Rajasthan's Key Bird Habitats Included in Global Steppe Eagle Conservation Initiative
Two crucial bird habitats in Rajasthan—the Jorbeer Conservation Reserve near Bikaner and the Desert National Park near Jaisalmer—have been officially incorporated into the Global Action Plan for Conservation of the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) for the period 2026–2035. This represents a significant international effort focused on safeguarding the endangered migratory raptor across its range.
International Framework and Scope
The conservation plan has received formal approval under the framework of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), which is an environmental treaty operating under the auspices of the United Nations. These Rajasthan sites are among 13 specific locations identified across India that are integral to the species' survival.
Dau Lal Bohra, who participated in the action plan meeting held in Astana, Kazakhstan, provided insights into the collaborative nature of the initiative. "Through CMS, countries that share migratory routes work together on comprehensive research, systematic monitoring, and robust habitat protection measures. This ensures that species traveling across continents receive coordinated and effective conservation support," Bohra explained.
Decade-Long Strategy and Participation
The decade-long action plan was originally formulated in 2025 with the active participation of 62 countries situated along the Central Asian Flyway. This flyway serves as the major migratory corridor utilized by Steppe Eagles during their extensive journeys. The initiative's core objectives include:
- Reducing anthropogenic and environmental threats to the species
- Improving habitat protection and management practices
- Strengthening monitoring and research efforts across the entire migratory range
Rajasthan's Role as a Critical Wintering Ground
Within India, Rajasthan has been identified as one of the principal wintering grounds for the Steppe Eagle. An ornithologist familiar with the region highlighted the growing importance of Jorbeer in particular. "Jorbeer, long renowned as one of South Asia's largest congregation sites for vultures, has recently emerged as a key wintering ground for Steppe Eagles as well. During the most recent comprehensive winter survey, more than 2,200 individual Steppe Eagles were recorded at the site," the expert noted.
The inclusion of these Rajasthan habitats in the global action plan underscores their ecological significance and represents a coordinated step toward ensuring the long-term survival of the Steppe Eagle, whose populations face various pressures across its migratory route.
