Mumbai: Leopard spotted Sanjay Gandhi National Park during bird count

Mumbai: During the bird count at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai in December, there was a surprising twist.

In addition to the 71 species of birds spotted, a transect spotted the leopard.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) every month conducts the bird count in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR).

The BNHS began monitoring the birds in SGNP and TWS in February 2021, through a citizen science programme called the “SGNP Bird Monitoring Programme”, popularly known as SGNP Bird Count.

The December Bird Count added new bird species to the diversity of SGNP birds.

The Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) was seen at the Bhindi Nala Transect in Yeoor, SGNP.

“The Western Marsh Harrier, which is a winter migrant to India, is usually common in Marsh wetlands, but can be found in open areas in or near wetlands,” said Asif Khan, Programmes Department, BNHS.

Volunteers of the Culvert 20 to Tulsi Dam transects managed to see a leopard. In addition the participants also managed to capture photographs and videos of the leopard that was seen.

“The discovery of a new bird species and the leopard sighting during the SGNP Bird Count highlight the rich biodiversity thriving in our urban green spaces. These findings underscore the need for ongoing conservation efforts to maintain the delicate balance between urban development and nature,” said Kishor Rithe, Director, BNHS.

The bird monitoring programme is supported by the staff led by SGNP Director and Chief Conservator of Forests G Mallikarjuna and Assistant Conservator of Forests Sudhir Sonawale.

The count is coordinated by the BNHS' Conservation Education Centre team - Shardul Bajikar, Kiran Thumma, Priyadarshani Supekar and Asif Khan from BNHS Programmes Department.