The Black baza recorded at the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Erode district in Tamil Nadu.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement.
A total of 25 bird species were recorded during the two-day State-wide synchronised raptor census held at the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary here.
The survey, conducted on January 31 and February 1, marked the first-ever coordinated enumeration of birds of prey in the State. Under the Raptor Assessment 2026, surveys were carried out in the Erode Forest Division across the Anthiyur, Bargur, Thattakarai, Chennampatti and Erode forest ranges. According to forest officials, 25 raptor species were recorded in the division.
The confirmed species include Peregrine falcon, Eurasian kestrel, Brahminy kite, Black kite, Black baza, Crested serpent eagle, Changeable hawk-eagle, Lesser fish eagle, Grey-headed fish eagle, Oriental honey buzzard, Crested goshawk and shikra, along with owl species such as Asian barn owl, Indian scops owl, Jungle owlet, Brown fish owl, Rock eagle owl, Mottled wood owl and Spotted owlet.
The sighting of the Grey-headed fish eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) in the Palar River basin at Chennampatti is of particular significance. Classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species serves as a vital bio-indicator of unpolluted wetlands, healthy fish stocks and minimal disturbance in riverine ecosystems. Its presence along River Palar underscores the high ecological value of water-linked habitats within the sanctuary.
More than 70 participants, including members of NGOs, bird experts and Forest Department staff, took part in the survey, with forest personnel serving as guides for each group.
Wildlife biologist S. Dharanprasath said the surveys were conducted using standard protocols, including night-time point counts, daytime vehicle searches and foot surveys. GPS tracks with point locations of species sightings were recorded to enable better understanding of raptor habitats, and photographic documentation was also collected for verification.
The census was conducted under the direction of K.V. Appala Naidu, District Forest Officer, Erode. The exercise will contribute to mapping raptor distributions, identifying biodiversity hotspots and supporting long-term conservation planning across the State.
Published – February 03, 2026 06:50 pm IST
