chilka lake

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Chilka Lake (Chilika Lake) is abrackish waterlagoon, spread over

thePuri,KhurdaandGanjamdistricts ofOrissastate on the east coast ofIndia, at the

mouth of theDaya River, flowing into theBay of Bengal. It is the largest coastal lagoon in

India and the second largest lagoon in the World.[3][4]

It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on theIndian sub-continent. The lakeis home to a number ofthreatenedspecies of plants and animals.[5][6]The lake is an

ecosystem with large fishery resources. It sustains more than 150,000 fisherfolk living in

132 villages on the shore and islands.[7][8]

The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. 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 come here.

These birds travel great distances, but it must be stressed, that the migratory birds

probably follow much longer routes than the straight lines, possibly up to 12,000 km, to

reach Chilika River.

In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indianwetland of international

importanceunder theRamsar Convention.[9][10]

According to a survey, 45 percent of the birds are terrestrial in nature, 32 percent

arewaterfowl, and 23 percent arewaders. The Lagoon is also home to 14 types

ofraptors.Around 135 rare and endangeredIrrawaddy Dolphinshave also been reported.

Plus, the lagoon supports about 37 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The highly productive chilika lagoon eco-system with its rich fishery resources sustains the

livelihood for many fisher men who live in and near the Lagoon. The water spread area of

the Lagoon ranges between 1165 to 906 km2

during the monsoon and summer

respectively. A 32 km long, narrow, outer channel connects the lagoon to the Bay ofBengal, near the village Motto, recently a new mouth was opened by CDA which has

brought a new lease of life to the lagoon.

Microalgae, marine seaweeds,sea grasses, fishes and crabs also flourish in the brackish

water of the Chilika Lagoon.

Contents

[hide]

1 History

2 Geology

3 Geography and topography

4 Hydrology

o 4.1 Water and sediment quality

5 Conservation threats and management

6 Flora and fauna

o 6.1 Flora

o 6.2 Avifauna
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o 6.3 Aqua fauna

7 Major Attractions

8 Other attractions

9 Eco-tourism

10 Access

11 Gallery

12 References

13 External links

[edit]History

Geological evidence indicates that Chilika Lake was part of the Bay of Bengal during the

later stages of thePleistoceneperiod (1.8 million to 10,000 yearsBP).

Excavations were conducted by theArchaeological Survey of IndiaatGolabai Sasan(

2017N853254E) just north of Chilka lake in Khurdha district.[11]

Golabai provides

evidence of a sequence of Chilka area culture in three phases:Neolithic(c. 1600

BCE),Chalcolithic(c. 1400 BCE to c. 900 BCE) andIron Age(c. 900 BCE to c. 800

BCE).Radiocarbon datingtraced the earliest level of Golbai to 2300 BCE. The site is

located on the left bank of theMalaguni River, a tributary of theDaya River, which flows

into Chilika Lake. This location, which gave access to the sea via Chilika Lake, gives

strong evidence of the maritime activities of this region. The recovery of many

woodworkingadzesand otherartifactsshows that Golabai was a boat-building centre.

Significantly, Golabai is the only excavated site in Orissa where boat building has been

revealed. This also indicates that Chilka lake was very close to Golabai and it facilitated

the maritime trade of people in the area during the ancient period.[12]

Some ancient texts say the southern sector of Chilika was a majorharbourfor

maritimecommerce, when Kharavela (IAST: Khravela,Devanagari:) (c.209 BCE

after 170 BCE), the King ofKalinga, was known as Lord of the Sea.[13]

Ptolemy(150 CE), theGreekgeographer, referred toPaluras the port Paloura, located

close to the point of departure situated outside of the southern tip of the lake at

Kantiagarh, from where ships bound for different parts ofSoutheast Asiasailed. After 639,

theChinesePilgrimsFa-HienandHiuen-Tsangmention a famous port "Che-li-ta-loChing"

near the shore of the ocean which was a thoroughfare and resting place for sea-goingtraders and strangers from distant lands. This port was located at Chhatragarh on the

banks of Chilika Lake.[12]

A fourth century legend, often told to explain the birth of Chilika, states that the pirate king,

