Gujarat : Khijadiya Becomes Black-necked Stork Breeding Stronghold

GANDHINAGAR: Four nests, eight fledglings and a 100% fledging success rate have placed Gujarat’s Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary firmly on the map as a key breeding habitat for the Black-necked Stork, one of India’s most striking wetland birds.

A new study by scientists of the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation has confirmed the sanctuary’s importance for the species. The research, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Threatened Taxa, examined the population, breeding ecology, nesting behaviour and habitat conditions between July 2024 and March 2025.

“One of the most significant findings was the confirmation of four active Black-necked Stork nests. Each breeding pair successfully produced two fledglings, resulting in a total of eight juveniles,” said B.P. Pati, Director, GEER Foundation.

The researchers conducted surveys across 48 georeferenced sampling points covering eight management zones, generating more than 320 hours of field observations.

The study found that all four nests were built on Neltuma juliflora trees, commonly known as gando baval, at heights of three to 4.5 metres. The findings indicate the storks can adapt to suitable invasive trees when traditional native nesting trees are limited.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia congratulated the research team, saying the findings would help develop “more focused and effective conservation measures”.

Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali said the findings highlighted Gujarat’s efforts to protect its natural heritage, particularly the Ramsar-designated sanctuary.

Researchers found that successful nesting was closely linked to shallow wetlands, emergent vegetation, elevated nesting sites, abundant aquatic prey and low human disturbance. Water depths around nesting sites ranged between 0.3 and 0.7 metres.

The birds also displayed remarkable parental cooperation. During 89 monitoring visits, adults attended nests for an average of 62 minutes per visit. In 94% of observed foraging departures, one parent returned to replace the other.

“The coordinated biparental care ensures continuous protection and care of eggs and chicks,” said Dr Sandeep Munjpara, Scientist, GEER Foundation.

No nest abandonment, predation or chick mortality was recorded during the study. Juveniles also continued receiving food from parents after fledging, indicating prolonged parental care.

Located along the Central Asian Flyway, Khijadiya combines freshwater and saline habitats that support resident and migratory birds. The latest findings strengthen its status as a critical breeding landscape for Black-necked Storks in western India.