Lesser cattle egret numbers reduce Tamiraparani waterbird count

Madurai: The number of cattle egret birds, which were found in abundance during the 2025 Tamiraparani waterbird count (TWC), has declined sharply in the latest TWC conducted recently. While 3,495 cattle egrets were recorded in 2025, only around 900 birds were identified this year. However, no reason has been attributed to the decline.The 16th annual TWC, conducted from Jan 23 to 25 recorded 21,091 wetland birds belonging to 69 species across 68 irrigation tanks in Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Tuticorin districts. Last year, 23,753 birds from 71 species were recorded.Tuticorin district accounted for 51% of total bird abundance and 80% of species diversity this year. The highest was observed at Kadambakulam in Tuticorin district, with 2,292 individuals of 45 species, as against 3,724 individuals from 37 species last year. This was followed by Velur Kaspa (1,804 birds, 39 species), Perungulam (1,531 birds, 39 species), Gangaikondan in Tirunelveli district (1,232 birds, 32 species), and Melputhukudi Sunai (1,217 birds, 35 species).M Mathivanan, co-ordinator, said, "Since cattle egret species was found in lower numbers, the overall count also reduced. The exact reason for this is not known. We need to observe in the coming years." Among individual species, little cormorant recorded the highest numbers with 2,579 individuals, followed by Eurasian coot (2,155), the migratory whiskered tern (1,148), glossy ibis (1,107), pheasant-tailed jacana (1,095), and the migratory barn swallow (1,093). "More than 36% of the recorded birds were migratory species, using the central Asian flyway, which connects breeding grounds in northern Eurasia with wintering wetlands in south Asia, including India," Mathivanan, said.He added that a total of 8,912 migratory birds were recorded, including the near threatened black-tailed godwit, and migratory duck species such as bar-headed goose, northern pintail, garganey, and Eurasian wigeon. Active breeding was observed in several irrigation tanks in Tirunelveli district, including species such as spot-billed pelican, black-headed ibis, glossy ibis, oriental darter, Indian shag, little cormorant, and Asian openbill."Irrigation tanks across these districts function as vital habitats for wetland birds and collectively support nearly 100 bird species, of which more than 30 are migratory, that arrive from different parts of the world," he said.However, several threats continue to affect these critical habitats, including solid waste dumping, liquor consumption along tank bunds and bathing ghats, invasive plant and fish species, and sewage intrusion in urban tanks, Mathivanan said. "These issues pose serious risks to waterbird habitats and require urgent interventions. The loss or degradation of these wetlands would disrupt international migratory routes. Therefore, we must prioritise protection, restoration, and sustainable management of irrigation tanks," he said.The count was jointly organised by the Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre (ACCC), Manimutharu, District Science Centre, Tirunelveli, Nellai Nature Club, Pearlcity Nature Society, Thoothukudi, and the Tamil Nadu Science Forum, Tenkasi.