Gujarat has emerged as India's safest state for migratory birds over the last 1.5 decades, thanks to strict conservation laws. Sanctuaries like Nalsarovar, Thol, and Khijadia host lakhs of birds from Siberia, Europe, and Central Asia.
Of the approximately 9,000 different species of birds worldwide, 1,200 species are found in India. Of these, more than 400 species are foreign migratory birds. These migratory birds come to India, including Gujarat, from Siberia, Eastern Europe, and North and Central Asia.
Gujarat's Conservation Success Story
According to the official press release, for the protection and conservation of birds and animals in the state, as well as for environmental protection, since the time Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he has implemented strict laws, rules, and schemes, which are being continued by the current Chief Minister of the state, Bhupendra Patel. As a result, Gujarat has become the safest state for migratory birds and animals for the past 1.5 decades.
According to the release, under the guidance of Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Praveen Mali, the Forest Department and several animal and bird lover organisations are conducting practical work to rescue and protect these animals and birds. The press release stated that Gujarat has become a favourite state for birds from all over the world.
2024-25 Bird Census Highlights
Over the last year, approximately 3,09,062 birds of 334 species have been recorded at Khijadia Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar. According to the latest 2024 census, more than 4.12 lakh birds across 17 species were recorded in Nalsarovar, and 55,587 birds across 17 species were recorded in Thol Bird Sanctuary, totalling over 4.67 lakh birds.
In the Vadhavana wetland area, approximately 35,932 migratory birds of 41 species, about 5,147 birds of five different species, and approximately 12,921 endemic birds of 91 species were recorded in 2024-25. In the Kutch region, approximately 2,564 birds visited Gujarat in 2025, making Gujarat a "paradise" for birdlife.
A Deep Dive into Gujarat's Avian Diversity
In the Khijadia Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar, approximately 3,09,062 birds of 334 species have been recorded. The area primarily features species such as the Black-billed Grebe, Grey Swan, Pelican, Flamingo, Knob-billed Duck, Indian Roller, Common Teal, Singing Bushlark, Khijadiya Bird, Gadwall, Whistling Duck, Spoonbill, Common Crane, Pigeon, Heron, Mallard, Painted Stork, Northern Shoveler, Ibis, Little Grebe, Cotton Teal, Serpent Eagle, Kingfisher, Sarus Crane, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-billed Grebe, Gull, Tern, Indian Pitta, Swift, Eagle, Saker Falcon, Kite, Waterfowl, Tukatukiyo, Indian Skimmer, Milk Raj, Black Drongo, and Great Crested Grebe.
Additionally, according to the 2023 population estimate, the state has over 2.85 lakh peacocks, the national bird.
Key Sanctuaries: Nalsarovar and Thol
The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, declared in 1969, covers an area of 120.82 sq. km. It was designated a Ramsar site in 2012. The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary lies on the Central Asian Flyway of migratory birds. Consequently, 329 species of migratory birds from around the world have been recorded at this lake. In addition, birds undertaking passage migration also stop at Nalsarovar.
The Thol Bird Sanctuary is home to species including grebes, pelicans, egrets, herons, bitterns, shrikes, cormorants, spoonbills, ducks, geese, cranes, coots, moorhens, kingfishers, mudskippers, sandpipers, wagtails, plovers, falcons, and hawks. At the same time, the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary area includes grebes, pelicans, ducks and geese, coots, moorhens, kingfishers, cormorants, herons, bitterns, shrikes, spoonbills, cranes, mudskippers, sandpipers, wagtails, plovers, and falcons.
Vadhavana Wetland Area Species
Migratory birds found in the Vadhavana wetland area include the Grey-legged Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, White-eyed Pochard, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Ruff, and Glossy Ibis. Resident birds include the Ruddy Shelduck, Comb Duck, Little Cormorant, Lesser Whistling Teal, Paddyfield Pipit, Cotton Teal, Black-necked Stork, and Eurasian Marsh Warbler. Rare species include the Eurasian Marsh Warbler and harriers. (ANI)
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