NGO begins survey of Lesser Floricans

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has started a survey of winged visitors - Lesser Floricans - in western Madhya Pradesh amid concerns that their number has declined apparently due to shrunk habitat.
"Six-member team of BNHS, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) known for nature conservation research, visited the habitats of endangered 'Likh' also known as Kharmore at Dhar, Ratlam and Jhabua districts," ornithologist Ajay Gadikar, who is also part of the panel, said.
The survey is going to stretch for a year and focus on the dwindling number of Likhs visiting the state, the expert added.
He said the team will forward its recommendations to the forest department officials, suggesting for involvement of locals and means to protect Lesser Florican.

No Likh has been spotted at Kharmore Sanctuary in Dhar but 14 winged visitors' presence have been recorded at Salana Sanctuary in Ratlam this year. Similarly six bustards have been spotted at Petlawad in Jhabua district, a forest department official said.
20 Lesser Floricans have been spotted in Madhya Pradesh this year. 35 bustards had visited the state last year, he added.
The Likhs start migrating to the state in July from unknown locations and fly off back after 3-4 months.
The habitat of these bustards is grass land, which bird enthusiasts feel has been destroyed or shrunk.