Amit Pandey, Khairagarh. CG News: For the first time in Chhattisgarh, a rare bird has been seen as Podiceps Nigricollis, which is considered a big achievement for the biodiversity of the state. Its presence has been recorded in Kopra Dam in Bilaspur. This bird is considered a major discovery in the field of science. This is the first record of this rare bird appearance in Chhattisgarh.
During a regular birdwatching survey on December 14, 2024, Dr. Loksh Sharan saw this unique bird, at the same time pictures were also taken. Later, after introducing these photographs to experts and reliable scientific sources, it was confirmed that it was actually a black-a-line greeb. After this discovery, a large number of bird lovers and researchers started reaching Kopra Dam.
A study conducted by Anurag Vishwakarma and his team revealed that the presence of 113 bird species has been recorded here, including important species such as painted storc, woly-line storks, Egyptian vulture, Eurasian Curlue and Black-Teld Godwit. But now the curiosity of bird scientists has increased due to black naked gibe being seen here.
Nests make nests floating on black-len
Black-lenged greye can be easily identified due to its unique texture. Its deep red eyes, raised part of the forehead and black cap on the head, which extends to under the eyes, makes it different from other gib species. It occurs between small Little Gribe (tachybaptus rufficollis) and large great crestaded gulb (podiceps crintatus). This bird is usually found in cold areas of Europe, Asia and North America and reaches parts of India while migrating in winter. It makes nests floating on water, which are made of aquatic plants and grasses. Every year, its flying wings fall, due to which it does not fly for 1-2 months. Interestingly, it is one of the world’s most social gib species and migrates in thousands of flocks. Especially in winter when it leads to salty sea lakes.
Can Kopra Dam become a new migrant whereabouts?
Kopra Dam, located 12-13 km from Bilaspur, is known as irrigation and drinking water sources. But the presence of Black-Legis Greeb indicates that this place can become a new hideout for migratory birds. Earlier, this species was seen in the plains of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Ganga, but for the first time in Chhattisgarh it has been documented. This discovery has been published by Uttar Pradesh Journal of Zoology on 28 February 2025 in Volume-46. This research has been written by Dr. Lokesh Sharan and Prateek Thakur of Nature Research and Conservation Society.
In the coming time, other rare birds in Kopra Dam and the surrounding areas can also be documented. Experts believe that in the coming years this place can become a major center for the study of migratory birds. This appearance of Black-Lekd Gold is not just a search for a new species, but is an important achievement for the biodiversity of Chhattisgarh. This discovery also proves that many unseen natural secrets are hidden in the state, which need to be discovered. This is a golden opportunity for bird lovers, scientists and environmentalists, which can give Chhattisgarh an opportunity to emerge as a new destination of birdwatching.