Satkosia wildlife sanctuary

• Recently, Satkosia wildlife sanctuary witnessed breeding of Indian Skimmer for the first time.

About Satkosia wildlife sanctuary

• It is located around Satkosia gorge of Mahanadi river and is spread over Angul, Cuttack, Boudh and Nayagarh districts in Odisha.
• Flora: Tropical moist deciduous Forests and Moist peninsular low level sal.
• It is known for Gharials, Mugger crocodile, rare freshwater turtles like Chitra indica and Indian softshell turtle, Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, bison, wild dog, sloth bear etc.

About Indian skimmer

• Another common name for Indian skimmers is Indian scissors bill.
• They are more widespread in winter; the Indian skimmer is found in the coastal estuaries of western and eastern India.
• The species can be sighted near the Chambal River in Central India, in few parts of Odisha and in Andhra Pradesh.
• Threats include habitat degradation, excessive and widespread increases in disturbances near the rivers.
• IUCN Red List Status: Endangered