Tag: Goa Wildlife

Travel

Indian Courser Becomes Goa’s 500th Officially Documented Bird Species

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Goa has achieved a remarkable milestone in its biodiversity journey with the official documentation of the Indian Courser, now recognised as the 500th bird species recorded from the state. The sighting was reported by wildlife enthusiast Quepelio De Souza on 11 February 2026, drawing attention from birdwatchers and conservationists alike.

The Indian Courser, a Schedule-1 protected species, is known to inhabit dry, stony scrublands and rocky grassland habitats — landscapes often overlooked in conservation discussions compared to forests and wetlands. Its presence in Goa underscores the ecological significance of plateau ecosystems that support unique and specialised wildlife.

Experts note that plateau habitats across Goa are under increasing pressure from development activities and changing land use patterns. The recording of this species serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity these areas sustain and the urgent need for thoughtful conservation strategies.

Birding communities have welcomed the milestone, describing it as a testament to Goa’s diverse habitats ranging from coastal wetlands to inland plateaus. The documentation also reflects the growing contribution of citizen scientists and local observers in tracking and preserving wildlife records.

With this addition, Goa joins an elite group of regions recognised for their high avian diversity, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a significant destination for birdwatching and ecological research.

Photo Credit: Pranoy Baidya

Social

Goa’s Overlooked Eight-Legged Arachnids Need Attention; ‘Development’ Needs to go Hand-in-Hand With Ecology

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Panaji, June 2025 – Embankments along the national highway in Mollem, home to a rare tarantula species, were wiped away due to road widening projects and heightened the risk of local extinction, according to Prof. Manoj Ramakant Borkar, who at a recent MOG Sunday talk at the Museum of Goa, Pilerne, stressed that development goes hand in hand with ecology. These tarantulas and other arachnids, Borkar said, are dependent on specific microhabitats and microclimatic regimes, which cannot be replicated beyond the mounds and burrows of the embankment.

In his talk titled ‘Whip Spiders, Whip Scorpions & Tarantulas: The ‘Not-So-Charismatic’ Wildlife of Goa,’ Borkar emphasised that tarantulas have restricted and limited dispersal and that whip spiders and whip scorpions remain largely unaccounted for by major conservation frameworks. 

“They have not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, nor are they included under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act schedules,” says Borkar, head of the Department of Zoology, Carmel College for Women, South Goa and founder of the Biodiversity Research Cell.

The talk included detailed insights into the anatomy and traits of these species. The whip scorpion, also known as a vinegaroon, is named after its defence mechanism, in which the creature lifts its whip and sprays a vinegar-smelling substance on the provoker. Another unique feature of the tarantulas, according to Borkar, is their behaviour of layering their burrow with their webs, whether it is a pipe or a crevice in a tree.

Drawing from ongoing fieldwork, Borkar revealed the elaborate mating behaviour of whip spiders in which the smaller male takes the lead. “We have established a new hypothesis, where the prey drive is overridden by mating priorities,” he said.

He believes Goans are extremely eco-conscious and eco-sensitive, but not always vocal. Those who speak up are silenced with incentives. “All those who speak for the environment are not anti-development. They’re only insisting on sustainable development. You just cannot replace the earth’s capital with manufactured capital,” he said.

The talk touched on the role of ecotourism and its potential impact on Goa’s ecology. While it has the potential to raise awareness, Borkar warned that its focus has often shifted toward recreation and commercial gain. “We need to be ethical in our approach to tourism. Without strong environmental regulation, there can be no sustainability,” he said.

Events in Goa

Discover Goa’s ‘Not-So-Charismatic’ Wildlife at MOG Sundays with Prof. Manoj R. Borkar

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Panaji, June 2025 – The Museum of Goa (MOG) invites nature lovers, curious minds, and wildlife enthusiasts to explore a rarely seen side of Goa’s biodiversity through a compelling session titled “Whip Spiders, Whip Scorpions & Tarantulas: The ‘Not-So-Charismatic’ Wildlife of Goa.” This special edition of MOG Sundays will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 11:30 AM, at MOG’s campus in Pilerne Industrial Estate, Bardez.

Led by acclaimed biologist Prof. Manoj R. Borkar, this talk promises to shift the lens from Goa’s popular coastal and forest fauna to the secretive world of arachnids and arthropods that play a crucial yet uncelebrated role in our ecosystems.

About the Speaker

Prof. Manoj R. Borkar is the Head of the Department of Zoology at Carmel College for Women, South Goa, and the founder of the Biodiversity Research Cell. A respected academic and passionate field biologist, Prof. Borkar has spent decades studying Goa’s flora and fauna, advocating for scientific literacy and ecological balance. His ability to translate complex biological phenomena into relatable narratives makes his sessions both informative and inspiring.

Why This Talk Matters

When we think of Goa’s wildlife, the spotlight often falls on its majestic birds, leopards, or marine life. But what about the organisms lurking under leaves, in dark corners, or beneath stones—creatures that many of us fear or ignore?

This session will demystify:

  • Whip spiders – shy, non-venomous arachnids with unique locomotion and sensory limbs
  • Whip scorpions – fascinating creatures with powerful pincers and a whip-like tail
  • Tarantulas – misunderstood giants of the spider world, critical to pest control

Prof. Borkar will discuss their ecological roles, adaptations, and the myths that surround them, offering a fresh perspective on creatures often deemed scary or insignificant.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
  • Time: 11:30 AM onwards
  • Venue: Museum of Goa, Pilerne Industrial Estate, Bardez
  • Entry: Free (Limited seating)
  • RSVP: WhatsApp your name to 7722089666 to register

Who Should Attend?

  • Wildlife and nature enthusiasts
  • Students of biology, environmental science, and ecology
  • Families and children with a curiosity for the natural world
  • Anyone willing to challenge their fears and see nature differently


This MOG Sundays talk offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the hidden heroes of Goa’s ecosystem. By spotlighting the ‘not-so-charismatic’ creatures, the session encourages a more inclusive and respectful understanding of wildlife. Come with an open mind—you may walk away with a newfound fascination for the creatures that crawl, creep, and quietly sustain the balance of nature.