Pallas’s gull sightings rise: Pallas's gull returns to Udhwa Bird Sanctuary after nearly 10 years; Signals positive biodiversity for the region

Sahibganj: A rare species of migratory bird, Pallas’s gull, which was spotted at Jharkhand’s Udhwa Bird Sanctuary 10 years ago, has returned, bringing good news for bird enthusiasts. Also known as the great black-headed gull, this rare bird was spotted at the sanctuary on Wednesday. Its presence in the sanctuary was last recorded in 2015.

According to the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Sahibganj, Prabal Garg, the return of the bird, the scientific name of which is Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus, nearly a decade is an extremely positive sign for the biodiversity of the Udhwa Lake. This species breeds in colonies in marshes and islands from southern Russia to Mongolia, he informed.

Bird experts said this species nests on the ground and lays two to four eggs at a time. During winters, when it is the non-breeding season, it migrates to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Arabia and India. Notably, all migratory birds are protected under the Wildlife Act, and any damage to them or their habitats is a cognisable, non-bailable offence, with a penalty of up to 7 years in jail.

The experts also said the sighting of Pallas’s gull indicates that the lake habitat is safe, favourable, and attractive for migratory birds. Every winter, thousands of birds from foreign lands arrive here, making this area one of the most important bird hotspots in eastern India.

Talking to TOI, Satya Prakash, Asian waterbird census state coordinator, Jharkhand (wetlands international) said the return of the Pallas’s gull has been a big achievement and he linked it to continuous monitoring and conservation efforts being carried out by the state forest department. He confirmed that this is second sighting of the bird in Jharkhand.

“The first sighting was way back in 2015, about 10 years ago. In 2015, it was spotted at Udhwa Bird Sanctuary’s one of the two lakes, Patora, and this year, on Monday, it was spotted at Barhel Lake,” Satya Prakash said. He also said these gulls started their journey from October and November and reach here in December and January, staying until March. “Udhwa is a Ramsar site, and the birds' spotting here is good news,” Prakash added.A total of 150 species of birds were sighted at the Udhwa Bird Sanctuary,

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