World Migratory Bird Day

by Nilma Dole

[email protected]
 

This weekend marks the World Migratory Bird Day that will revolve around a theme called ‘Migratory Birds - Ambassadors for Biodiversity’.

In Sri Lanka, the Field Ornithologists Association (FOGSL) have planned bird watching excursions even though it is not particularly the migration season. Professor S. Kotagama of FOGSL highlighted “We are at the end of the Asian region for the migration of birds before the Arctic circle so this makes Sri Lanka an important migration spot”.

The Professor mentioned that more protection should be given to the wetlands and habitats in order to help the migratory bird species on their way.Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation W.A.D.A. Wijesooriya said “Under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance, we have laws to protect the migratory species of birds in the three wetlands namely the Bundala, Anawilundawa and the Madu ganga”.

In order to better understand the species, they authorise permits for researchers to study them. He emphasized that the International Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) set up by the United Nations Environmental Programme was also signed by Sri Lanka to protect the migration of birds.