South 24 Parganas, 19 September (H.S.): Seven Lesser Whistling Ducks were rescued from a pond near Bali Market in Gosaba on Saturday morning.

According to local residents, two adult Lesser Whistling Ducks were spotted floating in the pond along with their young ones. After noticing the birds, villagers immediately informed the Forest Department.

Forest officials soon reached the spot and rescued a total of seven Lesser Whistling Ducks, including the young birds.

Forest Department officials said that the Lesser Whistling Duck is found in India as well as in various parts of South and Southeast Asia. The species generally inhabits wetlands and other water bodies.

The rescued birds will undergo health examinations, following which they will be released at a safe location in the Sundarbans, the Forest Department said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey