For the inaugural instance, a geo-tagged Whimbrel, an itinerant avian species, has been observed in the Bemetara district of Chhattisgarh.
Referred to as “chhota gongh” in the vernacular, this bird was documented by a cadre of ornithologists near the Gidhwa Parsada Wetland, straddling the Khairagarh-Bemetara boundary. Aficionados of birdlife, Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Jageshwar Verma, and Avinash Bhoi, have recently chronicled and immortalized this avian marvel.
The Whimbrel, renowned for its prodigious migratory feats, effortlessly traverses vast expanses, including oceans and continents. Exhibiting remarkable endurance and pinpoint navigational prowess, the Whimbrel typically undertakes flights spanning 4,000 to 6,000 kilometers from the Northern Hemisphere. Distinguished by its uniquely curved bill and striped cranial pattern, this coastal dweller sustains itself on insects foraged from aquatic environs.
Avian enthusiasts assert that the presence of the migratory Whimbrel will significantly contribute to the ornithological study of migratory patterns in Chhattisgarh. While geo-tagged birds have previously been observed in India, this marks Chhattisgarh’s premiere encounter. This sighting underscores Chhattisgarh’s pivotal role in the migratory avian corridor.
Concerted efforts are afoot to conserve the Whimbrel, identifiable by its yellow tag denoting origins from Northern Hemisphere nations. Its migratory pathways and habits are meticulously monitored through GSM-GPS tags. This tracking endeavor facilitates the examination of climate change repercussions on migratory avifauna.
The financial outlay for affixing a GPS tag and subsequent tracking can ascend to approximately Rs 10 lakh or more. The GPS-GSM tag, a solar-powered contrivance, bolsters these conservation efforts, as noted by experts.