Gujarat’s Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar will host a comprehensive census of coastal and wader birds from January 3 to 5. The three-day event, organised by the Forest Department in collaboration with the Bird Conservation Society Gujarat (BCSG), aims to gather crucial data on bird populations and promote conservation efforts.
The census will begin with expert-led sessions on forest and wildlife conservation on the first day, followed by bird counting on the second day. The event will conclude with a knowledge-sharing session and a closing ceremony on the final day.
India’s first marine national park, the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary, spans three districts of Gujarat—Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar and Morbi. The protected area stretches along a 170-kilometre coastline from Okha to Navlakhi and encompasses 42 islands.
Located along the Central Asian Flyway, the region is a vital stopover for migratory birds travelling from Siberian breeding grounds to wintering areas in Southwest Asia, the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory. This unique geographical positioning makes the area rich in avian biodiversity.
The initiative seeks to identify resident and migratory bird species, estimate their populations and assess their habitat conditions. Scientific bird population estimates will aid in developing conservation strategies and identifying new bird habitats.
The census will also provide insights into species presence, population density, migration timing and breeding patterns. Such data is crucial for the effective preservation of bird species and their habitats.
Jamnagar attracts millions of birds annually, thanks to its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, reservoirs and salt pans. Over 300 species of local and migratory birds have been recorded in the region, including more than 50 species of wader birds.
Rare birds such as the ‘Crab Plover’ and ‘Great Knot’ are found in abundance in Jamnagar, making the area a hotspot for birdwatchers, researchers and tourists. Locations such as Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary and Narara Marine National Park are particularly popular.
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