Andhra Pradesh State Forest Department is trying to prevent mass mortality of spot-billed pelicans in the Naupada swamp in Telineelapuram, Srikakulam district.
Highlights:
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII-Deharadun), the Bombay Natural HISTORY Society (BNHS), and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI-Kolkata) have been contacted by the Andhra Pradesh State Forest Department to help prevent mass mortality of spot-billed pelicans.
The spot-billed pelicans are found in the Naupada swamp in Telineelapuram, Srikakulam district.
Since December 2021, pelicans have been dying due to a ‘Nematode infestation’ in Telineelapuram, a recognized Important Bird Area (IBA). It’s also where you’ll see painted storks.
On the other hand, Stork has not yet been affected by a Nematode infestation. At Telineelapuram, at least five spot-billed pelicans die every day on Average.
The mortality toll has surpassed 160, with 180 additional adult species and their babies surviving. By the middle of the summer, they should be back at Home.
Pelecanus philippensis is the scientific name for spot-billed pelicans, also known as grey.
They belong to the pelican family. From southern Iran to east India and Indonesia, the species breeds.
Mainly lakes, you can find the bird in coastal seas and vast interior bodies of water, mainly lakes.
These species’ breeding populations are restricted to India, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. They have been seen in Myanmar, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam during the non-breeding season.
The species is classed as Near Threatened on the Red List. It is a Schedule IV species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
Hunting is thus forbidden, but the penalty for any transgression is less severe.