Wildlife Blog ! By Rajni Shankar: February 2013

DUDHWA NATIONAL PARK

A BIRD'S PARADISE

SARUS CRANE

Dudhwa National Park & Katerniaghat Foundation

initiates Dudhwa's First Bird Count

A 2 day workshop was conducted in Dudhwa National Park from 16 - 17th February 2013. This is the first time Dudhwa N.P. and Katerniaghat Foundation has conducted a Bird Count in Dudhwa and Kishanpur wildlife sanctuary . Like minded participants from different walks of life travelled from different states to be a part of this grand initiative by the wildlife authorities. Participants from Bhutan , Uttrakhand , Uttar Pradesh , were all welcomed at Dudhwa FRH by Mr.Suresh Chaudhary ( ornithologist and a veteran wildlife photographer ) , Fazlur Rehman ( Coordinator - Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary ) and Sonu Liladhar ( Nature expert) .

Suresh Chaudhary & Nasser

All participants were given respective id's, an illustrative literature on birds , and a data list. Groups were allotted and respective lodging was organized for the participants in different areas of Dudhwa forest . Dudhwa National Park comprises of about 11 FRH ( Forest Rest Houses ) - 1) Dudhwa FRH 2) Bankatti 3) Sonaripur 4) Kila 5) Changalala 6) Belapursua 7) Salukhapur 8) Balrya 9) Masankham 10) Madha 11) Sathiana - because of a huge herd of elephants blocking the ‘Sathiana route’ , the FRH was opted out. The others were also placed at Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

The task was to collect data through observation and sightings in the forest. Each bird's characteristics were noted down , and was recorded in the data list . Through these records further evaluation and assessment will be carried out by the wildlife experts. This initiative is very crucial for the wildlife department as this analysis will help in distinguishing species of birds some of which are new arrivals in the forest i.e. the migratory birds and also species of birds which have almost been disappeared from the forest’s corridor.

Vultures have been on the verge of extinction, but since wildlife organizations and filmmakers conveyed the urgent need for its protection , gradually with time different species of Vultures have made a comeback and the battle in saving the endangered species of Vultures still continues .

Dudhwa National Park and Katerniaghat Foundation has taken a dynamic step in saving the endangered species of Vultures in the UP State and their quest is still going stronger . Volunteers from different countries and states gather in workshops and events conducted for the Vulture Count. Nesting of Vultures in different areas of the forest are continually being recorded and hence the rise of Vultures in Dudhwa National Park has shown tremendous results .

On a recent talk with Mr. Suresh Chaudhary at his Barasingha office, he discussed of the Long Billed Vulture , which is long extinct from the Dudhwa Forest , apparently it has been photographed , which is yet to be confirmed .

The first day of our Dudhwa bird count kicked off with heavy rainfall and as the rain gradually began to halt , the mistiness of the forest had set in . But the dedication of the much anticipated volunteers didn’t bog down to the unexpected weather condition. We walked through the rugged road of the forest accompanied by a forest guard, searching for any movement, listening to the sound which could be distinctive to a certain kind of bird or an animal.

Bagetall: view from the Machan

The team then drove towards Bagetall lake, here the Machan gives a perfect view of the wetland , countless number of birds gather here , this lake is the ideal destination for numerous species of birds to feed on fish , insects worms etc… This lake is ideal in summer for swamp deers , tigers , elephants and other species in the forest.

My group alone spotted 50 species of birds , the other groups also had shown remarkable results with 70 species going up till 200 . All the records will be assessed among the team and will be published in the Dudhwa Bird Count 2013 along with all names of the involved participants .

With the success of this event , Suresh Chaudhary with the help of the wildlife management will once again be organizing this Bird count event in Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary in April 2013 .

Such educative events should be encouraged to be organized more often to help not only veterans or wildlife experts to participate but also for newcomers who are interested in learning about Birds can also be a part of this extensive Birders Team . This event is not just a Bird count activity but also an initiative in conveying the urgent need for conserving the species and its habitat .

Local villagers and children living in the forest should also get involved in these activities, this will teach them the importance of the flora and fauna. This is a pursuit which will help them look through a new dimension and will further encourage them to get involved in conservation activities which will make a bigger impact in the coming years.

Dudhwa FRH also has a newly built interpretation centre, the hall displays pictures of wildlife, from conservation issues to complete knowledge and literature of animal behavior , their habit , animal features , their footprints were all interpreted in the hall way . The entrance of the hall will welcome you with a Rhino , a tigress with her 2 cubs , and also deers feeding on the grassland . It’s a beautiful display of what Dudhwa National Park has to offer .

The closure of the event was highlighted with a meeting where The Deputy Director Mr. Ganesh Bhat ( IFS) - addressed all the participants along with all the wildlife veterans present at the meeting . On congratulating the success of the event , suggestions about certain issues in the park were also taken up by the deputy director and was discussed in further enhancing the conservation strategies . Wildlife experts also shared their in depth knowledge and experiences in the forest .

Naseer an old fellow and an enthusiastic wildlifer by heart , he has experienced it all , from tiger attacks to even being attacked by elephants , his supreme bird knowledge is incomparable . Sonu Liladhar , a young and energetic nature expert has been in Dudhwa for years , he has dedicated his life in understating the wilder ness and his knowledge in wildlife is quick- witted .

I would personally like to thank Mr. Suresh Chaudhary , Anand Kumar , Fazlur Rehman , Sonu , Naseer for this grand initiative in Dudhwa National Park .