17 September,2026 02:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The conservation of migratory raptors was a key focus of the programme. Pic/ Special Arrangement
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) marked its 143rd Foundation Day at Hornbill House in Mumbai with a programme highlighting its conservation and research efforts for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).
The event brought together BNHS scientists, researchers, students and members, with presentations focusing on the organisation's work across wetlands, grasslands, riverine ecosystems, coastal habitats and high-altitude landscapes that support millions of migratory birds.
BNHS highlighted its long-term work on the Indian Skimmer, a priority species under the Central Asian Flyway. The organisation has been monitoring the species in the Chambal and Mahanadi river systems and is now expanding its conservation and research efforts to multiple sites along the Ganga with support from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
BNHS also said it plans to strengthen collaboration with researchers in Bangladesh to improve monitoring of Indian Skimmers across their range and study their population dynamics and movements.
The conservation of migratory raptors was another key focus of the programme.
Since 2017, BNHS has been working with local communities and the Nagaland government to prevent Amur Falcon poaching in Wokha district, particularly around the Doyang Reservoir, an important stopover site for the species during its migration to Africa.
The organisation has supported awareness programmes, education initiatives and livelihood interventions aimed at strengthening community participation in wildlife protection.
BNHS is also studying the breeding population, habitat use and threats faced by Pallas's Fish Eagle in Assam, including in Kaziranga, Manas and Orang National Parks. Satellite-tagging of two eagles previously helped researchers track their migration routes.
Current research is examining breeding success, feeding ecology and threats including pesticide exposure and electrocution.
The organisation also highlighted its work on the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, with researchers recording the species in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
BNHS is part of a regional transboundary advisory working group that provides technical and strategic inputs on conservation activities and project implementation along the Central Asian Flyway.
The organisation currently monitors 48 priority wetlands under India's National Action Plan and has provided management and restoration recommendations for 23 of them.
It has also prepared species-specific conservation action plans for 20 priority waterbird species and submitted them to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for implementation.
The Foundation Day programme also featured presentations by the BNHS Library, Publications and Collections departments on the digitisation of more than a century of bird-ringing records, correspondence, field registers and historical literature.
According to BNHS, the archival material could help researchers study changes in bird migration patterns, climate and species distribution while making its ornithological records more accessible to researchers and conservationists.
The organisation also highlighted its role in supporting agencies involved in tackling illegal wildlife trade.
BNHS provides scientific expertise, species identification, technical guidance and capacity-building support to enforcement agencies involved in wildlife crime investigations.
The programme concluded with discussions on strengthening coordination between BNHS, Customs, forest officials and police to curb the illegal trade in birds and other wildlife.
The Foundation Day celebrations ended with a panel discussion on the future of the Central Asian Flyway, with speakers stressing the need for collaboration between governments, research institutions, local communities and citizen scientists to protect migratory birds and their habitats.
