Indian Skimmer: Status and Conservation Efforts

Context

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), has launched a conservation initiative to protect the endangered Indian Skimmer and its breeding habitats across the Ganga River Basin.

Species Profile: Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis)

Ecological Description: A specialised riverine bird species known for its unique feeding behaviour of flying low over water and skimming the surface with its elongated lower mandible to catch fish.

Geographical Distribution & Habitat: Occupies large, slow-flowing rivers with exposed sandbars and islands; breeds mainly along the Ganga, Chambal, Yamuna and their tributaries; shifts to coastal areas during the non-breeding season.

Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.

Population Trends: Global population estimated at 3,700–4,400 individuals, with India supporting nearly 90% of the world population.

Identification Features: Bright orange bill with a longer lower mandible; black upperparts and white underparts; colonial nester often sharing sandbars with terns; recognised as an indicator species of healthy riverine ecosystems.

Ecological Importance: Serves as a flagship and indicator species for river health and sediment dynamics; sharp population decline reflects degradation of riverine habitats due to dams, altered flow regimes, sand mining, and human interference.

Source : DH