Endangered Indian Skimmer Sighted in Uttar Pradesh

Bahraich: The Habitats Trust team recently spotted the Endangered Indian Skimmer at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve near the Ghaghra River, specifically 5 kilometers upstream from the Zalim Nagar Bridge in the Dudhwa Buffer Zone. This sighting, supported by photographic documentation by Pravar Mourya. This observation highlights the significance of the Ghaghra River in Bahraich district as a crucial habitat for these rare birds, suggesting the presence of more individuals upstream.

The Indian Skimmer is a distinctive bird with a unique red/orange beak, featuring a longer lower bill. It feeds by skimming the river’s surface with its lower bill for fish, larvae, and shrimps. Breeding occurs from February to June, with one to three chicks per clutch. This species is endangered and requires conservation efforts.

Kaushik Sarkar, wildlife biologist at The Habitats Trust, highlighted the critical importance of undisturbed sandbars for the endangered Indian Skimmers’ breeding. These birds face threats from activities like sand mining, agriculture, cattle movement and human disturbance. With fewer than 6,500 Indian Skimmers worldwide, every potential breeding site is crucial for their survival, requiring intensified conservation efforts.

Lalit Kumar Verma, Field Director, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, emphasized the need for community involvement in conservation. He expressed joy over the Indian Skimmer sighting and called on wildlife enthusiasts to collaborate in identifying and conserving natural habitats.

Saureesh Sahay, DFO, Buffer Zone, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, congratulated the team and celebrated the sighting as a source of local pride. He expressed hope that continued efforts, in collaboration with The Habitats Trust, will create a safe environment and suitable habitat for endangered species in the region.

The Ghaghra River, a sanctuary for numerous threatened species, serves as one of the last strongholds for the Critically Endangered Gharial and the Gangetic Dolphin in Uttar Pradesh. Both Gharial and Indian Skimmer are dependent of the availability of suitable sandbars to nest. Ghaghra being a braided Himalayan river with many sand islands all along its length, provide such suitable habitat to these species.

The Ghaghra River is a sanctuary for several threatened species, including the Critically Endangered Gharial and the Gangetic Dolphin in Uttar Pradesh. Both Gharials and Indian Skimmers rely on suitable sandbars for nesting and the Ghaghra, as a braided Himalayan river with numerous sand islands, provide such suitable habitat to these species.

Preserving sandbars from agriculture, mining, and sudden water releases is vital for Indian Skimmer survival. The presence of species like Indian Skimmer is a matter of pride for Bahraich district and it is the collective responsibility of all to exert maximum efforts to conserve and safeguard these species.

The Habitats Trust is committed to raising awareness and collaborating with local stakeholders to protect these vulnerable species and their habitats.