India’s First Coastal and Wader Bird Census in Jamnagar, Gujarat

From January 3 to 5, 2025, Gujarat’s Jamnagar district hosted India’s inaugural census of coastal and wader birds. This significant event aimed to enhance understanding of bird populations and their habitats along the state’s coastline.

Event Overview

The census was conducted at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar, India’s first designated marine national park. Spanning approximately 170 km of coastline from Okha to Navlakhi, the park encompasses 42 islands and is situated in the Gulf of Kutch. This region is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and mangrove ecosystems.

Participation and Activities

The three-day program involved over 100 bird watchers, including experts and researchers from across India. Activities included expert lectures, bird-counting sessions, and knowledge-sharing events. The census covered 25 to 30 wetland areas, such as Narara, Khijadiya, Mulvel, Poshitra, and Charakala, encompassing both protected and unprotected zones.

Significance of the Region

Jamnagar is home to over 300 bird species, including rare wader birds like the Crab Plover and the Great Knot. The Marine National Park lies along the Central Asian Flyway, a critical migratory route for birds extending from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean. This flyway serves as essential breeding and wintering grounds, contributing to global bird diversity.

Conservation Efforts

The Gujarat government’s initiative to conduct this census reflects a commitment to bird conservation. By gathering data on bird populations, habitats, and migration patterns, the census aims to inform effective conservation strategies and ensure the sustainable preservation of avian biodiversity in the region.

Summary of the news