Three Globally Threatened Waterbird Species in Pokkali Farming, Central Kerala

Abstract

The documentation of Waterbird communities in Pokali wetland was carried out during the winter season 2021-2022. A total of 48 species of birds were recorded from the pokali wetland. During present study, 31 species of waterbirds were recorded. Waterbirds belong to 8 orders and 14 families. In addition, we can count the terrestrial bird species (17 species). All bird species are included in Least Concern except three species of the IUCN Category. Three bird species are Near Threatened birds and these are recorded from Pokali wetland. They are: Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) and Black headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus). Many factors, which threaten the birds in pokali wetland and it affects the decreasing level of bird population. These factors are: Habitat loss, High water level like flood, Climate change, poaching or hunting of birds, Electric lines, Nets used for fishing activities, loss of employees, Predators, Plastics and other types of pollution, etc. Most threats to birds are the cause of human actions.