Coastline-Waders Bird Census

GS 3 – Environment

Why in news: India is set to conduct its first-ever Coastline-Waders Bird Census in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district from January 3 to 5, 2025.

Location: The census will take place in the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary, India’s first designated marine national park, covering approximately 170 km of coastline and 42 islands between Okha and Navlakhi.

• Organizers: This initiative is a collaboration between the Gujarat Forest Department and the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG).
• Participants: Around 100 bird watchers from Gujarat and other parts of the country are expected to participate in the census.
• Objective: The primary aim is to gather data on the population and diversity of coastal and wader bird species in the region, which is home to approximately 300 species of resident and migratory birds.

Significance:

This census marks a significant step in avian conservation efforts in India, providing valuable insights into the health of coastal ecosystems and aiding in the formulation of effective conservation strategies.