Seminar highlights affect of citizen science in fowl watching

A two-day nationwide seminar titled ‘Birdwatching by way of Citizen Science: A Decade of Transformation’ was collectively organised by the Faculty of Local weather Change and Environmental Science and the Faculty of Forestry beneath Kerala Agricultural College (KAU), in affiliation with the Kerala Chicken Monitoring Collective (KBM). The occasion, held on the college’s central auditorium lately was inaugurated by Pramod G. Krishnan, Chief Wildlife Warden of Kerala.

The seminar introduced collectively scientists, researchers, and birdwatching lovers to rejoice and replicate on ten years of Kerala’s pioneering citizen science initiative in fowl monitoring. Key dignitaries in attendance included KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ashok; Dr. Kannan C.S. Warrior, Director of Kerala Forest Analysis Institute; Dr. O. Nameer, Dean of the Faculty of Local weather Change and Environmental Science; Dr. Ratheesh R.L. of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences College; and Praveen J. from Chicken Depend India, Bengaluru.

The seminar featured shows on avian research throughout habitats resembling wetlands, forests, and water our bodies, together with discussions on analysis publications and interactive Q&A periods. Subjects included present birdwatching practices, challenges, and future alternatives. Round 200 individuals from scientific, tutorial, and analysis backgrounds attended the occasion.

10 years of fowl monitoring

The Kerala Chicken Monitoring Collective is celebrating a decade of impactful citizen science in fowl statement and conservation. Over the previous ten years, greater than 10,000 residents throughout Kerala have contributed over 7,00,000 fowl data beneath this initiative. To this point, 559 fowl species have been documented within the State by way of this collective effort.

One in every of its landmark achievements is the completion of the Kerala Chicken Atlas, Asia’s largest fowl mapping undertaking, achieved in simply 5 years by way of surveys throughout 3,000+ areas by over 1,000 birdwatchers.

The Widespread Chicken Monitoring Programme has performed an important function in monitoring on a regular basis fowl species that function ecological indicators. This initiative has helped generate baseline fowl knowledge on the panchayat stage, supported by the distribution of consciousness supplies resembling native fowl posters to a number of panchayats and municipal our bodies.

Structured monitoring of heronries has yielded insights into nesting, inhabitants developments, and threats. The Asian Waterbird Census has enabled correct estimation of waterbird populations and their migratory patterns, providing a clearer understanding of the well being of Kerala’s wetlands. Efforts like seashore combing have supported the documentation and conservation planning for declining coastal fowl populations.

To evaluate the ecological state of internationally recognised wetlands, Ramsar Website Monitoring has been undertaken. In the meantime, Pelagic Chicken Surveys have helped examine seabirds and their migration patterns.

Systematic fowl surveys are additionally being carried out throughout all forest divisions within the State. Via these initiatives, Kerala has emerged as a mannequin for community-driven biodiversity documentation, combining grassroots participation with scientific rigor within the realm of fowl conservation.