Rajnagar, Aug 30: Starting today, Bhitarkanika National Park will host a three-day National Bird Census to monitor and document avian populations across its rich mangrove ecosystem.

Led by the Rajnagar Forest Division, the census will span across five key ranges, including Matha Dia, Laxmiprasad Dia, Durgaprasad Dia, and Bali Dia.

This specialized survey focuses on colonial nesting birds, aiming to assess their nesting patterns, population density, and habitat conditions. Participating in the census are ornithologists and forest personnel, who will meticulously record data to support future conservation efforts.

During last year’s census, over 1.3 lakh residential birds from 10 species were recorded, with 27,282 nests spotted across 1,300 mangrove trees. Species like the Open-billed Stork, Little Cormorant, Egrets, Herons, Darters, and White Ibis are expected to dominate the count again this year.

Bhitarkanika’s role as a biodiversity hotspot makes this census a vital tool in preserving Eastern India’s avian heritage. The data collected will guide habitat management and strengthen conservation strategies for years to come.