Flamingos are in love... with Thane Creek

Thane Creek flamingos swell to 1.4 lakh in two decades: BNHS

The number of flamingos flying into the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) on Mumbai coast has registered a dramatic rise from about 8,000 to 1,40,000 during the last two decades, highlighting the need to preserve the wetlands in the vicinity from the air safety point of view as well, researchers say.

The research done by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has confirmed that there is a definite flight pattern of the pink birds through the central Asian flyway with the Mumbai coast emerging as their favourite destination.

The Maharashtra government has already recommended TCFS to be accorded the status of a Ramsar Site to be conserved under the global agreement on wetlands.

BNHS Deputy Director Dr Rahul Khot said, "Flamingos roost and nest in the mudflats in the TCFS area during low tides. They fly to other areas in Mumbai Metropolitan Region where BNHS identified at least eight biodiversity properties as satellite wetlands for TCFS. These wetlands at Belpada, Jasai, Bhendkhal, Panje in Uran, DPS, NRI and TS Chanakya wetlands in Nerul Navi Mumbai and Bhandup in Northeast Mumbai, serve as refuge areas during high tides for the avian guests." BNHS is also studying birds at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai.

The migratory birds land in MMR during the September-May period and their destinations must be protected to prevent bird hits to aircraft at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), he said and recalled that “we have been repeatedly alerting the authorities on this.”

NatConnect Foundation, which has campaigned for getting the ‘Flamingo City’ tag to Navi Mumbai, regretted that the wetlands, which are the bird destinations that ought to be protected, are being destroyed.