Panaji, June 12, 2017 21:55 IST
Updated: June 13, 2017 00:05 IST
Bombay Natural History Society
publishes updated list
BirdLife International, a
conservation organisation, has recognised three new sites in Goa as hotspots
for protection. The sites have been added to their list of “Important Bird and
Biodiversity Areas”.
The inclusion of these ecological
hotspots in a new book come after systematic data collection by the Goa Bird
Conservation Network (GBCN).
The book is authored by noted
ornithologist Asad Rahmani, along with two other co-authors, and is published
by the Bombay Natural History Society.
Now, seven areas in Goa have been
termed important biodiversity areas by BirdLife. GBCN president Parag Rangnekar
said Goa earlier had four recognised biodiversity areas: Bhagwan Mahavir
Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Carambolim Wetlands, Cotigao
Wildlife Sanctuary and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Larger area
The list has now added Bondla
Wildlife Sanctuary, Navelim Wetlands and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
The extent of Carambolim Wetland
has been increased to include the fragile ecosystem of Dhado, which has
recently become a wintering ground for many species of migratory birds. “While
analysing data on birds of the State we realized that we have two species of
critically endangered, eight species of vulnerable and 11 species of
near-threatened birds that have been documented,” says Pronoy Baidya,
vice-president of GBCN and one of the contributors to the Goa chapter in the
new book.
“Goa harbours a good population
of the lesser adjutant and the Nilgiri wood pigeon in certain pockets of the
State apart from the identified sites,” said Mr. Baidya.
