Mumbai: Bird survey begins in SGNP to get information on species

The team that participated in the first survey for bird count in SGNP in February. Pic/Raju Kasambe

In order to get proper information on the species of birds found in SGNP, the park authorities, along with BNHS, have started a bird survey which will conduct long-term monitoring of bird populations in the SGNP. Bird experts, along with volunteers, will conduct the survey every month and this will help in preparing a database of the native and migratory birds that are seen in the park.

It may be noted that Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai (SGNP) signed an MoU on February 16, 2021, for starting a long-term monitoring of bird populations in SGNP.

Talking to mid-day, SGNP Field Director and Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) G Mallikarjuna, said, "We want to monitor the bird population in SGNP and Tungareshwar wildlife sanctuary and a MoU signed for the same has been signed with BNHS. We want to prepare a database of the bird species spotted in SGNP and TWS and this project will give us important information about the same which can be helpful in planning conservation strategies."

A similar Bird Diversity of SGNP survey was done in 2014-2015, during which 194 species of birds were recorded from SGNP, including four rare species like Eastern Imperial Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Forest Wagtail and Malabar Grey Hornbill.

Assistant Director , Education Programme of BNHS , Raju Kasambe, said, "On February 16, we did our first bird survey in SGNP and more than 70 people including BNHS scientists, bird experts, BNHS member volunteers and Forest Department staff participated in the programme."

The monitoring was conducted on ten transects or trails inside SGNP which includes Kanheri to PhansachaPaani, Jambhul Maal (highest point),Shilonda Trail, Haathi Gate to Culvert 20, Culvert 20 to Tulshi Dam, Tulshi Dam to Tulshi Gate and Thakurpada to Bhoot Bangla.

In Tungareshwar wildlife sanctuary, also a similar survey will be undertaken. During the survey, one forest guard accompanied each expert from previous bird count teams (led by Dr Parvish Pandya, Saurabh Sawant and Ms Dipti Humraskar) and a BNHS bird expert led the teams.

"Each transect was divided into eight parts of 15 minutes' walk each and eight checklists were submitted on the eBird website for compilation of data," added Kasambe.