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Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large heron (family: Ardeidae) with all-white plumage. Standing up to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, this species have a wingspan up to 1.70 m (5.5 ft). Apart from size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet. Males and females are identical in appearance; juveniles look like non-breeding adults.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Black-winged Stilt, Common Stilt, or Pied Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family (Recurvirostridae).
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Black-winged Stilt, Common Stilt, or Pied Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family (Recurvirostridae).
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Pintail or Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a duck of open wetlands with wide geographic distribution that breeds in the northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. It is migratory and winters south of its breeding range to the equator in northern sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South Asia. Unusually for a bird with such a large range, it has no geographical subspecies .
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
The Pintail or Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a duck of open wetlands with wide geographic distribution that breeds in the northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. It is migratory and winters south of its breeding range to the equator in northern sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South Asia. Unusually for a bird with such a large range, it has no geographical subspecies .
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large heron (family: Ardeidae) with all-white plumage.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
A pair of Ruddy Shelduck........ Marvels of Mangalajodi Marshland
The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. The main breeding area of this species is from southeast Europe across central Asia to Southeast Asia. These birds are mostly migratory, wintering in the Indian Subcontinent.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat..
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre. The success was noticed and the Chief Minister of Orissa, Naveen Patnaik bestowed the PAKSHI BANDHU AWARD (Friends of Birds Award) to the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakhsi Surakhshya Samiti of Mangalajodi
Shri Nanda Kishore Bhujabal, Wild Orissa
E-mail: nandakishorebhujabal@wildorissa.org
Godwit Eco Cottage, Manager, Rabindranath Nayak
Phone: (0091) 84550 75584, 82706 10025
The Black-winged Stilt, Common Stilt, or Pied Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family (Recurvirostridae).
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is a wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, breeding in Africa, central and southern Europe, and southern and eastern Asia.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), similar to two other golden plovers, spotted gold and black on the crown, and back on the wings. The breeding habitat is the Arctic tundra from northernmost Asia into western Alaska. This wader is migratory and winters in south Asia and Australasia.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
The Indian Cormorant or Indian Shag (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) is a member of the cormorant family. It is found mainly along the inland waters of the Indian Subcontinent. This medium sized bronze brown cormorant is scalloped in black on the upper plumage, lacks a crest and has a small and slightly peaked head with a long narrow bill that ends in a hooked tip. The eye is blue and bare yellow facial skin during the non-breeding season. This cormorant fishes gregariously in inland rivers or large wetlands of peninsular India.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
A flock of Black-tailed Godwit at sunrise........
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Pintail or Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a duck of open wetlands with wide geographic distribution that breeds in the northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. It is migratory and winters south of its breeding range to the equator in northern sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South Asia. Unusually for a bird with such a large range, it has no geographical subspecies .
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a wading bird in the ibis family Threskiornithidae. This is the most widespread ibis species, breeding in scattered sites in warm regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, It is thought to have originated in the Old World and spread naturally from Africa. Glossy Ibises undertake dispersal movements after breeding and are very nomadic. They feed in very shallow water and nest in freshwater or brackish wetlands with tall dense stands of emergent vegetation such as reeds. They show a preference for marshes at the margins of lakes and rivers. Glossy Ibises are threatened by wetland habitat degradation.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is a wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, breeding in Africa, central and southern Europe, and southern and eastern Asia.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is a wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, breeding in Africa, central and southern Europe, and southern and eastern Asia.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Male in non-breeding plumage
The Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) is a medium-sized wading bird that breeds in extensive lowland freshwater marshes, damp grasslands and wet meadows across northern Eurasia and spends the northern winter in the tropics, mainly in Africa. Some Siberian breeders undertake an annual round trip of up to 30,000 km (18,500 mi) to the West African wintering grounds.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) is a small bittern. It is of Old World origins, breeding in much of the Indian Subcontinent, east to Japan and Indonesia. It is mainly resident, but some northern birds migrate short distances. Their breeding habitat is reedbeds.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat..
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre. The success was noticed and the Chief Minister of Orissa, Naveen Patnaik bestowed the PAKSHI BANDHU AWARD (Friends of Birds Award) to the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakhsi Surakhshya Samiti of Mangalajodi
Shri Nanda Kishore Bhujabal, Wild Orissa
E-mail: nandakishorebhujabal@wildorissa.org
Godwit Eco Cottage, Manager, Rabindranath Nayak
Phone: (0091) 84550 75584, 82706 10025
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large heron (family: Ardeidae) with all-white plumage. Apart from size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet. Males and females are identical.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Update: A lot of people have inquired about using this photo on their blog. As the photo is licensed as "Non-commercial attribution", you are free to use it on your blog/site as long as you don't make money from its use and provide a link back to this page. Thanks for considering the photo good enough for your use.
I was tagged earlier by Jayashree and in a sullen mood of excessive pessimism wrote about myself. Even though they were true to a certain extent, I've hidden that nonsense. Now Amirtha has tagged me & I have promised to do some justice to my name!
1. The name is Sudhamshu - Sudha = Nectar / Elixir, Amsha = Part. More here. Been trying to discover the Elixir side of me for really long now. Search is still on!
