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Site description (2004 baseline):

Bhashkarpara wetland, near Narmada Canal, is situated near Vitthalgadh, Surendranagar district, about 20 km from Viramgam and 45 km from Surendranagar. The size of this wetlands is c. 200 ha area. It attracts thousands of waterfowl during winter. The wetlands is surrounded by agriculture fields and some natural vegetation. As the site is located near Nalsarovar, there is regular exchange of birds between these two IBAs.

AVIFAUNA: Not much is known about the bird life of this IBA, except that it attracts thousands of ducks, cranes, geese and waders. The Near Threatened Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus is also seen here. A few pairs of Sarus Crane Grus antigone are sometimes seen. Globally threatened Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis is also seen occasionally. We have selected this site on the basis of the presence of threatened species (A1 criteria) and presence of more than 20,000 waterfowl (A4iii criteria).

OTHER KEY FAUNA: The Indian Wild Ass Equus onager is sometimes seen in the area. The other large mammal is Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus - a species considered crop pest.

MAIN THREATS: Fishing; Hunting.

As the water is used for irrigation, the wetland dries up in summer. Charaching is not a major problem but there should be more control on fishing activity, especially during winter when a large number of migratory birds are present. This can be done with the cooperation of local people who generally have a benign attitude towards wildlife.

Key contributors: Yogendra M. Shah, Chiku Vora, Faruk Chavahan, Vishal Thoria and Prashant Chavda.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Bhashkarpara (India). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/bhashkarpara-iba-india on 23/12/2024.