Ranchi: The number of migratory birds flocking to Jharkhand is on the decline, the report of a census conducted by the state forest department said on Friday.

The survey, held between January 21 and February 9, registered 46,883 birds of 69 species. Of these, 57 are water bird species and 12 wetland species. Also, out of the 69 species, 24 were residents, 22 resident migrants and the rest purely migratory.

While the census was not conducted in 2017, the bird count was higher at 71,833 in 2016 and 71,134 the year before.

Initiated by the wildlife division, the water bird census was jointly conducted by the forest department, Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) and Jamshedpur-based NGO Sumansa across 25 water bodies in the state.

The maximum count of birds was recorded at Khandoli Dam (8,180) followed by Patratu (5,523), Getalsud (3,556), Massanjore (3,273) and Panchet (3,245).

Some of the vulnerable and near-threatened species that have been spotted include the lesser adjutant stork, white-necked stork, black-necked stork, oriental white ibis, ferruginous pochard, river tern and river lapwing.

Birds that were not spotted in the last census, but were seen this year include the darter, black-necked stork, mallard, Temminck's stint, green sandpiper and grey wagtail.

Speaking to this correspondent from Hazaribagh, state co-ordinator of IBCN and avid birder Satya Prakash said the plummeting number called for proper scientific study at micro level, but field experiences indicated three key reasons.

"There is more human intervention near water bodies in the form of tourism; local conditions are degrading; and then there is climate change. Birds have a biological clock just like ours. They tend to migrate to more congenial places when winter gets harsh in their original habitation. This year, winter wasn't too harsh and there weren't many western disturbances in the Himalayan region," he explained.

"Also, we think that tourism and cage culture (fisheries department project) in different water bodies are acting as deterrents to some extent," he added.

Does it mean tourism or fish culture should not happen?

"They should, but in controlled environment. There needs to be proper coordination between tourism, fisheries and forest department - the three key stakeholders in scientific planning. For instance, one could demarcate an area beyond which tourism won't be allowed so that birds don't feel disturbed. Similarly, one needs to be more vigilant to prevent poaching and other threats," suggested Satya Prakash.

"If boating is allowed in the water bodies, motorboats should be banned during the migration months. The boats, besides troubling winged guests with their noise, also spill oil and pollute reservoirs. The best solution is to introduce paddle boats," he added.

How should tourism be managed near wetlands? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com