Forest department officials claim to have spotted 49 black-necked storks in and around Khijadia Bird Sanctuary

Forest department officials claim to have spotted 49 black-necked storks in and around Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, roughly 12 km from Jamnagar, in the recent statewide water birds' census. It is a significant increase from merely six storks (including two chicks) spotted in 2002. Of the 49 black-necked storks, seven were chicks, officials said. Black-necked storks are classified as "near threatened" in India. "In the last decade, rare birds like black-necked storks have preferred the environs of Khijadia for breeding and their numbers have increased significantly,'' said R D Kamboj, chief conservator of forests, Marine National Park, Jamnagar. Kamboj said the birds' population estimation in and around Khijadia was carried out in the last week of January 2012, when many winter visiting birds were expected. The number of birds as well the species has increased in Khijadia over the last four years.