Migratory bird numbers have surged in recent years. Thol Bird Sanctuary saw an increase from 31,380 birds in 2010 to over 1.11 lakh in 2024, while Nal Sarovar’s count rose from 1.31 lakh to 3.62 lakh in the same period. This reflects a 355% and 276% rise in migratory populations at Thol and Nal Sarovar, respectively. Meanwhile, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary now hosts over 1.50 lakh birds, further strengthening Gujarat’s role in avian conservation.Playing a pivotal role in the state’s Ramsar sites, Nal Sarovar and Khijdia recorded 228 and 200 bird species, respectively, during the latest census. The winter season brings Barrel-Headed Swans from the Himalayas, while Jamnagar’s climate attracts marsh flamingos, pelicans, and cranes. Along Gujarat’s coastline, the thriving mangrove ecosystem fosters biodiversity, supporting both resident and migratory birds.The Gujarat Forest Department monitors bird diversity through the eBird platform, collaborating with NGOs, universities, and ornithologists. A survey based on 398 eBird checklists identified over 300 species, including 13 near-threatened, four endangered, seven vulnerable, and one critically endangered species across key districts like Banaskantha, Jamnagar, Kutch, Ahmedabad, Porbandar, Surat, and Devbhoomi Dwarka.
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