In the wake of the death of an adult spot-billed pelican at Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry, near Maddur, in the district, the Forest Department has said that it will intensify surveillance to monitor the behaviour of birds.
The migratory bird, which was found exhausted recently, died following suspected verminous petechial haemorrhage on Tuesday. According to official sources, at least two more birds have been showing symptoms of the same illness after they fell from trees at Kokkare Bellur.
“We have been closely watching the birds along with personnel of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. We have stocks of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines to prevent a possible spread of verminous petechial haemorrhage,” a forest officer said. An investigation will be conducted to identify the cause of the bird’s death, he added.
The pelicanry on the banks of the Shimsha river near Maddur has been attracting pelicans and painted storks for the past several decades. The birds nest on trees and houses in the village as the locals encourage the breeding of migratory birds. They get compensation from the government for not cropping tree branches and disturbing the birds.
