KOCHI: The Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) has decided to create bird atlas for Kerala, which will be the first bird atlas for an Indian state.
The bird atlas will provide precise distribution pattern of birds of a region, and when put together over a period of time, provides accurate trends for bird presence. Kerala has the distinction of having six bird monitoring schemes, which includes recording common birds, heronries, water birds, pelagic (sea) birds, and forest birds.
“The impressive range of bird monitoring schemes being undertaken by the dedicated Kerala birders makes Kerala one of the leading states for birdwatching in India. It is exciting to see the enthusiasm and dedication of Kerala birders at the IBCN workshop,” said Bruce Liggitt from RSPB.
“Kerala currently has 24 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) but eleven more have been identified. These biodiversity jewels in Kerala’s crown are of high value not just for birds, but for fish and butterflies and should be protected. We spotted Southern Birdwing, considered the largest butterfly in India, endemic to South India many times in Vazhachal forests .This priceless site is threatened by power-generation projects. Also, the wetlands of the state distinguish Kerala from many other states. These amazing places deserve protection.”, said Neha Sinha from BNHS-India.
