Kotkar, who is doing research for a PhD thesis on 'Endemic Birds of Goa' under A B Shanbhag, head of department of Zoology, Goa University, has reported that there are seven endemic bird species in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
An endemic species is one that evolved in and has remained restricted to a particular place. The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 208.48 sq km with magnificent semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous and deciduous forest types exhibits high-rising mountains, vibrant streams and a range of natural habitats that wait to be explored.
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar/ Blue Winged Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey-Headed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and Crimson- backed/ small Sunbird are the seven endemic bird species sighted in the sanctuary. Kotkar has monitored the full breeding cycle of all seven birds during two consecutive years from June 2006 to May 2008 at the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
"All seven endemic bird species were observed throughout the year in the sacred groves and all of them were showing direct signs of breeding," Kotkar said. Read the full report here.
Source: Rajendra P. Kerkar, TNN, Keri.
