GPS tagging of raptors begins in Thar for conservation study
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Jaisalmer: Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have begun GPS tagging of raptors in the Thar Desert to study their movement, ecology, and conservation needs. The project, launched in collaboration with the Rajasthan forest department and funded by the Raptor Research and Conservation Foundation, focuses on tracking breeding raptors in Desert National Park (DNP) and nearby areas of Jaisalmer.
Under the ongoing Raptor Ecology Study, a second Tawny Eagle was tagged Friday, becoming the third bird tagged this year. Earlier, one Tawny Eagle and an Egyptian Vulture were tagged. The study, running from April 2025 to July 2027, aims to tag 36 vultures of different species using GPS transmitters fitted with backpack harnesses. The tagging is led by WII director Dr Govind Sagar Bhardwaj and senior scientist Dr Sutirtha Dutta.
WII scientist Varun Kher said this is the first GPS transmitter-based telemetry study on raptors in the Thar. The project targets six major species—Red-headed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Indian Vulture, Tawny Eagle, and Laggar Falcon—to understand movement patterns, breeding behaviour, and threats.
DNP is a critical habitat, hosting eight of the nine vulture species found in India. Real-time GPS data will aid in monitoring seasonal travel, feeding habits, and daily movement. Alongside tagging, researchers are monitoring nests and assessing threats to inform conservation strategies. DFO Brij Mohan Gupta said, "Three raptors including two Tawny Eagles and an Egyptian Vulture—have been tagged so far. Similar telemetry projects in Uttarakhand are also underway, and combined data will support nationwide raptor conservation planning.
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