We found a dead Little Cormorant (Microcarbo niger) caught in a fishing net in the backwaters of the Bhadra Dam. Cormorants are fish-eaters, feeding on small eels, fish, and even water snakes. They dive underwater and propel themselves with their feet. Cormorants can dive to depths of upto 45 metres.
Birds like cormorants, as well as other animals like crocodiles, can get entangled in these fishing nets that are cast in rivers and backwaters. The dangers caused by fishing in areas where birds nest and roost cannot be overstated.
Additionally, in areas like the backwaters of dams, these nets get entangled in the dead tree stumps. As the dam waters recede, other birds that use these stumps to roost could also get entangled.
Look at other posts on CI to understand the threat of fishing nets.
CI is a non-profit, non-commercial portal that aims to facilitate wildlife and nature conservation by providing reliable information and the tools needed to campaign effectively.
Chosen as 'Picture of the Week'
Fishing nets, including discarded ones, cause immense harm to wildlife. Crocodiles, otters, turtles and birds like this little cormorant unwittingly get entangled, and are unable to extricate themselves.