New families of endangered 'Godawan' spotted in Desert

Government's initiative to conserve highly threatened species of birds in the Desert National Park here has paid dividends with officials confirming that new families of Godawan - the state bird of Rajasthan - have been spotted in its ecosystem.
A recent observation conducted by the park authorities confirmed the successful outcome of a project launched by the state government last year to protect highly threatened species of birds. Under the project, breeding of Godawan bird was carried out here.
"The number of Godawan has increased in areas of the park in the recent times," Deputy Director of the Desert National Park Anup K R said.

The director informed that 10 male and 13 female Godawan were spotted in Ramdevra, and two male and four female in Bandewa areas under Pokaran sub division in recent months.
"Godawan birds were successfully bred in Pokaran area last year and at least 29 new birds were sighted some time back in the sub division of Pokaran," he said.
Due to certain limitations, including restriction on movement in Pokaran firing range, latest number of the birds was not available.

"Birds in the core area of the park and in the enclosures, where we have developed breeding facilities and improved habitat, are being monitored constantly but they move in the vast area of the Thar desert, including the neighbouring country," he told PTI.

Spread over 3,000 sq kms in Barmer and Jaisalmer districts, the park is home to various species of birds and animals including the Godawan, Chinkara and others.
According to an estimate, there were over 1,200 Godawan birds in 1980s and most of them were in Sam, Sudasari, Fulia, Dav, Hatar, Myajlar and Khuhdi. By 2011, only 80 birds were left.