18-20 lakh migratory birds visited Gujarat this year

Gujarat was the most preferred state in India for migratory birds in 2024 with around 18-20 lakh of them being recorded in the state, according to an official release issued by the state government on Tuesday, ahead of the World Wildlife Conservation Day on Wednesday.

As per the release, Thol bird sanctuary had recorded 31,380 migratory birds in 2010; whereas, in 2024, it has seen the arrival of more than 1.11 lakh migratory birds. Similarly, in 2010, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary had recorded more than 1.31 lakh migratory birds; in 2024, it witnessed more than 3.62 lakh birds.

“In the last 14 years, the bird sanctuaries in Thol and Nal Sarovar have recorded an increase of 355% and 276% (in the number of migratory birds), respectively. As a result, Gujarat has emerged as a heaven for bird life,” according to the release.

The release also highlighted the state government’s initiatives, which had helped in boosting the number of wild animals in the state.