Navi Mumbai: Red-necked phalarope seen at Panje in Uran after 15 years

NAVI MUMBAI: Two rare wetland birds of the species Red-necked phalarope were seen at the Panje coast in Uran after a gap of nearly 15 years on Friday. Young naturalist and documentary filmmaker Aishwarya Sridhar successfully photographed the two waders at the shore, much to the delight of birdwatchers community.

"The very fact that such a rare wader like Red-necked phalarope is being seen in Panje after so many years once again strengthens the case of protecting the last surviving wetlands of Uran, since so many birds come here, including flamingos," said Aishwarya, who has been filming and documenting the Uran wetlands for nearly a decade, since she was a child.

She added that there are two such waders currently at Panje. This species breeds in Eurasia and travels all the way up to Sri Lanka and New Zealand to spend its winters.

Environmentalist D Stalin commented: "It is indeed good news that rare Red-necked phalaropes are now being seen at Panje. This shows that the wetlands here have a very rich biodiversity, and hence must be preserved."

'Save Uran's last surviving wetland at Panje'

Young naturalist and documentary filmmaker, Aishwarya Sridhar, who has been documenting the wetlands at Uran for several years said that there is an urgent need to protect and preserve the last surviving wetlands at Panje-Funde coast where several hundreds of birds like flamingos, waders, ducks, and others come every year.

"Nearly 85% of Uran's wetlands have already been destroyed due to man-made landfilling. So, if this wetland patch also vanishes, then there will be no more birds coming to this region," said Aishwarya.

Environmentalist Debi Goenka commented: "With regards to the birds survey report of Bombay Natural History Society at the Navi Mumbai airport site, it's has been clearly mentioned that the wetlands at Panje must be saved, so that the birds do not go towards the airport site, and thereby cause accidents or incidents once the planes take off or land. The state government should ideally declare it as a wetland sanctuary, before it is too late."