Wood Sandpipers were observed in Ooty Lake during the recent bird census Photo credit: Special Arrangements
While Lake Ooty is one of the wetlands most affected by anthropogenic factors in the Nilgiris, it also hosts the highest number of waterfowl of any water body in the district, according to a survey conducted by the Forest Department. Recent wetland bird surveys have shown that There was a survey. Part of the statewide bird census Organized by Forest Department
In the Nilgiris division, 14 different wetlands were surveyed, with Ooty Lake having more avian biodiversity than any other water body in the district. According to forest department officials, more than 600 birds were seen during the survey in the lake. Out of a total of 35 species recorded during the survey, 27 were observed in Ooty Lake. Volunteers recorded the presence of resident and migratory birds in the lake, including spotted-billed ducks, pond herons, cormorants and wood sandpipers.
The bird survey revealed that the Ooty lake had a population of more than 600 birds during the survey, forest department officials said. The next highest avian biodiversity hotspots in the Upper Nilgiris were Kattri Dam, TR Bazar and Emerald Dam. He said that the population of birds in these areas was less than 100.
Addressing. Hindu, S. Gowtham, District Forest Officer (Nilgiris Division) said that the avian biodiversity in hill wetlands is much lower than that of plains and low altitude wetlands. Mr. Gautham said the forest department would continue to monitor avian tourists and species living in lakes and reservoirs in the division during the winter months in the coming years.
‘Importance of wetlands highlighted’
Conservationists working in the Nilgiris said the survey should highlight the importance of wetlands like Ooty Lake. N. Mohanraj, a Nilgiris-based conservationist, said the lake was jointly managed by the Udhagamandalam Municipality, the Public Works Department and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. Mr. Mohan Raj, along with other conservationists, has approached the district administration to form a committee comprising in-charges of various departments of the lake as well as forest and wildlife experts to jointly manage development and cleaning projects in the lake. can be done .
“The Ooty lake is exposed to high biodiversity due to nutrient loading by the Kodpamond channel. It should be declared a protected wetland, where the interests of maintaining biodiversity are balanced with the need for tourism,” he said. ‘ said Mr. Mohanraj, who added that promoting the lake as a biodiversity hotspot would also have a positive impact on tourism in the Nilgiris. Ooty Lake He added that “over time, the lake Inlet water quality also needs to be improved so that waste treatment facilities are upgraded.”