Raktabahhu, planned to attackPuriwith a huge fleet of ships. To avoid detection, he

stealthily anchored out of sight, off the mouth to the sea. The deception was revealed by

ships' refuse floating to the shore, thus warning the towns people, who escaped with all

their possessions. Raktabahu felt betrayed when he found an abandoned town and

directed his fury towards the sea that had betrayed him. The sea parted to let the army

march in, then surged back, drowned the army and formed the present lake.[2]

Archeological excavations discovered Seventh century ship anchors and stone memoirs

dedicated to battle heroes at a village named Kanas, about 25 km (16 mi) north of Chilika
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on the banks of Nuna river, which flows into the lake. This gives evidence of an historic

naval engagement off the coast.

A 10th century text, theBrahmanda Purana, mentions Chilika Lake as an important centre

of trade and commerce, and a shelter for ships sailing toJava,Malaya,Singhala, China

and other countries. This suggests that the lake was then deep enough for berthing sea-going ships and had a channel to the sea big enough for loaded trading ships embarking

toSoutheast Asia.[14][15][16]

The villagers around Chilika Lake still observe an annual festival

called "Bali Yatra" (Journey toBali).

In 1803, theBritishentered the shores of the lake, reached Puri and occupied Orissa with

the help of Fateh Muhammed. Fateh Muhammed in turn was rewarded by the British

withfreeholdof the areas of Malud and Parikud, of the present day Garh Krishnaprasad

revenue block.[13]

Over the years, Poets includingKabibar Radhanath Rayand Pandit Godavarish Mishra,

Freedom fighters and Saints have extolled historicity of the lake as pertinent to its cultural,

spiritual and religious aspects.[13][14]

Gopabandhu Das, a famous Oriya poet, became impatient to see the beauty of the march

of colorful sights and sounds of Chilika lagoon while going by train. He asked the speeding

train to stop for a moment so that he could enjoy the beauty. It is because of the beauty

that arrests him much.[17]

[edit]Geology

The lake is ofestuarinecharacter in anephemeralenvironment. Geological studies

indicate that the coastline extended along the western shores of the lake in

thePleistoceneera with its northeastern region lying under the sea. That the coastline has

moved eastward over the ages is supported by the fact that the nearbyKonarak Sun

Temple, built originally on the seashore a few hundred years ago, is now about 3 km

(2 mi), away from the coast.

Thecatchment areaof Chilika lake has a rock, sand and mud substratum. It contains a

wide range of sedimentary particles such as clay, silt, sand, gravel and shell banks but the

major part of the catchment area is silt. Around 1.6 millionmetric tonsper year of sediment

is deposited in Chilika lake by rivers Daya and several streams.[17]

It is conjectured that a rise in worldwide sea levels over the last 6,0008,000 years

occurred with a pause in the rise of sea level about 7,000 years ago, which could haveresulted in the formation of a sandy beach near the coast at the Southern sector. With rise

in the sea level, the sand beach grew gradually, progressed seaward to the northeast and

formed the spit of Chilika. Afossilunearthed from the southwestern edge of the spit

indicates that the lake was formed about 3,5004,000 years ago. The abrupt change in the

direction of the coast north of the lake, strong winds shifting sand to the shore, long shore

drift (littoral drift), the presence or absence of strong river and tidal currents in different

areas are the reasons attributed for the growth of the spit.[13]

White bands ofcoralin the southern sector, at a height of 8 m (26 ft), above the present

water level, shows that the area was once marine and that the water was much deeper

than present.[13]

The chronological development of the outer barrier spit of the lake hasbeen dated byOptically stimulated luminescencestudies of minerals. This was done on
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sixteen samples of the lake bed. The studies indicated doses of between 153 3 mGyand

2.23 0.07 Gy, corresponding to ages from 40 years at the top of the spit to 300 years at

the bottom. The youngest ages are consistent with the age of the overlying vegetation. A

clearly defined period of >2.5 miles (4.0 km) of barrier construction 40 years ago is

identified. Prior to that the deposition rate was relatively constant for 300 years.'"[18]

[edit]Geography and topography

Map of Chilka Lake showing Nalaban Island,Chilka Bird Sanctuary, Dolphin Sanctuary,Puritown and

Malud peninsula.

