Dear Members,
Deccan Birders is glad to invite you for a field trip to Zaheerabad, on 20-July-2025 (SUNDAY).
The forest region near Zaheerabad, in close proximity to the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary on the Telangana-Karnataka border, is a critical habitat characterized by a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. This area, primarily a dry land ecosystem, showcases a unique blend of forest types and topographical features that support a remarkable diversity of life.
The core of this forest is dominated by dry and moist deciduous forests, which transition into Acacia and Teak plantations on the fringes. This mosaic of vegetation is a key feature of the region’s ecology. The forest is also renowned for its significant populations of valuable tree species such as Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) and Sandalwood (Santalum album), which are found in abundance alongside a variety of medicinal herbs and trees.
The landscape is further defined by its undulating terrain, which includes rocky outcrops and scrublands, typical of the Deccan thorn scrub forest eco-region. The presence of the Chandrampalli dam and several other smaller water bodies creates a vital network of reservoirs and streams. This network is crucial for sustaining the region’s wildlife, especially during the dry seasons, and contributes to the moist deciduous vegetation found in some core areas.
This diverse habitat provides a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife. Beyond the impressive list of avian species, the forest is home to mammals such as the Blackbuck, Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena, and the Four-horned Antelope. The varied landscape, with its mix of dense woods, open scrublands, and water sources, offers ideal conditions for these species to thrive.
The birdlife is particularly noteworthy, with species that are characteristic of both deciduous forests and drier, scrubbier environments. The presence of birds like the White-bellied Minivet, Small Minivet, and Black-headed Cuckooshrike indicates healthy woodland areas. Simultaneously, species such as the Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, various quail species including the Rain, Jungle, Rock, and Barred Buttonquail, and the Painted Francolin are well-adapted to the more open, scrub and grassland patches within the forest mosaic. The abundance of weaver birds like the Baya Weaver also points to the availability of suitable nesting habitats near water sources.
In essence, the Zaheerabad-Chincholi forest is a prime example of a transitional ecosystem on the Deccan Plateau, where different forest types converge to create a unique and vital sanctuary for a wide range of flora and fauna.
Those interested in joining the trip may meet at Miyapur Metro Station by 4:30 AM , as it takes 2 and 1/2 hours to reach the final destination please be on time Those who wish to join, can also convergeat the 2nd meeting point at Bhel Bus Stop (click link for location), by 4:45 AM or atthe 3rd meeting point at Taj Dhaba, Muthangi (click link for location) by 5:00 AM.
As it is a half day trip, please carry breakfast and enough water to keep yourselves hydrated.
Do join us for we promise you a rich birding experience.
If you’re not a member with Deccan Birders, please register online (https://deccanbirders.org/membership/) or directly meet us at the location to enrol yourself.
Non-members would be requested to kindly contribute Rs. 100/- per head if they accompany the group. Your contribution will help the society grow.
We shall also carry T-shirts and Caps for sale. Therefore, please carry adequate cash!. Also, subject to the availability of stocks.
Those who are driving down may kindly indicate here, the number of seats available in their car and those seeking lift may indicate their location here for smooth coordination of carpooling.
If you need any further information please feel free to call our Executive Committee Members & Trip Coordinators
Sathwik Reddy @ 9985807186