The global population status and distribution of the Indian Swiftlet: Implications for Conservation

Abstract The current study aims to comprehend the population status and distribution of the Indian Swiftlet ( Aerodramus unicolor , family: Apodidae) using primary and secondary data. We acquired the population data from the secondary literature and presence data from open source (GBIF.org). We conducted surveys to document the breeding and foraging locations of the species in the Western Ghats, West Coast and Offshore islands of Maharashtra. After estimating the population, we used the presence data to create a model predicting species distribution in current and future scenarios. The Indian Swiftlet’s current distribution is from Southwest Maharashtra to Kerala and Sri Lanka. In future, the changing climate might restrict it to the southern Western Ghats and some pockets in Sri Lanka. Burnt Island, home to the largest known colony, deserves conservation attention. We recommend population surveys and immediate conservation efforts to ensure the survival of the Indian Swiftlet endemic to India and Sri Lanka.