Rare Indian Skimmer faces extinction as rising pollution and illegal sand mining destroy its habitat

The Indian Skimmer, a fresh water bird whose colonies are now confined to the banks of the Chambal river, is facing the threat of extinction because of rising pollution, illegal sand mining and encroachment on its habitat. 

The colourful bird, with a black cap and orange bill, was once widely found in major rivers and estuaries. But it is now mainly seen in and around the National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. 

Experts say the Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) may soon become extinct if corrective measures are not taken immediately. It has already been categorised as vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list.

A decade ago, these birds could be seen in colonies of hundreds of breeding birds on the banks and islands of the Chambal, but now their numbers have reduced drastically, according to Rajpal Singh, a member of the state board for wildlife, and Tejvir Singh of NGO Tanuj Trust who illegal sand mining on the banks of the Chambal is driving the rare bird away. 

"At one time where more than 500 pairs could be seen breeding, only eight to 10 breeding pairs were found on a stretch of 30km in Dholpur, including four in Rajghat area," they pointed out.

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