more than 10 per cent in the diversity of species reaching the park this year, leaving ornithologists and ecologists across NCR worried.

According to the survey, 2,686 birds were recorded this year against the 9,026 of last year. This year, the park recorded 43 different bird species, including 26 resident species and 17 migratory species. Of the 17 migratory species, six were classified as IUCN Red-Listed threatened species.

Last year, 51 bird species were recorded at the wetland, including 21 resident species and 30 migratory species. Of the migratory species last year, five were IUCN Red-Listed threatened species.

“Global climate change is one of the prime reasons for these findings almost everywhere. The reduction in rainfall, dried wetlands and delayed winter lead to a slow, delayed and reduced winter migration of long-distance migratory water birds. These reasons, along with unfavourable habitat, human disturbance and poor wetland management, has led to the poor numbers,” said census chairman TK Roy while speaking to The Tribune.

According to Roy, while many species gave the national park a miss, the survey recorded many IUCN Red-listed threatened species like the Black-headed Ibis, Common Pochard, Greater Spotted Eagle, Oriental Darter, Ferruginous Duck and the Black-necked Stork.

The national park saw an increase in popularity after G20 delegates summit visited the park.

The census is carried out here every year as part of the International Waterbird Census, which is recorded every January in 27 countries across Asia and Australia by Wetlands International South Asia.