Over 8.58 lakh migratory birds have thronged Odisha's Chilika Lake this winter, as per the bird census released on Monday.
Last year, over 7.61 lakh migratory birds were sighted in Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lake and the largest winter resort for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent.
However, the number of bird species has come down this year.
While 172 bird species were sighted last year, this winter, 161 species have arrived in the lake, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) S.S. Srivatsav, ascribing it to climatic changes including deficient rainfall and high temperatures.
A total of 106, 356 birds have thronged Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary in Kendrapada district this year, said the census report.
However, it was less against last year, when 113,226 migratory birds were spotted, said the report. Also less was the number of species.
A total of 87 species have come to Bhitarkanika while it was 109 last year, said an official of the Rajnagar forest division.
Sources said more than 95,000 birds have visited Hirakud water reservoir this year while 63 species were sighted in Mahanadi wildlife division.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
