Gandhisagar Sanctuary Records 226 Bird Species in 2025 Amid Cheetah Reintroduction Plans
TINA KHATRI
Indore
In an exciting update for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, the 7th Bird Survey at Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary, recorded an impressive 226 bird species, solidifying its role as a key biodiversity hotspot. This marks a continuation of the sanctuary’s rich avian diversity, maintaining a consistent range of 220-230 species over the years. The recorded number in 2025 aligns with the baseline figure from 2019, reaffirming the sanctuary’s health and ecological stability.
The timing of this survey is particularly significant, as Gandhisagar is preparing for the reintroduction of cheetahs next year as part of the Cheetah Action Plan. With its expansive 2,500 sq. km landscape, spanning both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the sanctuary's diverse mix of grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and riverine evergreen patches provides an ideal environment for cheetahs to thrive. The sanctuary's balanced ecosystem, with flourishing bird species, is expected to support the cheetah population, ensuring that the region is well-prepared for the next chapter in its conservation efforts.
Here’s a look at the bird species recorded from 2019 to 2025:
The survey this year highlighted the presence of rare and iconic species, including the Leucistic Bar-Headed Goose, Greater Spotted Eagle, Great White Pelican (Rosy Pelican), Mottled Wood Owl, and Variable Wheatear. These findings underscore Gandhisagar’s status as an essential site for bird conservation in India.
The ongoing monitoring of bird populations is just one facet of Gandhisagar’s broader conservation efforts, which also include habitat restoration and the relocation of leopards to ensure a safe space for cheetahs. As the sanctuary gears up for the cheetah’s return, its thriving bird population serves as a clear sign of a robust and resilient ecosystem, laying the groundwork for the successful reintroduction of this majestic predator.
Ritesh Khabiya from Wild Warriors, who participated in the survey, observed a decrease in the number of ducks and raptors this year, a trend the team is closely investigating. Despite these fluctuations, the overall biodiversity of the sanctuary remains strong.
This survey also marked a moment of gratitude for the dedicated efforts of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Shri Baghel, DFO Shri Raikhere, and members of Wild Warriors, including Swapnil Phanse, Ritesh Khabiya, and Shrikant Kalmkar, alongside all volunteers who made the survey a success.
As Gandhisagar prepares to welcome cheetahs and continues its important work in wildlife conservation, the sanctuary remains a critical hub for biodiversity, with a promising future for both its avian and mammalian residents.
Indore
In an exciting update for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, the 7th Bird Survey at Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary, recorded an impressive 226 bird species, solidifying its role as a key biodiversity hotspot. This marks a continuation of the sanctuary’s rich avian diversity, maintaining a consistent range of 220-230 species over the years. The recorded number in 2025 aligns with the baseline figure from 2019, reaffirming the sanctuary’s health and ecological stability.
The timing of this survey is particularly significant, as Gandhisagar is preparing for the reintroduction of cheetahs next year as part of the Cheetah Action Plan. With its expansive 2,500 sq. km landscape, spanning both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the sanctuary's diverse mix of grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and riverine evergreen patches provides an ideal environment for cheetahs to thrive. The sanctuary's balanced ecosystem, with flourishing bird species, is expected to support the cheetah population, ensuring that the region is well-prepared for the next chapter in its conservation efforts.
Here’s a look at the bird species recorded from 2019 to 2025:
|
Year |
Number of Bird Species Recorded |
|
2019 |
226 |
|
2020 |
222 |
|
2021 |
220 |
|
2022 |
246 |
|
2023 |
227 |
|
2024 |
214 |
|
2025 |
226 |
The ongoing monitoring of bird populations is just one facet of Gandhisagar’s broader conservation efforts, which also include habitat restoration and the relocation of leopards to ensure a safe space for cheetahs. As the sanctuary gears up for the cheetah’s return, its thriving bird population serves as a clear sign of a robust and resilient ecosystem, laying the groundwork for the successful reintroduction of this majestic predator.
Ritesh Khabiya from Wild Warriors, who participated in the survey, observed a decrease in the number of ducks and raptors this year, a trend the team is closely investigating. Despite these fluctuations, the overall biodiversity of the sanctuary remains strong.
This survey also marked a moment of gratitude for the dedicated efforts of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Shri Baghel, DFO Shri Raikhere, and members of Wild Warriors, including Swapnil Phanse, Ritesh Khabiya, and Shrikant Kalmkar, alongside all volunteers who made the survey a success.
As Gandhisagar prepares to welcome cheetahs and continues its important work in wildlife conservation, the sanctuary remains a critical hub for biodiversity, with a promising future for both its avian and mammalian residents.
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