PUNE: Are the critically-endangered species - the Great Indian Bustards (GIB) - at Nannaj Bustard Sanctuary in Solapur district of Maharashtra on the decline?

Only nine birds were spotted during the GIB census conducted by Pune Wildlife Division on Sunday as against 21 birds last year.

The census this year was conducted in a very unique manner, wherein the volunteers and the forest guards were trained in documenting every aspect about the bird. Volunteers from different parts of Maharashtra participated in the census, conducted from 6 am to 6 pm on Sunday, when they sighted only nine birds, including two males, six females and a chick.

Even though the census reflects a sorry situation about the birds, the wildlife division views it significant for natural habitat management of GIBs. Conservator of forest (wildlife) M K Rao told Sakal Times, “Instead of just counting the number, the focus this time was on recording specific details including the behavior of birds, remarkable features, bird's appearance from certain distance, feathers, foot prints, eggs and suitable habitat. It will help us in chalking out strategies for conservation of the bird.”

Dr Pramod Patil of NGO 'Gahivar', who actively participated in the census and also prepared the manual, agreed with Rao. “Due to heavy rains on Sunday, we could not spot many birds. But we could recognise the direct and indirect obstacles in the survival of the endangered species.”