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Gaga Sanctuary: Gujarat's Avian Hotspot Booms
16 Jun
Summary
- Gaga Bird Sanctuary recorded 65,000 birds of 202 species.
- This count shows a significant increase from the previous census.
- Habitat improvements are credited for the sanctuary's success.
Gaga Bird Sanctuary, a modest 3.3 sq km area in Gujarat's Devbhumi Dwarka district, is emerging as a crucial avian habitat. The most recent bird census, conducted in 2025-26, revealed an impressive 65,000 birds from 202 species, a substantial rise from the 50,000 birds recorded in the 2024-25 census. This growth solidifies its role as a vital wintering ground and stopover point along the Central Asian Flyway.
The sanctuary's ecological resilience is attributed to recent habitat improvement measures. These included removing invasive Prosopis juliflora, desilting wetlands, and creating elevated sites for nesting and roosting. The Forest Department is now proposing further initiatives like protection chowkies, watchtowers, and soil conservation works to sustain wetland habitats.
Officials are optimistic that these efforts will safeguard resident birds and continue to attract migratory species. The success of the census reinforces Gaga Bird Sanctuary's significance for biodiversity conservation, research, and eco-tourism in Gujarat. Plans are underway to develop it into a nature education centre for students.
