Several species recorded during first Raptor assessment conducted in Tiruchi region

Several raptor species were recorded during a Raptor Assessment conducted by the Forest Department in Tiruchi and other districts in the central region on Saturday and Sunday. This was a State-wide exercise conducted by the Forest Department for the first time.

The survey was carried by foot and travelling by on vehicle along a fixed route inside the identified grids in Tiruchi, Thuraiyur, Manapparai and Thuvarankurichi forest ranges in Tiruchi district by teams of field-level Forest Department officials involving volunteers and college students.

The exercise commenced in the morning and continued till late night. The main objective behind conducting the assessment was to ascertain raptor species, their habitats and population range, said a Forest Department official. The assessment covered both diurnal and nocturnal raptors.

The survey of diurnal raptors was done between 8 a.m. and noon. The exercise was carried out between 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. for the nocturnal raptors.  About 15 species were recorded in Tiruchi district alone during the course of the assessment. These included Black winged kite, Booted eagle, Black kite, Brahminy kite, spotted owl, red necked falcon and Created serpent eagle, the official said. The assessment was done to initiate necessary measures to conserve raptor species and the management of their habitats, the official added.