Manipal Bird Day 2024: Citizen Scientists Document 130 Bird Species Across Udupi Region
The 16th consecutive edition of Manipal Bird Day concluded successfully on Sunday, with approximately 90-100 enthusiastic birders recording an impressive 130 different bird species across 17 designated trails. This significant documentation occurred on eBird, the globally recognized citizen science platform dedicated to avian observation and conservation.
Organizational Collaboration and Early Morning Exploration
The event was meticulously organized by the Manipal Birding and Conservation Trust in partnership with several prominent institutions. These included the One Nature Student Animal Welfare Club from the department of student affairs at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, along with the centre for wilderness medicine and Kasturba Medical College, MAHE.
Participants gathered early in the morning, embarking on various trails throughout Manipal under the expert guidance of experienced members from the Manipal Birder's Club. According to Tejasvi S Acharya, trustee of the Manipal Birding and Conservation Trust, the walks served dual purposes: introducing novices to the fundamentals of birding while providing seasoned birdwatchers with opportunities to encounter Manipal's remarkably rich avian diversity.
Notable Species Sightings and Endemic Western Ghats Birds
Among the 130 species documented, several notable and endemic birds were spotted, highlighting the region's ecological significance. Key sightings included:
- Blyth's swift
- Malabar pied hornbills
- Malabar grey hornbills
- Crested goshawk
- Crested serpent eagle
These species, along with many others endemic to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, were successfully recorded during the event. The documentation extended beyond mere listing, with talks and sessions designed to explore the broader ecosystems that support these avian populations.
Educational Sessions on Bees and Environmental Policies
The event featured insightful presentations from environmental experts. Prajwal M Kinnigoli, a beekeeper from Mangalore, delivered a compelling talk titled 'Be the Change to Save Bees', emphasizing the crucial role bees play in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.
Another significant session was led by Arathi Ashok, president of Aranya Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha, a civil society organization dedicated to environmental protection. Her presentation focused on current environmental policies, their practical implementation challenges, and the importance of social forestry initiatives in conservation efforts.
Event Conclusion and Conservation Message
The day concluded with organizers sharing details about their ongoing conservation work, followed by an engaging quiz and the declaration of results. Tejasvi S Acharya reflected on the event's importance, describing it as "a crucial documentation effort—a snapshot of bird diversity on a typical winter morning."
While acknowledging that the recorded numbers might seem modest to some, Acharya emphasized they should be viewed as encouragement rather than discouragement. "Habitat loss remains a persistent challenge we confront annually," he noted, stressing the urgent need to preserve and protect bird habitats through sustained community engagement and scientific documentation.
This year's Manipal Bird Day not only contributed valuable data to global citizen science databases but also strengthened local awareness about avian conservation and the fragile ecosystems of the Western Ghats region.
