Indian Skimmer
Context:
The Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) has been in the news due to its declining population and recent uplisting to Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has been actively monitoring the species
They are monitoring particularly in the National Chambal Sanctuary to understand its breeding challenges.
The National Chambal Sanctuary is a critical habitat where BNHS has recorded over 30 nesting locations.
About Indian Skimmer:
It was uplisted to Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to substantial population decline.
Historically distributed across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Currently it is confined to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.
It is considered extinct in Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
India is now the primary stronghold, serving as the species' almost exclusive breeding ground (There is only occasional breeding in Bangladesh)
Thespecies is strictly associated with riverine habitats, particularly large, sandy rivers where it nests on sandbanks.
Threats:
There is the degradation of riverine ecosystems and loss of nesting sandbanks.
Damming of rivers and compromised flow regimes affect water levels crucial for nesting.
Low nesting success rates due to predation and human disturbance.