Conservationists urge protection after ‘Pelicans Paradise’ found near Nalgonda
HYDERABAD: In a remarkable breakthrough for bird lovers, conservationists from Telangana have uncovered a hidden seasonal haven teeming with hundreds of pelicans and waterbirds near Nalgonda. Nicknamed “The Pelicans Paradise,” this vibrant lake now boasts the largest gathering of pelicans ever seen in Telangana, sparking talks with forest officials about securing its future as a protected sanctuary.
According to Chinnaboina Pradeep Kumar, who recently directed Indian Fox- Fighting Habitat Loss, the first Telugu wildlife documentary from Telangana, findings from June 2021 show the area hosts an estimated 500-600 Spot-billed Pelicans, over 20 Flamingos, and more than 140 bird species. Other notable counts include over 100 River Terns, hundreds of Asian Openbills, Painted Storks, and Black-capped Night Herons.
Speaking to HyderabadMail, Chinnaboina Pradeep Kumar, a local conservationist with the VWOLFS Foundation, discovered this avian spectacle,“The Pelicans Paradise,” during the quiet days of the COVID-19 lockdown. He noticed that pelicans have returned to this lake for nearly 15 years, missing only one season when the waters rose unusually high. The VWOLFS Foundation champions wildlife conservation, striving to protect the last wild refuges beyond official reserves.
The discovery was promptly reported to the Telangana Forest Department in 2021. “The then-District Forest Officer (DFO) dispatched officials to the site for a preliminary assessment. The local team plans to re-engage with the current, proactive DFO in February to formally propose a detailed survey and documentation project. The ultimate goal is to secure the area’s designation as a protected Bird Sanctuary, safeguarding it from man-made threats and disturbances,” said Pradeep.
‘Pelicans Paradise’ near Nalgonda
“Kindly understand that there are Pelicans roosting and any indiscriminate and irresponsible trespassing at this place would disturb the habitat,” stated Wild Telangana, an NGO dedicated to the conservation of wildlife in Telangana in a public appeal through social media. They have specifically requested that birdwatchers and photographers avoid the site until official surveys are completed to ensure accurate ecological findings.
This discovery is part of a broader project by the VWOLFS Foundation to document the biodiversity of Nalgonda’s wetlands and lakes. The project includes native fish species, birds, mammals, and other fauna. The foundation has also documented Indian wolves at several points in the district and recently produced a documentary on the species, which has attracted interest from forest officials.
Successful documentation and a formal proposal could help Telangana gain a new protected area. This would ensure that this natural gift thrives for generations to come, added Pradeep.
