‘Ist-ever' raptor survey in Pithoragarh records 24 species
Pithoragarh: The Uttarakhand forest department and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-India) jointly conducted a "first-of-its-kind" raptor survey in the Pithoragarh district, recording a total of 24 species.
A follow-up survey focusing on the higher Himalayan region is planned for the near future, officials said on Wednesday.
This initial phase of the survey was carried out from May 22 to 30 and covered areas below 2,500 meters in elevation. According to Abhimanyu Singh, divisional forest officer (DFO), Pithoragarh, the survey team included four members from WWF-India along with frontline forest staff including forest guards, foresters, and deputy rangers.
"During the survey, 24 species of raptors were documented, including eagles, kites, falcons and buzzards," Singh said.
Among the species observed were five resident vulture species, notably the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus). Their presence reaffirms the conservation significance of the Pithoragarh landscape for these apex avian predators, officials said.
"This survey forms an important part of a broader initiative to establish robust baseline data on raptor diversity, distribution, and habitat use across the state. The findings will support future efforts in raptor conservation and behavioral studies," Singh added
The next phase of the survey, focusing on areas above 2,500 meters in the Byas, Chaudas, Darma valleys and Milam region of Munsyari, will be conducted soon. "Raptors in the higher Himalayas differ significantly in terms of habitat, food chains and behaviour compared to those in lower elevations," the DFO said.
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