Arakan State sees fewer migratory bird arrivals so far this winter: conservationists

13 Dec 2022

DMG Newsroom
13 December 2022, Sittwe 

The number of migratory birds entering Arakan State this fall has decreased due to climate change and a scarcity of feeding and nesting grounds for bird species, according to an environmental conservation group in the state. 

An average of about 100 species of migratory birds arrive in the state annually between November and January, with more than 30 species found as of early December this year. 

“Many bird species have become scarce in Arakan State due to the loss of habitat and climate change. The arrival of migratory birds to Arakan State is decreasing year by year,” said an official from the environmental conservation group. 

Migratory species temporarily make their way to the Arakan coast and river islands for the cold season, from November to January, typically returning to more northern, cooler climes thereafter. 

 U Hla Tun, director of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, said climate change is affecting migration patterns. 

“The environment is being destroyed as more and more factories are being built and trees are being cut down. As carbon dioxide gas increases in the air, the world warms, so the weather changes,” he explained. 

U Hla Tun said it is necessary to carry out environmental conservation activities to mitigate climate change. 

Arakan State’s Nanthar Island, home to dozens of globally endangered species located between Sittwe and Rathedaung townships, was designated as a marine national park earlier this year, and covers 8,916 acres. 

About 10 species of spoon-billed sandpipers are found on Nanthar Island, but some species have not been seen much, or not at all, this year. Environmentalists say some are facing extinction. Spoon-billed sandpipers, white-naped cranes, Indian skimmers and other migratory birds are threatened by poaching in Arakan State. 

Environmentalists have urged local residents to help prevent the killing of bird species on Nanthar Island. 

“The area of Nanthar Island is too large, so we cannot catch bird poachers. At night, we patrol regularly. If we see bird poachers, we will educate them not to kill the birds. However, birds are captured by bird poachers at night,” said environmental conservationist U Yan Naung Soe. 

Environmental conservationists have criticised the lack of government involvement in efforts to conserve and protect Nanthar Island’s wildlife.