JODHPUR, June 10 -- Road-vehicle collisions killed 289 birds in and around Desert National Park in western Rajasthan between 2023-2025, a field study has found, highlighting pressure from expanding road networks in the Thar Desert. The study was carried out by Vijay Kumar and Devendra Singh Chouhan from the department of geography, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, together with assistant professor Narayan Lal Choudhary from the department of zoology, Adarsh Mahavidhyalaya, Jodhpur. Field surveys were conducted between June 2023 and May 2025 across Desert National Park and adjoining areas of Barmer and Jaisalmer districts. Researchers used regular road transects and visual observation to record bird carcasses along major and connecting roads. Assistant professor Narayan Lal Choudhary reported that the 289 dead birds belonged to 20 families and nine orders. Passeriformes accounted for the highest number of deaths with 156 individuals, followed by Columbiformes with 78. Among families, Columbidae recorded the highest mortality with 78 birds, followed by Pycnonotidae and Leiothrichidae. The study noted that rock pigeon, house sparrow and red-vented bulbul were among the most affected species. Rock pigeon alone accounted for 34 deaths, while house sparrow recorded 24 and red-vented bulbul 27 cases of road mortality. Most affected species, 34 in total, were classified as least concern. However, the study also recorded the death of one endangered species, the Egyptian vulture. The researchers observed that increasing road density and vehicular movement in the desert region have raised risks for birds, especially where roads cut through natural habitats. Choudhary noted such linear infrastructure fragments habitats and increases mortality through collisions. The study says road networks not only cause direct deaths but also alter bird movement patterns and reduce habitat quality. It refers to earlier research indicating road impacts can extend beyond collision zones, affecting wider ecological areas. The researchers suggested mitigation steps including installation of speed-control signage in sensitive stretches, creation of wildlife crossings such as underpasses and overpasses, and establishment of local bird rescue centres....