Chilika Lake is a shallowbar-built estuarywith large areas ofmudflats. The western and

southern margins of the lake are fringed by theEastern Ghatshill range.[16]

Several inland rivers, which bring silt into the lake, control the northern end of the lake. A

60 km (37 mi) longbarrier beachcalled Rejhansa,[19]

formed by northerly currents in

theBay of Bengal, resulted in the formation of this shallow lake and forms its eastern side.

As anephemerallake, its water surface area varies from 1,165 km2

(449.8 sq mi) in thesummermonsoonseason to 906 km

2(349.8 sq mi) in the winterdry season.

Chilka Lake-central & west

1958 Topographic map, 1:250,000
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Chilka Lake-east end

The lake has numerous islands. The larger islands, separated by shallow channels, lie

between the barrier and the main body of the lake. A total 42 km2

(16 sq mi) of channels

connect the lake with Bay of Bengal.[14]

The six major islands are Parikud, Phulbari,

Berahpura, Nuapara, Nalbana, and Tampara. These islands, together with thePeninsula of

Malud, constitute the Krishnaprasad Revenue BlockofPuri District.[4][8]

The north shore of the lake is part ofKhordha Districtand the western shore is part

ofGanjam District. Due tosiltation, the width of the barrier has fluctuated and the mouth to

the sea has periodically been closed. The location of the mouth has also frequentlyshifted, generally towards the northeast. The mouth, which was 1.5 km (0.9 mi) wide in

1780, was only .75 km (0.5 mi) forty years later. The local fishermen, to maintain their

livelihood, had to cut open the mouth regularly to gain access to the sea for fishing.[13]

Water depth of the lake varies from 0.9 ft (0.3 m) to 2.6 ft (0.8 m) in the dry season to

1.8 m (5.9 ft) to 4.2 m (13.8 ft) in the rainy season. The width of the old channel to the sea,

now reported to be about 100 m (328.1 ft), is known as Magarmukha (Mouth of the

Crocodile). The lake is divided into four separate zones namely, the southern, central,

northern sectors and the outer channel area. A 32 km (19.9 mi) long outer channel

connects the lake with theBay of Bengalat Arakhuda village. The lake is vaguely pear

shaped and has a maximum length of 64.3 km (40.0 mi) with a mean width of 20.1 km(12.5 mi).

[4][20]

[edit]Hydrology

Chilika Lake
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Mahanadi RiveratCuttackas it trifurcates with one arm feeding the Chilika Lake

Three hydrological subsystems control the Hydrology of the lake. The land based system

comprisesdistributariesof theMahanadi Riveron the northern side, 52 river channels from

the western side and theBay of Bengalon the eastern side. Two of the three southernbranches of the Mahanadi River that trifurcates atCuttack, feed the lake. 61% (850 cubic

metres per second (30,000 cu ft/s)) of the total fresh water inflow into the lake is

contributed by these two branches.

The second drainage system which is nonperennial accounts for 39% (536 cubic metres

per second (18,900 cu ft/s)). The important rivers of this drainage system are the Kansari,

the Kusumi, the Janjira and the Tarimi rivers. The annual total surface freshwater input to

the lake is estimated to 1.76 cubic kilometres (1,430,000acreft) including direct

precipitation over the lake contributing 0.87 cubic kilometres (710,000acreft) All the

inland river systems disgorge an annual flow of about 0.375 million cubic metres

(304 acreft) of freshwater which is estimated to carry 13 million metric tons of silt into thelake. On the north east a channel connects the lake to the Bay of Bengal.

Atropical monsoon climateprevails over the drainage basin area of the lake. The lake

experiences Southwest and North-east monsoons during June to September and

November to December respectively with average annual rainfall of 1,238.8 mm (48.77 in),

with 72 rainy days. The maximum temperature of 39.9 C (103.8 F) and minimum

temperature of 14 C(57.2 F) have been recorded. The wind speed varies from 5.3 to 16

metres (17 to 52 ft)/hour[dubiousdiscuss]with southerly and southwesterly direction due to the

influence of the Southwest monsoon and from north and north easterly direction during

the rest of the months.[5]

[edit]Water and sediment qualityThe Chilika Development Authority (CDA) established an organized system of water

quality measurements andlimnologicalinvestigations indicating the following physico

chemical characteristics of the lake waters.[5]

Lake water isalkalinepHranging from 7.1 9.6 with totalalkalinitymatching

thesalinity. The southern part of the lake near Rambha has recorded the highest

alkalinity.

