The first State-wide raptor assessment in Tamil Nadu is set for January 31 and February 1, 2026. This survey covers important raptor habitats like the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and coastal wetlands. Forest officials say the birds face rising threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution, and illegal trade. To conserve these raptors, their population, biology, and ecology must be studied closely. The Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation and the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) are leading this effort. They will survey both daytime (diurnal) and night-time (nocturnal) raptors. February 1 is a full moon, which helps in spotting nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars. More than 50 forest divisions will take part. Survey teams will use vehicle and foot surveys during the day and the point count method with vehicles at night. AIWC has trained Tamil Nadu forest officers in person and online for the survey. The state is divided into 4,068 blocks of 32 sq km each. The survey aims to cover 411 blocks, about one-tenth of Tamil Nadu’s area. The first day includes pre-survey training and nocturnal raptor counts. The second day focuses on the diurnal survey. Tamil Nadu is home to over 65 raptor species from three bird orders: Accipitriformes, Falconiformes, and Strigiformes. Raptors are keystone species that support the environment by pollinating, dispersing seeds, scavenging, and controlling prey. They also serve as bio-indicators of ecosystem health. The survey will span forests, hills, farms, wetlands, coasts, dump yards, and other raptor hotspots. AIWC officials say the results will help understand raptor distribution, spot threats, and find new hotspots. This knowledge will guide future conservation plans.