A total of 15,933 birds of 52 specieshavc been spotted in Cox's Bazar, according to a census of aquatic birds.

Nature conservation and research organisation 'Marine Life Alliance' conducted the census at Sonadia, Maheshkhali, sea beaches at Cox's Bazar and Teknaf, Shah Parir Dwip and on the bank of the Naf River in Bangladesh side from January 27 to 30.

Organisation Director Zahirul Islam said of the 52 species, 37 are migratory birds. About 11,878 birds were found at Sonadia and Maheshkhali Two globally endangered species -- spoon-billed sandpiper and Nordmann’s greenshank -- were also spotted in Sonadia.

The current population of spoon-billed sandpiper in the world is less than 800, of which eight were spotted there, said Zahirul.

Students of Zoology Department of Jahangirnagar and Jagannath universities and Bird Club members Samiul Mohsanin and Mohammad Faisal, among others, conducted the census.

They said birds are losing their habitats because of indiscriminate use of water bodies and setting up of huge structures in an unplanned way. The shrimp enclosures at Sonadia and Maheshkhali are also causing severe damage to their natural habitats.

Moreover, shrimp enclosures have been built along the forest near the Naf River in Teknaf, posing a serious threat to their habitats.

The habitats include marshlands at Alokardia and adjacent sandy beaches, Belekardia in Sonadia, Taziakatarchar and Paikdia in Maheshkhali.

Besides, Badar Mokam in Shah Parir Dwip is also considered as a very important bird habitat. Spoon-billed sandpipers had earlier been spotted in the area, according to surveys conducted in 2006 and 2007.

Zahirul Islam said the area of census falls under the East Asian Australian Flyway of migratory birds. The migratory birds come to these natural habitats travelling thousands of miles.

If the proposed deep-sea port is built at Sonadia island, the bird habitats might be lost forever, he added.