Bathymetrysurvey indicates extreme shallow depths in the northern sector, with less

than 1.5 m (5 ft) in a large area. The southern sector of the lake has recorded the

maximum depth of 3.9 m (12.8 ft)
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Highturbiditydue to strong mixing of overlying water with sediments is confirmed by

observed transparency values ranging between 9 and 155 cm (0.30 and 5.09 ft).

Salinity levels in the lake show wide temporal and spatial variation due to a complex

blend of freshwater discharge, evaporation, wind condition and tidal inflow of

seawater. The brackish nature of the lake is depicted by the 0 parts per thousand near

the Daya River mouth to hyper-saline level of 42 ppt in the outlet channel during the

dry period.

Thedissolved oxygenvalues were between 3.318.9 mg/l.

Phosphatephosphorus(00.4 ppm),nitratenitrogen(1060 ppm) andsilicates(18

ppm) are high in the north and northwest part of the lake where most of the rivers

discharge into the lake with large amounts of silt and nutrients.

The lake is broadly divided into four zones on the basis of salinity values, namely the

southern, central, northern and outer channel. Tidal influx of seawater during

monsoon is arrested by the strong influx of a large amount of fresh water from the

northern and central zones. Brackish water conditions in the southern zone, even

during monsoon, prevail due to low water exchange. Salinity in the southern zonedecreases during the post monsoon period and in winter as northern winds facilitate

mixing of water with rest of the lake. During the summer, intrusion of salt water from

the outer channel into the lake increases since water level of the lake is at its lowest

level. A general increase in salinity of the central and northern zones occurs due to

wind induced mixing by the predominantly southern winds and salinity in the southern

zone does not rise appreciably.[5]

Sedimentation

Adverse tidal exchange occurred due to thelittoral driftalong the coast line causing flow

reduction and shifting of the lake mouth every year. Estimatedsediment transportdue to

this is on the order of 100,000metric tons. This adverse effect needed ameliorativeactions.

[20]

Sediment cores were collected from different locations of the lake. The result indicated

spatial variation of sedimentation rate in three zones of the lake of 7.6 millimetres

(0.30 in)/year (Northern Sector), 8.0 millimetres (0.31 in)/year (Central Sector) and 2.8

millimetres (0.11 in)/year (SouthernSector). The nonuniform sedimentation rate along

with the porosity and water content of the sediment cores were also analysed which

indicated the lake had different deposition zones, with comparatively higher sedimentation

rate in Northern and Central Sector and a slow rate in the Southern Sector.[21]

[edit]Conservation threats and management

Chilika Lake
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In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indianwetland of international

importanceunder theRamsar Conventiondue to its richbiodiversityas shown by the facts

that:

Over a million migratory waterfowl and shorebirds winter here.

Over 400 vertebrate species have been recorded.

As an estuarine lagoon, it supports a unique assemblage of marine, brackish and

freshwater species.

Several rare and endangered species are found in the region.

The lake supports fisheries that are the lifeline of the community.

The lake is of great value in preserving genetic diversity.

There is an Increase inweedsand aquaculture activities.[9][10]

Threats

Over the years, the ecosystem of the lake encountered several problems and threats such

as:

Siltation due to littoral drift and sediments from the inland river systems

Shrinkage of water surface area

Choking of the inlet channel as well as shifting of the mouth connecting to the sea

Decrease in salinity and fishery resources

Proliferation of fresh water invasive species and

An overall loss of biodiversity with decline in productivity adversely affecting the

livelihood of the community that depended on it

Fights between fishermen and non-fishermen communities about fishing rights in the

lake and consequent court casesThe rapid expansion of commercial aquaculture of prawn has contributed significantly to

the decline of the lakes fisheries and bird population.[22]

Concerted action was initiated by the Orissa State Government with support from the

Government of India to adopt adaptive conservation and management actions.[6][20]

By 1993, the problems in Chilika were so severe that the lake was put under "The

Montreux Record" as the lake was considered to have undergone, to be undergoing, or to

be likely to undergo change in its ecological character brought about by human action.

