River terns have been increasingly avoiding the Bhadra backwaters as invasive weeds overrun their traditional nesting islands, alarming researchers and forest officials. The Bhadra Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Karnataka once hosted over 10,000 pairs of these migratory birds between February and June each year, but recent surveys show a dramatic decline.
Weed Infestation Destroys Habitat
The three to four islands in the BTR that served as prime nesting grounds are now choked with invasive plant species. These weeds have altered the landscape, making it unsuitable for terns to lay eggs and rear chicks. Forest department officials noted that the vegetation overgrowth has reduced open sandy areas critical for nesting.
Impact on Breeding Success
Researchers who have monitored the site for years report that the number of active nests has plummeted. In the current breeding season, only a few hundred pairs were sighted, a stark contrast to the thousands seen in the past. The weeds not only cover nesting spots but also attract predators and hinder the terns' ability to spot threats.
Conservationists are urging immediate intervention, including manual removal of weeds and restoration of the islands. They emphasize that without action, the river tern population in the region could face a severe setback. The BTR authorities have acknowledged the issue and are exploring eco-friendly methods to reclaim the habitat.
