Abandoned mines emerge as bird-rich habitats in Asola-Bhatti

The researchers found 130 bird species. Pic/Wikipedia

Abandoned mining areas in the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary have emerged as the most bird-rich habitat studied in the area, with researchers finding that former quarries now support a diverse mix of scrub, grassland, rocky patches, and water pools.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India, examined bird diversity across 15 habitat types in the sanctuary between January and December 2024. The researchers recorded 130 bird species belonging to 20 orders and 55 families.

Parvaiz Yousuf

Parvaiz Yousuf, a researcher for the study, said, "Earlier, these areas were under regular mining pressure. After mining stopped, human disturbance reduced, and nature slowly took over. Vegetation started recovering and many mining pits filled with water."

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever