Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary emerges Black-Necked Stork's key breeding site

Gandhinagar: Ramsar-designated Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar has emerged as a key breeding stronghold for the black-necked stork, according to a scientific study published in the peer-reviewed international Journal of Threatened Taxa.

The study conducted by researchers at the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, an autonomous body under the Gujarat Forest Department, Khijadiya Sanctuary provides highly suitable breeding habitat for the black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), one of India's largest and most distinctive wetland birds.

The study assessed the population status, breeding ecology, nest-site characteristics and reproductive performance of the species at the sanctuary between July 2024 and March 2025. "One of the most significant findings of the study was the confirmation of four active black-necked stork nests within the sanctuary. Each nest was occupied by a breeding pair and successfully produced two fledglings, resulting in a total of eight juveniles. Along with five regularly observed non-breeding adults, the sanctuary supported a peak seasonal population of 21 birds during the study period," said BP Pati, director, GEER Foundation.


The black-necked stork is listed under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022.

The research found that all four nests were built on Neltuma juliflora (formerly Prosopis juliflora), commonly known as gando baval, at heights ranging from three to 4.5 metres. While black-necked storks are traditionally known to nest on large native trees such as acacias and figs, the study demonstrates the species' ability to adapt to suitable invasive tree species where native nesting trees are limited.

The stork is known for its scattered breeding populations. In Gujarat, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary and its surrounding landscape have long been recognised as important habitats for the species. However, detailed information on its breeding ecology has been limited. "Researchers conducted extensive field surveys across the sanctuary using 48 georeferenced sampling points distributed across eight zones. The study involved nest monitoring, behavioural observations and habitat assessments, generating more than 320 hours of observation data," Pati added.