The ERDS Foundation

In early March 2019, Radheshyam Bishnoi, community volunteer of ERDS Foundation, formerly known as the Ecology and Rural Development Society, a non-profit organisation working in western Rajasthan, and his birding mentor Dr. Divesh Saini (Physician and supporter of ERDS Foundation) were birding in Pokhran in Jaisalmer district.

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They were specifically exploring areas with Salvadora or Peelu trees, the preferred fruit trees of the Grey Hypocolius, a species found in North Africa and West Asia and known to winter in only a few areas in Kutchh in Gujarat. Confirming their suspicions that it was also found in Rajasthan, they sighted a flock of five birds. Saini and Bishnoi are part of a team that has been monitoring faunal diversity in western Rajasthan. In the past they have also reported finding the Horned Grebe and Red-necked Phalarope in this part of the country.

Since 2007, the Ecology and Rural Development Society (now known as ERDS Foundation) has been working at the grassroots level to address conservation issues and challenges by taking a multi-faceted approach. Its focus is to ensure community participation and empowerment, by engaging in scientific research through regular surveys of the biodiversity of the region involving citizen science and assisting the State Forest Department in wildlife rescues and crime.