ગુજરાતી
English
2025
Gujarat has emerged as a birding haven across the country, with a bird population of 1.8 to 2 million.
Devbhoomi Dwarka has recorded the highest bird diversity with 456 species, while the bordering Kutch district has seen 4.56 lakh birds from 161 species. Jamnagar has a population of over 4 lakh birds from 221 different species.
Mehsana, Banaskantha, and Ahmedabad contribute significantly to the bird world, reflecting Gujarat’s incredible birdlife heritage.
Nal Sarovar, Nada Bet, Boria Bet, Thol, and other places in Gujarat are known as hotspots for approximately 50,000 local and migratory birds.
Ahmedabad has a bird population of over 3.65 lakh birds from over 250 different species. The bordering Nada Bet wetland complex is home to over 100,000 birds.
The Chari Dhand Ramsar Site in Kutch, covering a total area of 22,700 hectares, is home to 30,000 birds from over 150 species.
The Mokarsagar Ramsar Site in Porbandar is home to approximately 30,000 birds from 100 species.
The Thol Bird Sanctuary recorded 31,380 birds in 2010, increasing to over 1.11 lakh migratory birds in 2024. Meanwhile, the bird hotspot Nal Sarovar recorded over 1.31 lakh migratory birds in 2010, while it is projected to record over 3.62 lakh birds in 2024. Over the past 14 years, the number of migratory birds in the floodplains of the Thol and Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuaries has increased by 355 and 276 percent, respectively. Apart from this, more than 1.50 lakh birds have been recorded in the bird sanctuary located at Khijadiya.
2023-24
Gujarat has over 1.8 million waterfowl belonging to over 456 species.
Devbhoomi Dwarka in Gujarat has the highest number of birds with 456 species, while the highest number of birds in the state is recorded in the Kutch Desert with over 4.56 lakh birds.
Over 3.62 lakh birds have been recorded at the Ramsar site Nalsarovar.
The number of vultures is declining not only in Gujarat but also in the country. According to the Gir Foundation census in 2001, the number of vultures in Gujarat was 2,135. According to the 2021 census, this number has declined to only 283.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are toxic to vultures. To save vultures, it is crucial to take steps to prevent toxic vulture drugs from entering the market.
Forest Department regulations are followed in sanctuaries and Ramsar sites. However, other factors have led to a decline in bird populations in Gujarat.
A government project is underway to provide birds to the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Following this, the Ghorad bird will also be bred in Gujarat.
In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, efforts are underway to increase the Ghorad bird population by breeding them. More than 40 Ghorad birds from Jaisalmer will be donated to other states.
The Lesser Florican bird population is declining. To conserve it, a Lesser Florican breeding project is underway in Velavadar, Bhavnagar.
Plans are underway to declare more bird sites registered as Ramsar sites.
Thousands of flamingos visit the Rann of Kutch. More than 50,000 birds visit Nalsarovar, Nadabet, Boriabet, and Thol in Gujarat. These are considered hotspots for local and foreign migratory birds.
Migratory Bar-headed Geese visit Gujarat every winter. These birds migrate from the Himalayas, located at altitudes of over 7,000 meters, to Gujarat to escape the cold. Jamnagar’s climate welcomes marsh flamingos, pelicans, and cranes. Gujarat’s coastal mangrove ecosystems are a suitable habitat for both local and migratory birds.
No new bird species have been sighted in Gujarat.
