Climate change sees fewer birds migrating to wetlands of Sangam

Allahabad, Dec 22 (ANI): Rise in temperature coupled with pollution has led to a sharp decrease in the number of migratory birds visiting the wetlands of Sangam, Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad city.

The Triveni Sangam, a confluence of three rivers, the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati, has attained international importance as a breeding ground and an alternate habitat for a large variety of migratory as well as domestic birds.

With the onset of winters, these birds migrate from Siberia, as their home grounds freeze.

"Due to global warming, the migratory birds visiting this region are very less. The birds like cold weather, but due to high temperature the birds are not able to adjust to this region," said Professor Ram Kirpal.

According to locals, the global rise in temperature is the main reason behind the poor numbers of birds.

"This year, the migratory birds are very less in number due to the rise in temperature. These birds do not like a hot region, which is why they are fewer in number. If this trend continues for the next few years, then these birds will stop visiting this place," said Shambhu Nath Tripathi, a local.

He further said that many birds have already left, and are exploring other wetlands in the nearby region.

From early November onwards, these migratory birds keep arriving till December and return during the spring season.

Among the popular varieties of migratory birds visiting this wetland are large cormorant, pond heron, great egret and little egret. (ANI)