Two bird habitats in Raj in global Steppe Eagle plan

Jaipur: Two important bird habitats in Rajasthan—Jorbeer Conservation Reserve near Bikaner and Desert National Park near Jaisalmer— have been included in the Global Action Plan for Conservation of the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) for 2026–2035, a major international initiative aimed at protecting the endangered migratory raptor.These sites are among 13 locations identified across India. The plan has been approved under the framework of Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the United Nations.Dau Lal Bohra, who attended the action plan meeting held in Astana, Kazakhstan, said, "Through CMS, countries sharing migratory routes work together on research, monitoring and habitat protection so that species travelling across continents receive coordinated conservation support." The decade-long action plan was formulated in 2025 with participation of 62 countries along the Central Asian Flyway, the major migratory corridor used by Steppe Eagles. The initiative focuses on reducing threats, improving habitat protection, and strengthening monitoring of the species across its migratory range.Within India, Rajasthan serves as one of the principal wintering grounds for the species. An ornithologist said, "Jorbeer, long known as one of South Asia's largest congregation sites for vultures, has recently emerged as a key wintering ground for Steppe Eagles as well. During the most recent winter survey, more than 2,200 individuals were recorded at the site."