The purpose was to stimulate remedial measures for the lake's conservation,

supplemented with adequate monitoring. It was expected that such an action would benefit

from the advice from Ramsar Advisory Mission and other identified technical assistance

programmes.

In summary, siltation from upstream led to shrinkage of the water surface area, decrease

of salinity and prolific growth of invasive fresh water aquatic weed infestation, all of which

had a serious negative impact on habitat of wildlife and fishery resources.[17]

Chilika Development Authority (CDA)

In 1992, the Government of Orissa, concerned by the degradation of the lake's ecosystem

and cognizant of significant numbers of people who were dependent upon the lake's

resources, set up the Chilika Development Authority (CDA). The CDA was set up for

restoration and overall development of the lake under theIndian Societies Registration
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Actas a parastatal body under the administrative jurisdiction of the Forest and

Environment Department, with the following charter:

To protect the Lake ecosystem with all its genetic diversity

To formulate the management plan for Integrated Resource Management and wise

use of the lake's resources by the community depending on it

To execute multidimensional and multidisciplinary developmental activities either itself

or through other agencies

To collaborate with various national and international institutions for development of

the lake[20]

The governing body of the Authority is headed by theChief Minister of OrissaState and

has peoples representatives (Members of ParliamentandLegislative Assembly),

representatives of the fisherfolk communities and secretaries of the key departments,

experts and eminent scientists as its members.

In 1998, an executive committee constituted with financial authority, supplemented withfinancial support from the Tenth and Eleventh Finance Commissions of theGovernment of

India, gave support to the management initiatives taken up by CDA. This facilitated a

coordinated approach to plan and implement effective ameliorative management actions.

An Integrated Management Plan was implemented with financial support of Rs 570 million

(US$12.7 million) out of special problem grants recommended by the Finance

Commissions. Hydrobiological monitoring was supported under the Orissa Water

Resources Consolidation Project of theWorld Bank, to the extent of Rs 10 million

(US$220,000). A strong support network was created with 7 state government

organizations, 33 NGOs, 3 national government ministries, 6 other organizations, 11

international organizations, 13 research institutions and 55 different categories ofcommunity groups.[20]

In 2003, collaboration of Indian and Japanese experts led to a friendly relationship

between Chilika lake andSaroma Lakein Japan calledSister Wetlands.[17]

Ameliorative actions

Considering the threats faced by the lake, the National Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral

Reefs Committee of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, also

identified the lake as a priority site for conservation and management.[5]

The ameliorative

actions taken by the CDA to restore the ecosystem and to improve the socio-economic

conditions of the communities living around the lake and on its islands involved the

following.
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Chilika Sea mouth

Opening the lake mouth

The most effective ameliorative action was the hydrological intervention of opening the

new lake mouth and channel to the sea through the barrier beach at Satapura. Thisimproved the spatial and temporal salinity gradients of the lake to maintain the unique

characteristics of an estuarine eco-system. This intervention was undertaken after detailed

scientific studies, including 3-dimensional mathematical modeling and hydraulics studies

on a model prototype, were carried out by the Central Water and Power Research Station,

Pune andNational Institute of Oceanography, Goa. In September 2000, the desiltation of

the channel connecting the lake to the sea and opening of a new mouth to restore the

natural flows of water and salinity levels was carried out. These actions resulted in a

notable increase in the lake's fish yield and a reduction of freshwater weeds. The new

mouth reduced the length of the outflow channel by 18 kilometres (11 mi).[10][23]

Opening of

the new mouth provided a favorable increased salinity regime throughout the lake with

less fluctuations and improved water clarity.[17]detailed results of this action can be seen in

the references cited inExternal sources.

