Seminar highlights impact of citizen science in bird watching

A two-day national seminar titled ‘Birdwatching through Citizen Science: A Decade of Transformation’ was jointly organised by the College of Climate Change and Environmental Science and the College of Forestry under Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), in association with the Kerala Bird Monitoring Collective (KBM). The event, held at the university’s central auditorium recently was inaugurated by Pramod G. Krishnan, Chief Wildlife Warden of Kerala.

The seminar brought together scientists, researchers, and birdwatching enthusiasts to celebrate and reflect on ten years of Kerala’s pioneering citizen science initiative in bird monitoring. Key dignitaries in attendance included KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ashok; Dr. Kannan C.S. Warrior, Director of Kerala Forest Research Institute; Dr. O. Nameer, Dean of the College of Climate Change and Environmental Science; Dr. Ratheesh R.L. of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University; and Praveen J. from Bird Count India, Bengaluru.

The seminar featured presentations on avian studies across habitats such as wetlands, forests, and water bodies, along with discussions on research publications and interactive Q&A sessions. Topics included current birdwatching practices, challenges, and future opportunities. Around 200 participants from scientific, academic, and research backgrounds attended the event.

10 years of bird monitoring

The Kerala Bird Monitoring Collective is celebrating a decade of impactful citizen science in bird observation and conservation. Over the past ten years, more than 10,000 citizens across Kerala have contributed over 7,00,000 bird records under this initiative. To date, 559 bird species have been documented in the State through this collective effort.

One of its landmark achievements is the completion of the Kerala Bird Atlas, Asia’s largest bird mapping project, accomplished in just five years through surveys across 3,000+ locations by over 1,000 birdwatchers.

The Common Bird Monitoring Programme has played a vital role in tracking everyday bird species that serve as ecological indicators. This initiative has helped generate baseline bird data at the panchayat level, supported by the distribution of awareness materials such as local bird posters to several panchayats and municipal bodies.

Structured monitoring of heronries has yielded insights into nesting, population trends, and threats. The Asian Waterbird Census has enabled accurate estimation of waterbird populations and their migratory patterns, offering a clearer understanding of the health of Kerala’s wetlands. Efforts like beach combing have supported the documentation and conservation planning for declining coastal bird populations.

To assess the ecological state of internationally recognised wetlands, Ramsar Site Monitoring has been undertaken. Meanwhile, Pelagic Bird Surveys have helped study seabirds and their migration patterns.

Systematic bird surveys are also being carried out across all forest divisions in the State. Through these initiatives, Kerala has emerged as a model for community-driven biodiversity documentation, combining grassroots participation with scientific rigor in the realm of bird conservation.

Published - June 15, 2025 08:17 pm IST