THE spot-billed pelicans, a bird species close to extinction in the world, were found in Moeyungyi Lake in Bago Region earlier this month, according to the Warden's Office of Moeyungyi Wildlife Sanctuary.
The spot-billed pelican, a native species of ASEAN countries, is commonly found in certain ASEAN nations where there are good feeding grounds such as lakes, ponds, and sanctuaries. At the Moeyungyi Lake, 11 species of water birds that are close to extinction take shelter in the Moeyungyi Lake.
The water birds like lesser whistling duck, white-winged duck, purple gallinule, sarus crane, glossy ibis, ferruginous duck and Asian woolly-necked are found in the Moeyungyi Lake, and also the endangered species spot-billed pelicans and darters.
The spot-billed pelican is listed among the world’s water bird species that are close to extinction. Due to their declining population, they are a species being actively protected in the regions they inhabit. During this rainy season, they have also arrived and are taking shelter at Moeyungyi Lake. When the water level of the lake is high, they tend to visit more frequently. The presence of such rare species indicates the natural development and thriving condition of the lake’s original habitat," said an official of the wildlife sanctuary.
The Moeyungyi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of birdlife, including 56 migratory water bird species and 27 resident water bird species, totalling 83, while 106 forest bird species-80 resident species and 26 migratory species. Therefore, there are 189 species of water birds, migratory birds, resident birds and forest birds.
The lake, regarded as a Ramsar Site covering 25,600 acres (40 square miles), is home to over different types of bird species in every season. The lesser whistling duck and white-winged duck build their nests at the lake this monsoon.
Officials conduct awareness programmes monthly or yearly to ensure the sustainability of the lake and high numbers of birds. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZH
