Red-naped Ibis
Red-naped ibis moving through fresh green vegetation in Goshala area. Tal Chhappar, Rajasthan, India.
About the Red-naped Ibis
The red-naped ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) also known as the Indian black ibis or black ibis is a species of ibis found in the throughout the Indian Subcontinent. Unlike most other ibises they are not dependent on water and are often seen foraging in dry fields far from water. Red-naped Ibis typically forage alone or in loose groups and can be easily recognised by their dark head with bright red skin patch.
The red-naped ibis is widely distributed throughout the Indian Subcontinent, favouring lakes, marshes, riverbeds and irrigated farmlands. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, frogs, and other small vertebrates as well as crops and grains. They are known to feed on carrion and sometimes gather in large numbers to feed at garbage dumps.
More about Red-naped Ibis
About Tal Chhapar:
Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Northwestern Rajasthan on the fringe of the Great Indian Desert; The Thar. This small grassland habitat is surrounded by sparse scrub and dry dusty plains peppered with salt pans. Originally a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Bikaner it was declared a sanctuary in the 1960s.
India’s Grasslands are home to some of its most endangered species, many of which are endemic. This important habitat now only exists in a handful of places in India and is sadly becoming increasingly scarce.
This stunning grassland wasn’t always the paradise seen today. After decades of neglect and encroachment by the nearby salt production the sanctuary was in a sorry state. Thanks to efforts coordinated by Mr. S.S.Poonia, the range forest officer at Tal Chhapar, over the years the grassland has been transformed. After gradually stripping away the invasive plant; Prosopis juliflora a variety of grasses were planted such as Mothiya grass, a favourite of the blackbucks, which derives its name from ‘moti’ meaning pearl, as its sweet seeds look like pearls. The final result is vast swathes of pristine grassland bustling with animal life.