Statewide raptor assessment launched in Tiruchi region – The Forest Department conducted its first statewide raptor assessment over a Saturday‑Sunday weekend, covering Tiruchi and neighboring districts in central Tamil Nadu [1].
Survey employed foot patrols and vehicles across fixed grids – Teams of field‑level officials, volunteers and college students moved along predetermined routes in Tiruchi, Thuraiyur, Manapparai and Thuvarankurichi forest ranges, using both on‑foot and vehicle methods [1].
Goal was to map raptor species, habitats and populations – Officials said the exercise aimed to identify which raptor species are present, their preferred habitats and population ranges, addressing both diurnal and nocturnal birds [1].
Diurnal and nocturnal surveys timed separately – Observations of daytime raptors occurred between 8 a.m. and noon, while night‑time monitoring ran from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. [1].
Around 15 raptor species documented in Tiruchi district – Recorded species included Black‑winged kite, Booted eagle, Black kite, Brahminy kite, spotted owl, red‑necked falcon and Crested serpent eagle, among others [1].
Findings will guide conservation and habitat management – The department plans to use the data to launch targeted measures for protecting raptor populations and managing their forest habitats [1].