December 25, 2020
The numbers of migratory birds visiting wetlands of Mandalay Region decline this year, said U Zay Maung Thein, Vice- Chair of Birds and Environmental Conservation Association.
The birds migrate in mid-October and stay in Myanmar until March. The number of migratory birds to Paleik Lake, Taungthaman Lake, Manaw Lake, Sont Ye Lake and Pyu Lake drop this year due to climate change, illegal poaching and changing ecosystem.
“According to the nature of migratory birds, they inhabit in the lakes depending on the food. The number of birds is decreasing this year. We can see only 3 or 4 Baer’s Pochard in Paleik Lake and Pyu Lake. The numbers of birds and species also drop in Taungthaman Lake. The birds are slow to arrive this year. Although there were between 50 and 100 Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) in previous years, there are only 10 this year. We do not see other birds except the Egretta garzetta and residential birds this year. The number of migratory birds declines due to illegal hunters or traders. Therefore, we have to wait and see the numbers of migratory birds this year,” he said.
The Sarus Crane, Geese, Fulvous Whistling-Duck and Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) from Mongolia and northern part of China mostly enter the lakes in Mandalay Region.
The Birds and Environmental Conservation Association, Bird Lover Groups, INGOs and NGOs collect data for a comprehensive list of migratory birds throughout the country in January.—Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-Printing House) (Translated by Khine Thazin Han)
