Paschim Medinipur abuzz after sighting of endangered migrant – GetBengal story
The Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris), a rare and globally endangered migratory bird, was recently sighted on the sea beach of Digha, Paschim Medinipur district. Since this species is rarely seen in India, the discovery has excited ornithologists and bird enthusiasts.
The sighting was confirmed by Dr. Suman Pratihar, professor of zoology at Keshpur College and expert member of the Paschim Medinipur District Biodiversity Conservation Committee. While conducting a migratory bird survey around Birampur and Baguran sea beach, he noticed the bird among flocks of other wetland species. According to Dr. Pratihar, this is a remarkable find in the field of biodiversity, as the Great Knot is listed as an endangered species globally and its population is rapidly declining.
The Great Knot breeds in the tundra regions of northeastern Siberia and undertakes one of the most extraordinary migratory journeys in the bird world. Each year, it travels thousands of kilometres across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and occasionally along the Indian coast before reaching its wintering grounds.
During this arduous journey, the birds often fly in large flocks up to 9,000 kilometres. India is not their usual destination, but they sometimes arrive here while passing through the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
The Great Knot is a medium-sized shorebird. It is identified by its black-streaked white underparts and slightly curved bill. These birds survive primarily on mollusks, crustaceans, and small invertebrates that they harvest from wet sand and shallow waters on mudflats.
The Baguran sea beach is already known for their rich biodiversity. Species such as the glossy ibis, painted stork, and purple heron are regular visitors. The appearance of the Great Knot highlights the ecological importance of this habitat as a stopover site for long-distance migrants.
Dr. Pratihar emphasized that the wetlands provide crucial resting and feeding grounds for migratory species travelling thousands of kilometres. The presence of the Great Knot proves once again that Seket is a vital haven for threatened bird species.
The Great Knot is facing severe threats to its survival. Across East and Southeast Asia, vast coastal mudflats are disappearing due to land reclamation, aquaculture, and urban expansion. As a result, its global population has been shrinking rapidly.
In recent years, sightings in India have been extremely rare. The bird was last recorded in West Bengal at Fraserganj. Its scientific name, Calidris tenuirostris, is well-known among bird researchers, but only a fortunate few have been able to observe it in the wild.
The sighting of the Great Knot on the Digha sea beach is both a moment of pride and a call for stronger wetland conservation measures. Protecting habitats like Baguran sea beach is not only important for local biodiversity but also crucial for safeguarding international migratory species that depend on these stopovers for survival.
