Watch mounted to confirm presence of lesser floricans in MP's

Surveillance in the Sardarpur area of Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has been stepped up following information about the presence of "kharmore" or lesser florican birds in the area, a senior forest department official said today.

The Wildlife Institute of India's (WII) national status survey report for 2017 has found that Sardarpur area is among the "most threatened" habitats of the lesser florican, a member of the bustard family.

The report states that there had been a decline of about 80 per cent in their population since 2000 and conservative estimates now put their numbers at 264 nationwide.

Sardarpur, including the 34,812 hectare Kharmore Sanctuary and adjoining areas, was being patrolled by forest department personnel in special vehicles since information about the presence of these birds emerged, the official said.

"We have received information regarding the presence of some pairs of lesser floricans in Sardarpur area. We are confirming it. Patrolling and surveillance have been increased in Sardarpur area including Kharmore sanctuary," Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) S K Sagar told PTI.

He, however, refused to share details about the number of birds spotted or their location stating that a detailed survey in this connection was underway.

Some other officials from the Forest department claimed that at least two pairs of these birds were present in Sardarpur area.

These birds migrate to the central and western parts of India from other parts of the country during the breeding season.

Efforts to attract them have been made in Sardarpur where about 20 hectares of land has been covered with moong and urad crops, forest officials said.

A type of worm that resides in these crops is among the favourite foods of the lesser floricans and it was being ensured that no pesticide was sprayed on these crops, the officials added.

Ajay Gadiker, an expert in the field, confirmed that the number of lesser floricans had seen a sharp decline in the past decade in Sardarpur area.

"It is great news for bird lovers if the information about the presence of the lesser florican in Sardarpur area is true," Gadiker said.