Harriers throng Blackbuck National Park,Velavadar, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.

HARRIERS THRONG BLACKBUCK SANCTUARY

Good rains in the areas have strengthened food chain for winged guests.

Rajkot:-

Wildlife lovers and bird watchers here have a reason to smile. At a time when everybody is celebrating ‘World Wildlife Week’, Harriers, in large numbers, have arrived at Blackbuck National Park (BNP), Velavadar in Bhavnagar district. Experts said more of Harriers are still coming to the park from Siberia.

Forest officials said BNP is the largest roosting site for Harriers in the world. Harriers, the slender, bare-legged, long-winged and long toiled hawks with an owl like facial ruff, are considered farmers’ friends as they are “birds of prey”. R.L. Meena, Chief Conservator of Forests (Junagadh Wildlife Circle), said Harriers have been sighted in good numbers at BNP and surrounding areas. “We expect more of them this year as the area has received very good rains this year and the food chain for Harriers is very good. Harriers are vital indicators of the health of eco system, as their pray base is insects which depend on crops.”

Of the l6 Harrier species in the world, four types —Montagu Harriers, Pallid Harriers, Eurasian Marsh Harriers and Hen Harriers — visit the park in Velavadar in winters every year.

“About 500 Harriers of all four species have arrived at BNP. The Harriers are the only diurnal ‘raptor group or birds of prey’ nesting and roosting on the ground. The roost sites here are critical resources for Harriers’ survival as they spend considerable time over there. These sites are usually grasslands where they get concealment and, thus, protection from both predators and cold weather,” Meena said.

“We are creating awareness among the farmers around the BNP and have asked them not to use pesticide in the crop fields as it will affect the food chain of Harriers. The grassland at BNP is maintained very well and it provides them good roosting site,” Meena told TOT.

“We will conduct Harrier population estimation probably in last week of October to get an idea about their presence. Forest department carries out the population estimations every year to understand the bird’s changing habitat, behavior, and migration patterns among others for a better conservation,” said J.S. Solanki, Assistant Conservator of Forests, BNP.

Officials said that only 979 Harriers had re ported in 2009, the number being the lowest in a decade. Their poor presence was attributed to scanty rains that the area received last year.

This year, however, Bhavnagar district received 116 per cent rainfall. The Harriers are showing their approval of the climate by turning up in large numbers. The park officials expect their number will go unto 2,000 this year.

Scavenger, good for Eco System

“Harriers are also known to scavenge in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur (Rajasthan). Eurasian Marsh Harriers have been observed scavenging on the remains of water fowls such as Coots, Common Teal and Indian Moorhen, Fish and large mammals like Spotted Deer.” This is mentioned in field guide ‘Enhancing our Heritage (E0H): Managing and Monitoring for Success in World Natural Heritage Sites” produced as part of UNESCO-IUCN project to spread awareness about conservation of the bird.

Courtesy:-Times Of India, Ahmadabad-Wed., Oct.06 2010