Spot-billed pelicans succumb to nematode infestation in Naupada swamp

A nematode infestation has resulted in the mortality of over 150 spot-billed pelicans at Telineelapuram Important Bird Area (IBA) in Naupada swamp of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh.

Context

A nematode infestation has resulted in the mortality of over 150 spot-billed pelicans at Telineelapuram Important Bird Area (IBA) in Naupada swamp of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh.

Important facts about the species

• Scientific name:Pelecanus philippensis
• Conservation status: Near Threatened (Population decreasing)
• The Spot-billed Pelicans(Pelecanus philippensis) - also known as Grey Pelicans, Spotted Pelican or Philippine Pelicans - are one of the most threatened pelican species in the world.
• Habitat: Spot-billed Pelicans inhabit various deep and shallow wetlands, from freshwater to saline, in open or forested areas. They are often seen on large bodies of water, particularly large lakes.
  

Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary

• Every year approximately 3,000 pelicans and painted storks visit Srikakulam from Siberia during September and stay on till March.
• Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary in Srikakulam is an internationally recognised exotic bird sanctuary for the conservation of rare exotic birds.
  • It is located at a distance of about 5 km from the town of Tekkali.
• Telineelapuram, Iruvaram and Naupada areas around Tekkali town are home to these migratory birds in this period.
• According to government figures, about 113 species of exotic birds come to these areas each year from Siberia, Russia, Malaysia, Hungary, Singapore and Germany for breeding.

Reason behind mass mortality

• Preliminary inquiry suggests that nematode infestation is the cause for the death of the spot-billed pelicans that prey on nearby water bodies.
• The nematode parasite is suspected to be transferred through fish and snails in particular, when the birds prey in the aqua ponds.