Declining Bird Numbers: The 2025 census showed a slight decrease in the total number of birds compared to the previous two years, despite an increase in the variety of species observed.
Impact of Untimely Rains: Unseasonal rains in December 2024 led to increased water levels in the lake, reducing crucial mudflats for feeding and potentially driving birds to nearby farmlands.
Species Diversity: While the overall bird count declined, the number of different bird species observed increased in 2025.
Gadwalls Dominate: Gadwalls were the most abundant bird species, followed by Northern Pintails and Eurasian Wigeons.
Varying Trends in Other Wetlands: While Chilika Lake saw a decline, Hirakud wetland experienced an increase in bird numbers, and Bhitarkanika National Park showed stable bird populations.
