Playing a new tune, 4 tiger reserves go for bird survey
Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Maharashtra has already announced the schedule of the three-day survey from January 13 to 15.
Nagpur: In a wildlife park dominated by tigers, four tiger reserves focus on studying bird diversity and their habitats with public participation. Similar surveys have already been done in Panna, Satpura, Pench (MP), and Kanha Tiger Reserves.
Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Maharashtra has already announced the schedule of the three-day survey from January 13 to 15. “This will be the first time such a detailed survey will be conducted across the seven ranges of the park with the help of 100 volunteers,” says Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director, Pench.
Tiger reserve officials told TOI there was no direction from top officials to conduct bird surveys absolutely compulsorily. Nevertheless, they are working on updating the existing checklist and expanding the list of birds.
Bor Deputy Conservator (DyCF) Pramod Panchbhai also said, “Bird survey is already underway in Bor Tiger Reserve with the participation of experts from the Central India Bird Academy (CIBA). They’ve been doing it for all three seasons.
Melghat Tiger Reserve is also practicing from 26 to 29 January
The Navegaon-Nagjira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) is charging around Rs 2,000 from each volunteer who is selected for the survey to be held from January 20 to 23. The park is collaborating with eBird and Bird Count India, a partnership of various organizations and groups working to increase knowledge about birds.
“We have received 67 applications so far, but only 100 genuine birders will be allowed. This would be the first bird survey conducted at Koka, Nagzira, Navegaon Bandh, and New Nagzira. We are taking money from the volunteers to meet their food and souvenir expenses.” NNTR Deputy Director Pawan Jeff said.
Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) is also practicing from 26 to 29 January. The last date of registration for this is the date of 6th January. Selected participants will have to reach Shahnoor Ecotourism Complex, Akot.
Melghat Tiger Reserve officials have also said that the primary objective behind conducting the survey is to study the diversity of birds in different habitats of MTR. This will help in establishing the most prominent hotspots for further study with a scientific approach. Participants will have to walk around 10-15 km a day. Preference will also be given to those having expertise in bird species identification.
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