BirdLife International recognises three new IBAs in Goa

World's largest nature conservation organisation BirdLife International has recognised three more Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Goa, according to Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) chief Parag Rangnekar.
These three new areas from Goa have been listed in a book called 'Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas : Priority Sites for Conservation', authored by noted ornithologist Asad Rahmani along with two others, Rangnekar told PTI today.
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), which published this book, works in collaboration with Birdlife International.
"With the new book being released, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Navelim Wetlands and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary are the three new IBAs which have been recognised by BirdLife International as priority sites for bird and bird habitat conservation in the state," Rangnekar said.

According to GBCN chief, IBAs are sites of international significance for conservation of birds and their habitats at the global, regional and local level.
"The selection of IBAs is a particularly effective way of identifying conservation priorities. IBAs are key sites for conservation - small enough to be conserved in their entirety and often already part of a protected area network," Rangnekar said.

He further said apart from three new areas, the extent of Carambolim Wetland has been increased to include the very important and fragile region of Dhado which recently became a very important wintering ground for many species of migratory birds.

Goa already has four recognised IBAs--Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Carambolim Wetlands, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
GBCN Vice President Pronoy Baidya said while analysing data on birds of the state they realised that there were two species of critically endangered, eight species of vulnerable and 11 species of near threatened birds which have been documented with sufficient data from Goa.
According to Baidya, Goa harbours a good population of the vulnerable Lesser Adjutant and Nilgiri Wood-pigeon in certain pockets of the state apart from the identified IBAs.