On the outskirts of Bikaner near the camel farm lies Jorbeer Conservation Reserve, a semi-arid scrubland that has become one of India’s best winter sites for vultures and raptors. Old carcass dumps (now more regulated) once attracted huge numbers of birds of prey; even today, birdwatchers come to see species like Eurasian griffon, cinereous vulture, steppe eagle and imperial eagle along with many resident raptors. The landscape is not “pretty” in the conventional sense, but for nature and wildlife enthusiasts it offers a rare chance to observe large scavengers and birds of prey at close range in a natural setting.
About this place
History & highlights
Jorbeer’s rise as a birding hotspot is a recent development, largely from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Traditionally, carcass dumping grounds near towns attracted scavengers, but growing conservation concern, especially after the vulture population crash in India due to diclofenac poisoning, led to increased interest in these sites. The Rajasthan government notified Jorbeer as a Conservation Reserve, recognising its importance for migratory and resident raptors. Today, in addition to research and conservation work, Jorbeer features in specialised wildlife tours, adding an ecological dimension to Bikaner’s primarily architectural tourism.
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