Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

Wildlife Institute of India (WII) : Recently, a study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), published in Nature Scientific Reports, has highlighted alarming bird mortality rates caused by wind farms in the Thar Desert, particularly around Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

• Key Highlights : The Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan hosts around 900 wind turbines and is home to over 270 bird species, including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

o 124 bird carcasses were recorded during seven multi-season surveys around 90 randomly selected turbines.

o After adjusting for detection errors and scavenging, the annual bird mortality rate was estimated at 4,464 birds per 1,000 sq. km.

o 28 nearby control sites (without turbines) showed no bird carcasses, indicating a direct link between turbines and bird deaths.

o Raptors (e.g. eagles, vultures), which are long-lived and slow to reproduce, were the most affected group. Their soaring flight patterns make them highly susceptible to collisions with rotating blades.

• Why Thar and Gujarat Are High-Risk Zones: The Thar Desert lies along the Central Asian Flyway, a key migratory route for many bird species.

o Gujarat’s coastal areas, part of the African-Eurasian Flyway, are also under threat.

o Migratory birds using these flyways are increasingly at risk from wind turbines and power transmission lines, leading to rising conservation concerns.

• About WII : Established in 1982, as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Recognised as an internationally acclaimed institute for wildlife research, training, and advisory services.

o Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

o Key Objectives: Generate scientific knowledge on India’s wildlife resources.

- Offer policy advice and technical support on wildlife management issues.

- Collaborate internationally on wildlife research and training.

- Evolve as a regional centre of excellence in natural resource conservation.