Non-breeding Ecology of Indian Skimmers at Nijhum Dweep National Park (Bangladesh)

Since 2015, this project focused on the non-breeding ecology of the globally endangered Indian Skimmer at Nijhum Dweep National Park and adjacent coastal areas of Bangladesh. Regular monitoring has been conducted to assess population size, distribution, seasonal trends, foraging behavior, and habitat use, establishing the site as the largest known wintering ground for the species (Das et al. 2022). In addition, major threats including fishing pressure, human disturbance, and habitat degradation have been documented through field observations and interviews. This long-term effort contributes valuable baseline data on one of the most threatened waterbird species in South Asia, while also highlighting conservation priorities for securing its non-breeding habitats in Bangladesh.

Das, D.K., Khandakar, N., Sultana, I., Samsuddoha, M., Galib, A.J., Akhtar, F. and Piersma, T. 2022. Population Size, Behaviour and Threats to Indian Skimmer at the largest known wintering site. Waterbirds 44 (3): 382-388.

https://doi.org/10.1675/063.044.0314

Das, D.K., Galib, A.J., Khandakar, N. and Rohman, H. 2020. Activity-budget of wintering Indian Skimmer Rhynchops albicollis at Domar Char, Hatiya, Bangladesh. Marine Ornithology 48 (1): 119-123.

http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1355