Three-day bird survey from February 22

INDORE: Being the hot spot for migratory and resident birds due to presence of Gandhi Sagar dam, Gandhi Sagar

wildlife

sanctuary on northern edges of Mandsaur and Neemuch would soon come up as a birding spot in the region for bird watchers and ornithologists.

To officially gather a record of birds in the region, forest department is organising a

bird survey

for first time. Entries have been invited from participants, who can identify birds easily. The

survey

will be carried out between February 22 and 24 and participants will be invited to stay at the sanctuary. The forest department has recently carried out bird survey in many wildlife sanctuaries, including Kheoni wildlife sanctuary of

Dewas

to collect data of birds.

The survey will help the sanctuary in assessing ecological balance of the region since birds are an indicator of the balance. The sanctuary, which is adjacent to Gandhi Sagar dam, also has a large vulture population. They will also be assessed through a vulture survey, which will be carried out in state on January 12.

“We are initiating many projects at the

Gandhi Sagar sanctuary

, which could also help in ecotourism. Among wildlife, the region has a large population of blue bulls, Indian gazelle and sambars. Carnivores and omnivores- leopard, Indian wild dog, hyena, jackal and fox are also abundantly seen in the region. While we have carried out the vulture survey earlier as well, an overall bird survey had not been carried out before,” Mandsaur DFO Mayank Chandiwal said.

The participants for the bird survey have been asked to bring their binoculars and cameras are optional. The last date of sending applications is January 31.


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