52 bird species spotted in Aurangabad, Jalna

AURANGABAD: As many as 52 species of birds were spotted at different water bodies and wetlands in Aurangabad and Jalna districts during a survey conducted by the Aurangabad forest department on Sunday.
The census, a part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2014, is an annual event across the country. In Marathwada, it was done in coordination with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), NGOs, bird lovers and students.The next survey is scheduled for January 11.
A D Bhosale, deputy conservator, Aurangabad forest department, said, “After the department received directions from the state principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Nagpur, to check the status of waterbirds and wetlands in Aurangabad and Jalna district, the survey was carried out at 20 spots, where 52 species of birds were found.”
The programme, aimed at increasing awareness on issues related to wetland and water-bird conservation, is carried out as a voluntary activity at the national-level, the officials said.
“The census has three major objectives — obtaining information on an annual basis of water-bird population during the non-breeding period, as a basis for evolution of sites and monitoring of population, monitoring the status and condition of wetlands and encouraging greater interest in water-birds and wetlands and promoting conservation,” said Bhosale.
"According to the AWC 2014 in India, a new Excel-based AWC count and site form has been introduced to assist both participants and state coordinators to enter, check and submit information quicker and more efficiently with the aim of reducing data entry errors from submission of paper count forms,” said range forest officer R A Nagapurkar.
The census was carried out at popular wetlands like Jayakwadi reservoir, Salim Ali lake, Sukhana dam, Sarola, Tembhapuri and Moti Talav that usually attract different species of migratory and 70 species of resident birds.
The census was conducted from 7 am to 11 am in the presence of senior officials of the forest department, including DFO (wildlife) Sunil Ohal.