Birds of Manglajodi Wetland, Odisha:Diversity and Potential Threats

Abstract

Manglajodi, a village under Tangi block in Khurdha district, Odisha, has a vast freshwater swamp of about 10 sq km area, located between 19° 54.8' 23'' N and 19° 53.7'55''N and, 85° 26.1' 84''E and 85° 26.3' 32'' E, at the northern edge of Chilika lagoon. Globally, it is an important wetland habitat which is declared as an International Bird Conservation Area by IUCN. This is primarily a freshwater wetland connected by channels cut through the reed beds of brackish waters of Chilika lagoon. It is covered with emergent vegetation and reeds, consisting mostly of Typha angustata and Phragmites karka. It attracts thousands of migratory birds, estimated to host more than 1.5 lakhs birds in the winter season. During the course of present study, 42 species of birds were recorded, of which 13 species were completely migratory in nature, while the rest 29 species were either permanent resident or local migrants. This bird population is presently under threat due to the change in vegetation pattern caused by changing salinity of water. The tourist flow is an added pressure to this bird habitat having negative correlation with the abundance of birds.