Domestic and Migratory Bird Census in Astaranga Coastal Region

Kakatpur, 11.01.2023

A bird census has commenced in the Astaranga coastal region of Puri district, organized by the Forest Department. The survey includes both domestic and migratory bird species across the entire Astaranga area. The counting is being conducted at five different locations under the Astaranga Wildlife Division. A total of fifteen forest personnel, divided into five teams, have been deployed for this task, as confirmed by Astaranga Wildlife Ranger Bichitrananda Behera. The census is being conducted with the help of binoculars and guidebooks. Beginning at 5 AM, the bird counting continued until 10 AM. During the census, the Astaranga forest area was restricted for public access. Even fishing activities in areas inhabited by birds were temporarily suspended to avoid disturbances.

The operation involved three boats and included participation from forest officers, staff members, bird experts, and the Bird Protection Force. The entire process is being carried out under the supervision of officials such as Bichitrananda Behera, Sabira Sahu, and Braja Mahapatra. The census is taking place across various parts of the region, including Gangadevi to Nasi, Natar to Keutajanga, Beleshwar to the Keluni river mouth, Kanamana to the Ganga and Devi river confluence, and the Patasundarpur area.

This initiative aims to track and monitor the bird population in this ecologically significant coastal region of Astaranga.