Context (TNIE): There are sightings of ‘black’ oil-drenched pelicans and painted storks in Chennai.
Oil Spill in Chennai: In the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, the oil-mixed floodwater from Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) refinery has entered the wetlands and rivers.
Cyclone Michaung: It is a super-cyclonic storm that has made landfall at Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. This tropical cyclone over the Bay of Bengal was named Michaung by Myanmar.
Spot-Billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis)
Spot-billed pelican or Grey pelican is a large water bird.
Distribution: Indian subcontinent and SE Asia.
Habitat: a variety of wetlands, both freshwater andsaline. It breeds colonially in Acacia bushes.
Threats:Habitat loss, hunting, invasive species and diseases.