India’s first census of coastal and wader birds began on 3rd January (2025) at the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Key Features of the Bird Census:
- Dates: January 3–5, 2025.
- Location: Covers an estimated 170 km stretch of coastline from Okha to Navlakhi within the Marine National Park and Sanctuary.
- Organizers: Jointly conducted by the State Forest Department and the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG).
- Schedule:
- Day 1: Expert talks by specialists.
- Day 2: Bird counting activities.
- Day 3: Knowledge-sharing sessions and a closing ceremony.
About the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary, Jamnagar:
- Significance:
- It is India’s first Marine Wildlife Sanctuary and first Marine National Park created in the Gulf of Kutch in 1980 and 1982, respectively.
- Established to protect marine biodiversity and mangrove ecosystems.
- Unique feature: Visitors can explore marine life on foot during low tide.
- The Marine National Park lies on the Central Asian Flyway, making it a critical site for migratory birds.
- A major migratory route spanning from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean, encompassing parts of Europe and Asia. Includes breeding grounds in Siberia and wintering grounds in South and Southwest Asia.
- Geography:
- Spans Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, and Morbi districts.
- Comprises 42 islands and stretches over 170 km of coastline.
- Biodiversity:
- Home to around 300 species of resident and migratory birds.
- Rich marine ecosystem, including:
- Marine species: Coral reefs, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, porpoises, and octopus.
- Mangrove species: Vital for the region’s ecology.
Wader Birds and Their Importance:
- Definition: Wader birds, or shorebirds, belong to the order Charadriiformes and are commonly found along coastal areas.
- Role:
- Indicator species for coastal and marine ecosystem health.
- Critical links in food webs, consuming invertebrates and supporting biodiversity.
Importance of the Census:
- Biodiversity Monitoring:
- Provides valuable data on bird populations, migratory patterns, and habitat health.
- Helps track the impact of climate change and human activities on avian diversity.
- Conservation Efforts:
- Aids in formulating targeted strategies to protect critical habitats.
- Strengthens awareness about the ecological significance of coastal and wader birds.
- Knowledge Sharing:
- Encourages collaboration between experts, conservationists, and the public.
- Enhances understanding of avian ecology in marine ecosystems.