Other measures included:

Catchments management in a participatory micro watershed management in a whole

ecosystem approach

Protection of bird habitat and of bird species

Economic incentives to the local population to stop poaching of birds

Measures to improve the socioeconomic conditions, such as training programmes to

develop eco-tourism,

Provision of solar streetlight systems to island villages

Development of a ferry service for isolated villages

Construction of landing facilities for fisher folk, as well as education and environmental

awareness activities.

In 2002, Chilika was taken out of the Montreux Record, in light of the improved conditions

of the lake.[9][10]

Chilika lake is the first Ramsar site in Asia to be removed from the

Montreux record.[17]

Awards

2002 Award for outstanding achievements
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In November 2002, theRamsar Wetland Conservation Awardwas presented to the

Chilika Development Authority for "outstanding achievements in the field of restoration

and wise use of wetlands and effective participation of local communities in these

activities".[9][10]

The Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puruskar, constituted by theMinistry of Environment

and Forests, Government of India awarded the prestigious Indira Gandhi Paryavaran

Award2002 to the Chilika Development Authority for the outstanding contribution of

conservation and restoration of the Chilika lake eco-system.[24]

Flora and fauna

The ecological richness of the lake is of great value in preserving the genetic diversity

because of the multiplicity of its habitat, flora and fauna. (Some are pictured in the photo

gallery).[6]

TheZoological Survey of India(ZSI) surveyed the lake between 1985 and 1988

and identified 800 species of fauna, including many rare, endangered, threatened and

vulnerable species, but excluding terrestrial insects.

The rare and threatened animal species identified aregreen sea

turtle(EN),dugong(VU),Irrawaddy dolphin(VU),blackbuck(NT),Spoon billed

sandpiper(CR),limbless skinkandfishing cat(EN). 24mammalianspecies were reported.

37 species ofreptilesandamphibiansare also reported.[6][7]

Flora

Recent surveys revealed an overall 726 species of flowering plants belonging to 496

genera and 120 families. This represents about onefourth of the vascular plant species

of the Orissa state where some 2900 species altogether are found.Fabaceaeis the most

dominant plant family followed byPoaceaeandCyperaceae. Certain species were found

to be characteristic of specific islands. The flora is predominantly of aquatic and sub-aquatic plants. Overall 726 species of flowering plants belonging to 496 genera and 120

families have been recorded. Fabaceae is the predominant plant family followed by

Poaceae and Cyperaceae. The species reported are leguminosae, poaceae, and

cyperaceae; endemic cassipourea ceylanica; five species of seagrass, and more.

Important species identified are:.[6][20]

Leguminosae, Poaceae, and Cyperaceae

EndemicCassipoureaceylanica

Five species ofseagrass

Wild plants of horticultural importance and interesting plant groups such as

insectivorous plants,epiphytes,parasitesandlithophytes

Mangroveassociates, such as Aegiceras corniculatus, Excoecaria

agalloch,Salvadora persica,Pongamia

pinnata,Colubrinaasiatica,Capparisroxburghii,Macrotylomaciliatumand many

others.

Avifauna
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ia.org/wiki/Capparishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrotylomahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrotylomahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrotylomahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrotylomahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capparishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colubrinahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pongamia_pinnatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pongamia_pinnatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvadora_persicahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrovehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithophytehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphytehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seagrasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassipoureahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leguminosaehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilika_Lake#cite_note-WWFind-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilika_Lake#cite_note-WWFind-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyperaceaehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poaceaehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabaceaehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilika_Lake#cite_note-WWFind-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilika_Lake#cite_note-WWFind-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphibianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptileshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_cathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkudia_insularishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critically_endangered_specieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurynorhynchus_pygmeushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurynorhynchus_pygmeushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_Threatenedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbuckhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcaella_brevirostrishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulnerable_specieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_specieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_turtlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_turtlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoological_Survey_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilika_Lake#cite_note-WWFind-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilika_Lake#cite_note-23http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Environment_and_Forestshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Environment_and_Forestshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilika_Lake#cite_note-montrex-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilika_Lake#cite_note-montrex-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsar_Wetland_Conservation_Award


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A flock of Lesser Flamingos at Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is the largest wintering ground formigratorybirds, on theIndian sub-

continent. It is one of thehotspotsofbiodiversityin the country. Some species listed in

theIUCNRed List of threatened animals inhabit the lake for at least part of their life

cycle.[25]

White bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons and flamingos,

Egrets, Gray and Purple Herons, Indian Roller, Storks and White Ibis, Spoonbills,

Brahminy Ducks, Shovellers and Pintails, and more.

