Rare Red-necked falcon sighted in Kawal Tiger Reserve

A rare Red-necked falcon was sighted in Telangana’s Kawal Tiger Reserve, marking a significant avian record. Wildlife researchers say the finding highlights the region’s biodiversity value, while experts stress the importance of conserving forest habitats to protect raptor populations.

Mancherial: A rare Red-necked falcon was sighted in Kawal Tiger Reserve, cheering environmentalists.

Dr Venkat Anagandhula, wildlife researcher, claimed that he spotted the Red-necked falcon in the forests of Kothapet village under Indanpalli range of KTR for the first time on Saturday. He said that he clicked the photograph of the bird during a field survey. The sighting was a significant record from the perspective of avian diversity and ecology, he opined.

---

According to him, the falcon is a medium-sized bird of prey recognised for its distinctive reddish-brown crown and neck, bluish-grey upperparts, sharp talons, and agile flight. It is known for its hunting abilities. It feeds on small birds, insects, reptiles, and rodents. The species is usually found in open woodlands, dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and agricultural fields.

Venkat further said that records of predatory birds are valuable for long-term biodiversity databases and conservation planning. However, habitat degradation, deforestation, pesticide usage, and disturbance in nesting areas are among the major threats faced by many raptors. Protection of forest habitats and the surrounding ecosystem is the need of the hour for sustaining the population of birds.

Meanwhile, environmentalists and bird enthusiasts welcomed the documentation of the bird. They termed it an encouraging sign for the conservation value of KTR.