In a landmark initiative for wildlife conservation, Gujarat is set to conduct its first-ever comprehensive survey dedicated to 'birds of prey' or raptors. The two-day exercise is scheduled for January 24 and 25, 2026, and will span all 26 Protected Areas (PAs) across the state.
Filling a Critical Knowledge Gap
Spearheaded by the Birds Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG) in collaboration with the State Forest Department and Raptor Network India, the survey addresses a significant void in ecological data. Devvratsinh Mori, an ornithologist at Ahmedabad University and a lead organiser, emphasised the lack of a baseline study. "A number of raptor species come to Gujarat in the winter season from places such as Russia, Africa, Europe etc. But there is no authentic document available on the exact number of species, their numbers, distribution, abundance," Mori stated. He is also a member of the Gujarat State Board for Wildlife (GSBWL).
The principal organisers also include renowned raptor expert Vibhu Prakash. The initiative, planned as a long-term project, will see its scope expanded to a statewide survey next year.
Scientific Methodology and Execution
Preparations for this pioneering count have been underway for the past six months. A team of 180 persons, divided into groups of 2-4 members each, will execute the survey using a scientific protocol.
The survey will follow a structured two-day process:
- Day 1 (January 24 evening): Teams will visit pre-identified roosting sites within the protected areas to conduct initial counts.
- Day 2 (January 25): Survey teams will follow defined road transects to record raptor sightings and details systematically.
Prior to the field exercise, workshops will be held to train all participants, ensuring uniformity and accuracy in data collection.
Expected Outcomes and Significance
The survey is expected to yield the first estimated number of resident and migratory raptor species in Gujarat. Its broader outcomes are projected to include:
- A baseline map of raptor distribution across the state.
- Identification of Important Raptor Areas (IRAs).
- Pinpointing gaps in current conservation efforts.
- Enhancing public engagement and awareness about raptor protection.
Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of the Gujarat Forest Department, endorsed the survey's significance. "No comprehensive survey has ever been done (on raptors in Gujarat). So, it will definitely be a good initiative. We will come to know about different species, their interaction, areas of their concentration etc in the state," he said.
This foundational study marks a crucial step towards informed conservation strategies for these apex avian predators, whose health is often a key indicator of the overall ecosystem's wellbeing.
