Survey records 17 active White-bellied Sea Eagle nests in Kannur, Kasaragod

The annual nest monitoring survey of White-bellied Sea Eagle recorded 17 active nesting sites in Kannur and Kasaragod districts this season; This marks a modest increase compared to the 13 nests documented in 2024.

The survey, jointly conducted by Malabar Wildlife Awareness and Rescue Center (MARC) and Kannur and Kasaragod Social Forestry Departments, was conducted by MARC’s Dr. It was led by Roshnath Ramesh, Rajeevan M., assistant conservator of forests, Kannur Social Forestry Division, and Jose Mathew, assistant conservator of forests, Kasaragod Social Forestry Division.

Despite the improvement, officials said the current figure remains below historical levels. Records in 1996 showed 25 active nesting sites, indicating that the population had not yet fully recovered.

Dr. Ramesh said that out of the 17 districts identified this year, 10 are in Kasaragod district and 7 in Kannur. In Kasaragod, all nests were classified as old, while in Kannur, four nests were recorded as new and three as old.

About 70% of the nests in Kasaragod were found in temple compounds. In contrast, nests in Kannur were spread across public lands, private properties and coastal areas. Interestingly, for the first time, a nest was found on a telephone tower in Kattampally, reflecting the species’ ability to adapt to changing landscapes.

The research found that eagles prefer large, mature trees for nesting. These included Ficus religiosa (4 nests), Mangifera indica (6), Alstonia Scholaris (2) and Casuarina species (3).

The findings underline the importance of protecting tall trees in coastal and residential areas. The fact that many nests are found in temple buildings and other settlements suggests that the species can coexist with humans if nesting trees are protected and disturbances are minimized.

He said the white-bellied sea eagle usually breeds between January and March. The species breeds in the same nest each year and renews the nest before the season.

Ramesh said they mostly build their nests on tall trees cut down by humans. The only way to protect the species is to protect the trees in which it nests.

As a top predator of coastal ecosystems, the White-bellied Sea Eagle is considered an indicator of marine and coastal environmental health. In Kerala, it is known to nest only in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The research team appealed to the public to report additional nesting sites to the Forest department, or MARC, to assist in ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts.