Paradip, Jan. 15: A considerable drop in the number of migratory birds in the Bhitarkanika National Park this year has raised concerns among the bird lovers.

The annual census report of Bhitarkanika's winged species released by the forest department recently revealed that the number of avian winter species had dropped to 76,268 from 106,156 last year.

"The drop in the census figure is a matter of concern. We are yet to conclude what factors are responsible behind it. We have sought expert opinion," said divisional forest officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

Amid the gloom of bird count drop, however, there is one reason to cheer about.

"The enumerators have spotted several rare winged species of central Asian origin in the wetlands of Bhitarkanika," said Acharya.

Wildlife officials have started examining the factors that led to the drop in the number of migratory birds. These birds prefer to be around water bodies. But during the census, the enumerators found that a number of water bodies had dried up at the park. The prawn dykes in the close vicinity of the park might have restricted the flow of tidal water.

"Raising prawn dykes in the sanctuary area is illegal. These dykes need to be razed to conserve the ecosystem and the flora and fauna of Bhitarkanika," said wildlife expert Biswajit Mohanty, who had taken part in the census.

"The enumerators have spotted hordes of back-headed godwit, Indian snake eagle, peregrine falcon, greater crested tern, common shell duck and blue-tailed godwits. All these birds are rare and threatened species," said an official.#