According to a recent waterbird census in the Ujani Reservoir, 7,115 unique birds representing 114 different species were recorded. As a component of a larger project that will run from November 2024 to March 2025, this survey intends to track bird populations and evaluate the reservoir's suitability as a Ramsar site.
A total of 51,475 birds were counted during the migratory season, with significant monthly differences. There were approximately 7,000 birds from 150 species recorded in November. The actual number of birds in December is unknown, but in January, the number increased dramatically to 11,966. The number of birds reported peaked in February at 18,756 and then fell to 7,115 in March. Due to ideal water levels that produced ideal foraging and resting circumstances, February saw the highest number. Higher water levels in December and the start of return migration in March, on the other hand, led to fewer people throughout these months.
A number of rare and endangered species that are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List were also discovered during the census. Certain species were listed as vulnerable, including the Greater Spotted Eagle, Common Pochard, and River Tern. Additionally, near-threatened species such the Asian Woolly-necked Stork, Oriental Darter, Black-headed Ibis, Black-tailed Godwit, and Pallid Harrier were observed. The reservoir's ecological importance is further shown by the few observations of Jack Snipe and Baillon's Crake, which confirm its function as a vital habitat for both resident and migratory species.
There is a strong correlation between environmental factors and variations in bird populations. There were fewer birds in December because of the reduced amount of acceptable foraging places caused by high water levels. Later months saw a drop in water levels, which attracted more species to the exposed mudflats that offered perfect habitat. The existence of pollution-indicating species like the Black-winged Stilt raises the possibility of environmental issues that need more research.
A large number of citizen scientists participated in the census, which was organised in cooperation between the Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (WRCS) and the Solapur Forest Division. Eighty volunteers participated in surveys in 14 locations in November, recording 7,000 birds of 150 species. The Bhigwan/Takrarwadi site recorded the most diversity at 105 species during the study conducted in December, which covered 11 locations and recorded 135 species. These initiatives promoted community involvement in conservation initiatives in addition to producing useful data.
The survey's conclusions support the idea to turn Ujani Reservoir into a Ramsar site, highlighting its significance as a vital habitat for both migratory and resident birds. Its biodiversity, however, remains seriously threatened by issues like habitat deterioration brought on by agricultural practices and pollution from industrial effluents. The biological balance of the reservoir depends crucially on addressing these problems through focused conservation efforts and ongoing monitoring. In order to ensure that Ujani Reservoir continues to be a flourishing sanctuary for bird species in the years to come, the data gathered through this census offers crucial insights that can direct future conservation measures.
