Tamil Nadu records 51 raptor species in first State-wide assessment

Tamil Nadu has recorded 51 species of birds of prey in its first State-wide scientific raptor assessment, which provides a snapshot of their distribution and status across the State.

The assessment, conducted by the Forest Department in January-February 2026 under the guidance of the Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation, documents a range of raptor species, including several that are rare or threatened.

Over two days, officials and trained volunteers surveyed both nocturnal and diurnal raptors using standardised methods. Owls were assessed through point counts, while eagles, kites, falcons, and vultures were recorded through vehicle and foot transects covering more than 10,000 km.

A total of 3,652 participants, including forest staff, bird enthusiasts, and experts, took part in the exercise. The survey covered 389 blocks, representing 9.57% of the State’s land area.

An AIWC scientist involved in the assessment said surveying raptors requires an approach distinct from the synchronised counts used for terrestrial and wetland birds. He added sample blocks were chosen to represent the full range of habitats across the State, rather than focusing only on known hotspots.

What the survey showed

Preliminary findings show 40 species of diurnal raptors and 11 nocturnal species were recorded. These include the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and Indian Vulture, and the endangered Egyptian Vulture.

Raptors, which occupy higher levels of the food chain, are considered indicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to habitat change and pollution.

The assessment also recorded all five migratory harrier species that move from Central Asia to India during winter. Sightings of the Steppe Eagle were reported from Erode, the Nilgiris, and Coimbatore.

District-level data indicates variation in raptor diversity and abundance.

Erode recorded 33 species and over 200 sightings, followed by the Nilgiris (31 species), and Coimbatore (29 species). Krishnagiri reported 230 sightings and Chennai recorded six species. Other districts such as Salem, Madurai, and Tiruppur reported more than 25 species each.

Officials said sightings of vultures in Coimbatore and Erode forest divisions indicate possible population recovery and range expansion.

The Forest Department said the assessment would help establish baseline data for long-term monitoring, identify conservation areas, and guide habitat protection measures. A detailed final report is expected in April 2026.