2. First thing you'll know about me is my laziness. A complete sloth - I call it taking The Path of Least Resistance
3. I spend more time on Hobbies than on actual work. Hobbies come & go by the dozens. Current dominant is Photography. It has altered the way I see minute things in daily life. More importantly, it helped me make many good friends! Have become a spend-thrift with this hobby (Gladly)!
4. Music is The Panacea: Wanted to learn Violin when I was 6. But learnt Mridangam instead for 7 years while in Hyderabad. Used to play the Ghatam and Ganjira sometimes. I dont like it to be known, but my mother did make me attend Carnatic singing classes for 6 months! String instruments still hold a fascination though and as I drifted away from Carnatic to Western, my tastes altered drastically. Currently enjoy anything from Classic Rock to Heavy Metal. Iron Maiden being my favourite band.
5. Addicted to the Internet, Gadget-frenzy! (to those that I can afford!). (I'm yet another Software engineer!). Love Gaming.
6. I like the term ADIDAS - All Day I Dream About Sports. Used to play many sports like Cricket, Football until college. I'm a die-hard fan of Arsenal Football Club! Gunner Forever! :D
7. Astronomy is a fascination. Used to sit alone for hours on my terrace with a Sky map, Binoculars, torch etc trying to figure out constellations & nebulae. Star Gazing Gear!
8. Got to reading books rather late. A very slow reader. I prefer non-fiction books dealing with Philosophy, Science, biographies etc. But I always end up reading Fiction to improve my diction and writing style!
9. I love writing. Still prefer it to talking! All thanks to my Blog. Used to love writing mails to my friends. Dont do that anymore. I write poetry, haikus on my blog, on twitter and here on Flickr too. Its the only thing I like to do without being judged!
10. My Father is Tulu (language spoken in Southern Karnataka), mother is a Gujarati and both of them speak more than 8 languages fluently. I - Well I can only claim to know Hindi & English! Can speak Marathi, but dont. I know I can speak & read Tamizh, but Chennaiites differ! But I do wish I were a polyglot as my parents.
11. I love my mother's cooking. I love sweets. As a kid, I used to say that I'd marry a Bengali girl so that she could make me Rossogullas everyday!
12. I love any sort of puzzles.
13. I still haven't found my raison-d'etre in Life. Money is not a motivator. Neither is Fame. Still searching.
14. I crack terrible jokes. It is true that I used to be beaten up for doing this! In Mumbai people called it PJs or Hams. In Chennai people call it Mokkais or Blades.
15. I dont have many enemies. I dont like the idea of people disliking me. I can go to any length to make people like me. Maybe its a bad thing, but that's how I am!
16. I am choosy. I like something, I stick to it. Even after 5 years, I'm still in my first job! I make few friends, and keep them close.
And that's it. Done with the 16 points.
I tag
1. Bhakti.
2. Suraksha
3. Navneeth
4. Abubaker
5. Suraj
6. Arjun
If any of you haven't been tagged, then please consider this as an invitation to let me know more about you. Do write 16 things about yourself!
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times. Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed Godwits spend winter in areas as diverse as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in winter. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. The main breeding area of this species is from southeast Europe across central Asia to Southeast Asia. These birds are mostly migratory, wintering in the Indian Subcontinent.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large heron (family: Ardeidae) with all-white plumage. Apart from size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet. Males and females are identical.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Pintail or Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a duck of open wetlands with wide geographic distribution that breeds in the northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. It is migratory and winters south of its breeding range to the equator in northern sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South Asia. Unusually for a bird with such a large range, it has no geographical subspecies .
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large heron (family: Ardeidae) with all-white plumage. Standing up to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, this species have a wingspan up to 1.70 m (5.5 ft). Apart from size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet. Males and females are identical in appearance; juveniles look like non-breeding adults.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is a wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, breeding in Africa, central and southern Europe, and southern and eastern Asia.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Nala, Tall Reed (Phragmites karka) and Hogla, Lesser Indian Reed Mace (Typha angustata). The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas winter here. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.
How do you convert a village of hardened poachers into committed conservationists? Read:
Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), similar to two other golden plovers, spotted gold and black on the crown, and back on the wings. The breeding habitat is the Arctic tundra from northernmost Asia into western Alaska. This wader is migratory and winters in south Asia and Australasia.
Mangalajodi, an extensive wetland spanning over 300 sq. km, primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the north-eastern fringe along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake in the Khurda district of Orissa, India. Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that crisscross through the sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The wetland is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds (84 resident species), primarily the waterfowls, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi now host 200,000 waterfowls in the peak season (November to March) and has been designated the status of ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.
Few years back, hunters were very active at Mangalajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. After many battles and years of deliberation, the erstwhile poachers today actively patrol and protect their marshes from bird poachers. Born naturalists, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, assist in research and take tourists around on birding trips into the marshes. The remarkable change from indiscriminate hunting to ardent conservation took place due to the work of the NGO, Wild Orissa with the active support from Chilika Development Authority, Department of Forest and Environment, and the leadership shown by some of the village youth in forming the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) in 2000. The Samiti has begun a fledgling ecotourism initiative; Wild Orissa has trained some youth as birding guides, while Chilika Development Authority has funded a watchtower and visitors’ centre.