"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
20 Apr 2023
A recent census has found a record number of Mangrove Pitta birds in the two coastal districts of Odisha, namely Kendrapara and Jagatsingpur. The census, which was the first of its kind, recorded a total of 179 Mangrove Pitta birds. The highest concentration of the birds has been found in the mangroves near the Mahipura river mouth inside the Bhitarkanika National Park. The birds were counted by direct sighting and from their chirping.
The Mangrove Pitta bird, also known as the Indian pitta, is a brightly colored bird that is found in few pockets of eastern India, including Odisha’s Bhitarkanika and West Bengal’s Sundarbans. The bird is known for its vibrant colors, which include shades of green, blue, and yellow.
The census results are being hailed as a major victory for conservation efforts in the region. The Mangrove Pitta bird is listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. The bird's habitat has been threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and pollution.
The Forest Department has said that it will use the census data to develop and implement conservation measures for the Mangrove Pitta bird and its habitat. The department will also work with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and the need to protect the bird's habitat.