Survey of birds of prey: For the first time, 27 national parks in Gujarat will be surveying migratory birds of prey in winter

Along with Surendranagar district, there are a total of 23 wildlife sanctuaries and 4 national parks in the state, including Dang, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar. A total of 27 sanctuaries are home to birds of prey from abroad in winter. For the first time, the survey will be conducted in the whole of Gujarat. On January 24 and 25, a team of more than 180 ornithologists will conduct a survey of the sanctuary area to gather information about the bird of prey. Gujarat has been a centre of attraction for exotic birds for decades. A total of 27 places such as Rann of Kutch, Gir National Park, Kaliyar National Udyan, Nalsarovar, Vasda National Park, Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary etc. attract a large number of exotic predatory birds in Gujarat, especially during winters. But not much is known about these birds so far. For this, for the first time in Gujarat, a two-day survey will be conducted. A team of 180 bird experts led by renowned bird expert Dr Vibhu Prakash and Dr Bakul Trivedi, president of the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat, will join the survey in collaboration with Rapror Network India along with the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat. The team conducted a two-day survey in 27 different sanctuaries to assess the number of birds of prey, their daily routine, when they come and when they go. They will get details of how many days they stay in Gujarat, their food and when they will return. After the survey, details including the number of exotic birds of prey will be known So far, there is no comprehensive and reliable scientific information available on birds of prey in Gujarat. Many birds of prey come to Gujarat in winter from areas like Russia, Europe and Africa, but there was a lack of precise information about their numbers, distribution and important habitats. An attempt will be made to fill this gap through this survey and their numbers will also be recorded.