TIRUCHY: Around 15 species of raptors were identified in Tiruchy Forest Range during the raptor census organised by the Forest Department and the Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation (TNRRF) on Monday.
According to the official sources, the raptors are considered an integral part of the ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, and they are placed in the top position on the food chain. Due to their migratory behaviour in response to environmental changes, they are considered indicators of environmental changes.
In order to understand the distribution and population changes and protect the raptors across the state, the State government established the TNRRF under the supervision of the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). “As a part of the phase I census of raptors, the Tiruchy Forest Division selected 14 identified places for the census of raptors, and the enumeration commenced on Sunday, which found that there were around 15 species of native raptors in the district,” said forest ranger J Ravi, one of the officers who organised the census programme.
Ravi also stated that the environment was suitable for these raptors in the district, and the samples were sent to the AICW for assessment. Volunteers from Raptors Conservation, student volunteers and forest department officials conducted the census.