A White-bellied Sea Eagle at its nesting web site in Kannur.
| Picture Credit score: particular association
The annual nest monitoring survey of the White-bellied Sea Eagle recorded 17 lively nesting websites in Kannur and Kasaragod districts throughout this season, indicating a modest enhance from the 13 websites documented in 2024.
The survey, performed collectively by the Malabar Consciousness and Rescue Centre for Wildlife (MARC) and the Social Forestry Divisions of Kannur and Kasaragod, was led by Dr. Roshnath Ramesh of MARC, Rajeevan M., assistant conservator of forests, Kannur Social Forestry Division, and Jose Mathew, assistant conservator of forests, Kasaragod Social Forestry Division.
Regardless of the advance, officers mentioned the present determine remained under historic ranges. Information from 1996 confirmed 25 lively nesting websites, suggesting that the inhabitants has but to completely recuperate.
Dr. Ramesh mentioned that of the 17 websites recognized this 12 months, 10 have been positioned in Kasaragod district and 7 in Kannur. In Kasaragod, all of the nests have been categorised as outdated, whereas in Kannur, 4 nests have been newly recorded and three have been outdated.
Round 70% of the nests in Kasaragod have been discovered inside temple compounds. In distinction, nests in Kannur have been unfold throughout public lands, personal properties, and coastal stretches. Apparently, for the primary time, a nest was discovered on a phone tower at Kattampally, reflecting the species’ adaptability to altering landscapes.
The survey discovered that the eagles most popular massive, mature bushes for nesting. These included Ficus religiosa (4 nests), Mangifera indica (6), Alstonia scholaris (2), and Casuarina species (3).
The findings underline the significance of preserving tall bushes in coastal and inhabited areas. Many nests have been positioned inside temple premises and different populated settings, indicating that the species can coexist with people if nesting bushes are protected and disturbances are minimised.
He mentioned the White-bellied Sea Eagle normally breeds between January and March. The species breeds in the identical nest every year, renovating it earlier than the season.
Dr. Ramesh mentioned they principally assemble their nests in tall bushes, which are sometimes lower down by folks. The one technique to preserve the species is to guard the bushes the place it builds its nests.
The White-bellied Sea Eagle, an apex predator in coastal ecosystems, is taken into account an indicator of marine and coastal environmental well being. In Kerala, it’s identified to nest solely in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
The survey group has appealed to the general public to report any further nesting websites to the Forest division or MARC to assist continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
Revealed – February 15, 2026 07:29 pm IST
