Bird survey in Silent Valley records 192 species

A comprehensive bird survey conducted in Silent Valley National Park documented 192 bird species, highlighting the remarkable avian diversity of the region. The survey, held from March 6 to 8, covered both the core and buffer zones of the national park.

During the survey, participants recorded rare migratory species such as the Asian house martin and the Western house martin. Around 85 birdwatchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu took part in the exercise.

Assistant Wildlife Warden V.S. Vishnu, who coordinated the initiative, said this was the first time such an extensive survey had been carried out across the entire national park.

The survey was jointly organised by the Kerala Forest department and the Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS). The team documented 20 bird species endemic to the Western Ghats, including the Nilgiri laughingthrush, Black-and-orange flycatcher, White-bellied treepie, Nilgiri pipit, White-bellied blue flycatcher and Nilgiri sholakili.

Researchers also recorded evidence of breeding in around 11 species, including the Sri Lanka frogmouth (Mackachikada), Indian nightjar (Rachukk), Bronzed drongo (Lalithakaka), Malabar trogon (Theekaka), Crimson-backed sunbird (Cheruthenkili), Purple-rumped sunbird (Manjathenkili), Malabar grey hornbill (Kozhi Vezhambal), and Malabar imperial pigeon (Pokana).

Although bird surveys had previously been conducted in different parts of the park, this was the first survey to cover all 21 forest camps, including high-altitude locations such as Poochipara, Koomban, Sispara, Meenbhani and Walakkad.

Among the camps, Anavaayi recorded the highest number of species (95), followed by Thathengalam (94), Uppukandam (93) and Keeripara (92). The survey also noted a healthy diversity of birds of prey, including nocturnal raptors such as owls and nightjars.

Silent Valley National Park Wildlife Warden G. Harikrishnan Nair inaugurated the survey. Apart from Mr. Vishnu, Deputy Range Forest Officer K.E. Bijumon and MNHS representatives Jafer Palot, Sathyan Meppayur and Naveenlal Payyeri led the survey teams.