Birds' eye view of MRIA to ensure airspace for planes only

Feathered fauna driven out of its habitat to make way for Mattala, has experts bird watching for returnees

The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) will not only attract people from here and abroad, but also both domestic and migratory birds. Therefore it is important to take necessary preventive measures along with the ongoing development, to prevent bird strikes, a top ornithologist advised.

According to Professor Sarath Kotagama of Colombo University's Zoology Dept, MRIA will be a haven for birds during the dry spell.

"In the last couple of months, we have seen an increase in peacocks, because the grass is nice and green, and when the whole place is drying up, this is the only place with water retention and cooler atmosphere. Countries like India, use dummy jackals or dogs to prevent peacocks entering, and we may adopt similar measures if the situation arises. First the flight times should be observed and studied," Prof. Kotagama said.

He said a two-year study called

"Trees like burutha (satin wood) are recommended, as they are dry zone trees and their canopy is not thick, while trees like mara should be avoided, although they are shady, as they invite birds for nesting

'Wild animal management plan' commenced several months ago to study the wildlife in the surrounding areas.

"Along with the construction of MRIA, habitat conditions changed rapidly. A new habitat is created, and instead of trees there is grass. Some grassland birds that will be attracted are peacocks, pipits, red-wattled lapwing, egrets, especially cattle egrets, and depending on the cleanliness and the disposal of garbage, crows," Prof. Kotagama said.

He said that, on the instructions of ornithology experts, the buildings at MRIA have been constructed with no ledges for birds to roost.

"All the buildings, especially the terminal buildings, are pigeonproofed. One problem we noticed early in Hambantota was the pigeons. Even when construction was ongoing, pigeons were found everywhere, even in the tower. But now, Mattala constructions are very much sealed, though it may look a bit blank from outside," he said.

He said that management of birds will be a bit more challenging than at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), as this is in the dry zone and spread across a large area of about 2,000 hectares.

"As we are have a managed habitat which has water in the dry zone, grassland and waterworks management will be different from BIA. In July and August, water bodies around Mattala will dry up and there will be water within the air- port premises to maintain humidity and grasses. If this attracts birds, the grass will be allowed to die and slowly ensure its return to life later," Prof. Kotagama said.

During the migratory season, some birds may be attracted to the lighting, similarly to the BIA in September and May.

He said a new bird control unit will be established soon, while at present, officers at the BIA's bird control unit are studying bird behaviour in the area.

According to him, it's important to plant trees without thick canopies, so birds would not settle in the trees.

"Trees like burutha (satin wood) are recommended, as they are dry zone trees and their canopy is not thick, while trees like mara should be avoided, although they are shady, as they invite birds for nesting," he said.