The two-day census carried out in Harike
wildlife sanctuary, which concluded on February 1, 2010, has revealed
that the new species of birds had come to this wetland this winter
season for the first time.
The Wildlife Department authorities claimed that
other positive trend, which was revealed by the census carried out by
50 bird watchers from the nook and corner of the country, was that
about 79,500 migratory birds were counted in this sanctuary, which had
also been declared Ram site also.
The Punjab Wildlife Department in association
with the Avian Habitat and Wetland Society carried out census of
migratory birds in this one of renowned sanctuaries of the country on
January 31, 2010, and February 1, 2010. The help of the Army
authorities was also taken in this exercise.
RK Luna, chief warden, wildlife, Punjab, claimed
that the census had revealed that the Harike wetland had become one of
the best wetlands of Northern India in terms of intensity and
diversity of birds. Teams of bird watchers, which carried out the
census, had reported that there was 152 species of birds present in
the wetland.
Many birds were sighted for the first time in
the sanctuary. The birds included common shell duck, black-headed
grebe, rufous vented prinia, penduline tit, bristled grass bird,
striated grass bird, red-headed bunting and greater flamingo. He added
that though the number of new birds found during the census was yet to
be worked out.
