SRINAGAR: More than a million migratory birds have arrived in and around the wetlands across Kashmir Valley since the onset of winter season. Mallards, gadwalls and geese are reported to have reached at Hokersar wetland, on the outskirts of Srinagar, summer capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.
“There are over 12 lakh migratory birds in various wetlands and water bodies of Kashmir at present,” Mohammad Maqbool Baba, Wildlife Warden was quoted as saying by the local news gathering agency KNO.
Ifshan Dewan, Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Kashmir, said last week that the migratory birds have started arriving at the wetlands here and at present several birds including Mallard, Gadwall and almost 100-200 Geese are among the species witnessed at Hokersar wetland.
“These birds flock to Kashmir every year during the winters,” she said, adding that they flock to Kashmir from different parts of the world including Siberia, Northern Europe and Central Asian Countries where the temperature dips far below the freezing point.
The wetlands are among the main attractions for these birds as the wetlands are their habitation, she said, adding that in the previous year, Hokersar hosted half a million migratory birds and this year also, the number is very good.
Asked about the situation during freezing temperatures, she said in case the water body is frozen, the birds are being provided artificial feed, however, these birds rely on natural food only.
About the poaching incidents, she said, “I appeal to the people that these birds are our guests, so cooperate with the department in ensuring their safety here in the wetlands of Kashmir.”
The number of migratory birds this winter witnessed a slight surge rejuvenating the local wetlands and conservation parks.
The year 2022 recorded the highest numbers, with as many as 12 lakh migratory birds visiting Kashmir, according to rough estimates.
Located on the outskirts of Srinagar city, the Hokersar Wetland Reserve, which is spread over a larger surface area than the Dal Lake, is one of the prominent winter resorts and safe roosting and feeding grounds for a large number of migratory birds.
Different bird species, including Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Common Coot, Northern Shoveler, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Eurasian Wigeon, come every year to stay in lakes, marshes and at least five wetland spots in Jammu and Kashmir. They stay for about five months after flying from distant lands beyond the Hindukush mountains – from central Asia, China and Siberia in Russia.
The season also attracts hobbyists, wildlife photographers and bird watchers, many of whom frequent these spots to catch glimpses of special guests.
As the migratory birds arrive, there is a lurking threat from the poachers and hunters. The wildlife department seized more than 30 guns, including a rifle worth more than Rs 5 lakh, in the past two years. Around the same time, the Forest Protection Force (FPF) in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, where Wular Lake is one of the main sites for bird visits, claimed to have seized as many as 11 punt guns from the poachers.
“The poaching threat remains, and we are taking steps to combat it. The poachers have also been dealt with severely to discourage further involvement,” Dewan added.
In Jammu, beginning of December witnesses migratory birds in and around Chinore Agriculture Farm, located about 30 kilometers from Jammu city, winter capital of J&K. Chinore Farm and one stream of Chenab river host close to half a million birds from other countries during winters.
The migratory birds around Chinore Farm, which is located on Ino-Pakistan International Border, also face threat from hunters and poachers, who sell them for high value in the market.
Courtesy: The Kashmir Times