Khijadiya Sanctuary Emerges as Key Breeding Site for Black-necked Stork

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Key takeaways

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat, recorded a peak seasonal population of 21 Black-necked Storks, confirming its role as a vital breeding habitat.
The Black-necked Stork is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and receives legal protection under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Declared a Ramsar Site in February 2022, Khijadiya lies along the Central Asian Flyway and offers a unique mix of freshwater and saline wetland environments.

A scientific study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa highlights Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat, as a vital breeding stronghold for the Black-necked Stork.
The survey recorded a peak seasonal population of 21 Black-necked Storks, which includes both active breeding pairs and non-breeding adults.

The Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is one of the largest wetland bird species in India and maintains scattered breeding populations across the country.
Following updates in the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, this bird species receives legal protection under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The IUCN Red List classifies the species as Near Threatened, mainly due to ongoing habitat destruction and declining population numbers.

Situated in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary was first established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1981 and later named a Ramsar Site in February 2022.
The sanctuary features a unique combination of freshwater and saline wetland habitats located directly along the Central Asian Flyway.

The research provides crucial details on nesting habits, reproductive success, and breeding ecology to help strengthen wetland conservation efforts in Gujarat.