Flu-hitPongwetlandshost40,570bar-headedgeese

Their numbers comprised 108,578 birds of 96 species, a slight fall from last year

Despite the 307-square km Pong wetlands in Himachal Pradesh being hit by avian influenza this winter that led to the death of nearly 4,500 bar-headed geese, the largest hit species, they continue to have a sizeable congregation in their preferred wintering ground, wildlife officials said on Monday.

An influx of 40,570 barheaded geese, one of the world's highest-altitude fliers, was recorded in the Pong wetlands in the just concluded annual waterfowl estimation. Their numbers comprised 108,578 birds of 96 species, a slight fall from last year.

Out of those recorded this year, the water-dependent migratory birds were 1,01,431 of 51 species and the water-dependent resident birds were 6,433 of 29 species, said an official statement quoting state Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania.

It said 714 birds of 16 other species were also recorded.

During the estimation exercise, one Bar-headed geese and one Greylag geese with collars were also spotted at the Pong wetlands, nearly 250 km from state capital Shimla.