Kingfisher waiting for a fish to hunt
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White Ibis bird's during season of Winter in Chilika Lake

Migratory water fowl arrive here from as far as theCaspian Sea,Baikal Lakeand remote

parts ofRussia,Mongolia,Lakah,Siberia,Iran,Iraq,Afghanistanand fromtheHimalayas.

[14]A census conducted in the winter of 1997-98 recorded about 2 million

birds in the lake.[26]

Canada Geese in flight

In 2007, nearly 840,000 birds visited the lake, out of which 198,000 were spotted in

Nalbana Island. On Jan 5, 2008, a bird census involving 85 wildlife officials counted

900,000 birds of which 450,000 were sighted in Nalabana. Removal ofinvasive speciesof

freshwater aquatic plants, especiallywater hyacinth, due to restoration of salinity, is a

contributing factor for the recent increasing attraction of birds to the lake.

[14][27]

Nalbana Bird Sanctuary


nature reserve
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Location of Nalbana Bird Sanctuary

inOrissaandIndia

Coordinates 194139N851824E

Country India

State Orissa

Time zone IST(UTC+05:30)

Area

Elevation

15.53 square kilometres (6.00 sq mi)

2 metres (6.6 ft)

Coordinates 194139N851824E

Website http://www.wildlifeorissa.in/chilika.html

Nalbana Island is the core area of the Ramsar designated wetlands of Chilika Lake.

Nalbana means a weed covered islandIn theOriya language. It is a major island in the

center of the lake and has an area of 15.53 km2(6.00 sq mi)[dubiousdiscuss]. The island gets

completely submerged during the monsoon season. As the monsoon recedes in the

winter, lake levels decrease and the island is gradually exposed, birds flock to the island in
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large numbers to feed on its extensivemudflats. Nalbana was notified in 1987 and

declared a bird sanctuary in 1973 under theWildlife Protection Act.[14][28]

Large flocks ofGreater flamingosfrom Iran and theRann of KutchinGujarat, feed in the

shallow waters of the lake. Other-long leggedwadersseen around Nalbana Island are

theLesser Flamingos,Goliath Heron,Grey herons, andPurpleherons,Egrets,Spoonbills,StorksandBlack-headed Ibis.

Goliath Heron

Rare birds reported in the lake areAsiatic Dowitchers(NT),Dalmatian

Pelican(VU),Pallas's Fish-eagles(VU), the very rare migrantSpoon-billed Sandpiper(CR)

andSpot-billed pelican(NT).[28][29]

TheWhite-bellied Sea Eagle,Pariah Kite,Brahminy Kites,Kestrel,Marsh harriers, and the

world's most widespreadbird of prey,peregrine falcon, are among the raptors seen

here.[28]

Many short-legged shorebirds are seen in a narrow band along the shifting shores of the

lake and islands. These includePlovers, theCollared

Pratincole,Ruff,Dunlin,SnipesandSandpipers.Larks,WagtailsandLapwingsare also

found on the mudflats. Feeding in deeper water are the longer-leggedAvocets,StiltsandGodwits.

The higher vegetated areas of the lake supportMoorhens,CootsandJacanas.Pond

HeronsandNight Heronscan be seen along the shores withKingfishersandRollers.Little

Cormorantsare seen on perches around the lake, Compact flocks ofBrahminy Ducks, as

well asShovellers,Pintails,Gadwall,Teals,Pochards,GeeseandCoots, are also seen.[30]

Nesting colonies ofGull-billed ternsandRiver ternsare seen on the Nalabana Island. In

2002, TheBombay Natural History Societysurvey recorded 540 nests of theIndian River

Ternat the island, the largest nesting colony in the southeast Asia.[28]

[edit]Aqua fauna
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chilka lake

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