Goa's Toyyar Lake Bird Survey Reveals Rich Biodiversity Amid Habitat Concerns
Panaji: The ongoing debate surrounding habitat disruption caused by the Unity Mall project in Chimbel has intensified with the release of recent bird survey data. Villagers and environmental advocates have long argued that this development could severely impact both resident and migratory bird species, potentially reducing biodiversity and fragmenting ecosystems that have remained intact for decades.
Comprehensive Waterbird Count Documents 46 Species
The bird survey conducted in January 2025 at the eco-sensitive Toyyar Lake as part of the All Goa Waterbird Count (AWC) 2025 has provided compelling evidence of the wetland's ecological significance. The comprehensive count documented an impressive 46 distinct species of birds at this relatively small waterbody.
This extensive bird count initiative covered 36 lakes across the state and was organized by the Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) with active participation from local birding enthusiasts and conservationists. During the Toyyar Lake survey, participants covered a distance of 0.68 kilometers around the wetland perimeter, meticulously documenting avian presence and activity.
Significant Findings and Expert Analysis
"Based on the survey, finding 46 birds in such a small lake is not an insignificant matter," emphasized Manjit Gawas, president of GBCN. "It is evidence of the rich biodiversity of the wetland and underscores the importance of preserving such habitats."
The survey revealed several notable aspects of Toyyar Lake's avian population:
- The presence of rock pigeon (columba livia), classified as an exotic species that has established a naturalized, self-sustaining population breeding in the wild without ongoing human intervention
- Documentation of the white-browed bulbul (pycnonotus luteolus), described in the survey as "very common on the plateau"
- Sightings of blyth's reed warbler (acrocephalus dumetorum) and the greater racket-tailed drongo (dicrurus paradiseus), both listed as "heard and seen at different locations" around the lake
Seasonal Refuge for Migratory Species
Among the other significant species recorded during the survey were:
- Spotted dove (spilopelia chinensis)
- Greater coucal (centropus sinensis parroti)
- Asian koel (eudynamys scolopaceus)
- Grey-bellied cuckoo (cacomantis passerinus)
The grey-bellied cuckoo finding is particularly noteworthy as it highlights Toyyar Lake's importance as a seasonal refuge. This small cuckoo, typically found in open forests, is known for its distinctive high-pitched call and migratory behavior, suggesting the wetland serves as a crucial stopover point for migratory species.
Ongoing Conservation Efforts and Future Surveys
The Unity Mall project in Chimbel has triggered widespread opposition from local residents and environmental groups who warn that development could irreversibly damage the fragile ecosystem documented in these surveys. The contrast between the documented biodiversity and development pressures has created a significant environmental debate in the region.
GBCN is currently carrying out the All Goa Waterbird Count (AWC) 2026, with the bird survey for Toyyar Lake expected to be conducted in the first week of February. This ongoing monitoring will provide crucial comparative data to assess any changes in avian populations and habitat conditions over time.
The comprehensive documentation of Toyyar Lake's biodiversity through these systematic surveys provides valuable baseline data for conservation planning and environmental impact assessments, highlighting the delicate balance between development and ecological preservation in Goa's sensitive wetland ecosystems.
