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Rare Tagged Bird Travels 1,000 km to Gujarat!
26 Aug
Summary
- A tagged Indian skimmer traveled 1,000 km from Madhya Pradesh to Gujarat.
- The endangered bird, tagged as 45T, was sighted near Nalsarovar.
- This sighting provides crucial data on the species' movements beyond breeding grounds.
A remarkable journey by a tagged Indian skimmer has captured the attention of birders and conservationists in Gujarat. The bird, identified as 45T, completed an impressive 1,000 km migration from Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh, where it was tagged in May this year. It was recently observed in Bhaskarpara, a village near Nalsarovar, amidst a group of about 20 other Indian skimmers.
This sighting is particularly significant as it sheds light on the movements of this endangered species outside its typical lowland breeding grounds around Nalsarovar. Birdwatchers, upon reviewing photographs, identified the unique tag on the bird's leg. The details were subsequently shared with the BNHS Riverine Species Conservation team, confirming the bird's journey and presence in Gujarat between August 3 and August 15.
The Indian skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) is a species that typically inhabits large rivers and wetlands, congregating on sandbars during breeding seasons. Its population has severely declined due to habitat loss and other human-induced factors, with estimates suggesting only 2,450-3,000 mature individuals globally. India hosts the majority of its breeding population.
