Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus)
The Jerdon’s Courser is a Critically Endangered, nocturnal, and cursorial bird endemic to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India. It is known for its elusive behaviour and restricted habitat in the Eastern Ghats.
Historical Background
- Previously thought to be extinct since the early 20th century.
- Rediscovered in 1986 near the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary.
- New sightings between 2000–2008 expanded its known range slightly within 20 km of earlier sites.
Habitat and Ecology
- Found in open patches within scrub forests and dry deciduous shrubland ecosystems.
- Primary habitat lies on the fringes of the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Dependent on undisturbed scrub jungle, which is rapidly declining due to human activity.
Threats
- Anthropogenic pressures such as:
- Agricultural expansion
- Irrigation canal construction (which destroyed some habitats)
- Deforestation
- Encroachment and grazing
- These activities have led to habitat fragmentation and ecological changes.
- Last reliable sighting was in 2008.
