Kolkata, Oct. 31 (ANI): Scanty rainfall in Aurangabad, Maharashtra is affecting birds who have migrated to the area.

The Salim Ali Lake in Aurangabad has remained an alternative habitat for migratory birds during the winter season.

However, most water bodies in the region are reportedly dry due to poor rainfall.

“The birds migrate to this region mainly to eat during the winter season. But, due to scanty rainfall, migratory birds are not able to get proper food from the lake. The water in the ponds has dried up, and birds are affected to a large extent. The lake is the main source of food like algae and other seaweeds for these birds,” claimed Dilip Yardi, a researcher.

Every year, around 64,000 birds migrate to the area during the winter.

Some of the birds visiting the region are the golden duck, pintail, pochard and the common pochard.

Yardi said a well-structured plan has been introduced to enlarge the surface area of the lake and increase the water level to attract the birds.

“The effects of the global warming and the climate change will affect the population of the birds. The bird is a kind of species, which reflects the change in climate the most. Under this effect one can see different changes in them; at first they will leave the place if they feel a change in climate in the region,” he said. (ANI)