The Kerala government officially launched Bird Atlas 2.0, initiating systematic bird surveys twice a year—from mid‑July to mid‑September and from mid‑January to mid‑March. By revisiting the baseline data collected five years ago, the program aims to track long‑term shifts in avian populations and guide conservation policy.

मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)

  • Kerala Bird Atlas 2.0 starts with biannual surveys.
  • Builds on the first atlas released five years earlier.
  • Provides scientific data for informed conservation and policy decisions.

Forest Minister Shibu Baby John formally inaugurated the Kerala Bird Atlas 2.0 in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the revival of a citizen‑science initiative first rolled out in 2021. The new edition, launched five years after the inaugural state‑wide atlas, will repeat systematic surveys across the state to capture ecological changes over time.

Legacy of the First Atlas

The original atlas mapped bird species, distribution patterns, and habitat preferences using a grid‑based methodology. It highlighted the status of common yet under‑monitored species, offering policymakers concrete evidence to prioritize habitat protection and restoration measures.

Survey Design and Schedule

Bird Atlas 2.0 will conduct field surveys twice annually: from mid‑July to mid‑September and from mid‑January to mid‑March. Kerala is divided into grids, quadrants, and sub‑cells to ensure statistically robust sampling, allowing researchers to detect subtle shifts in species abundance and range.

Scientific and Policy Implications

Repeating the surveys at regular intervals creates a longitudinal dataset that can reveal trends such as range expansions, contractions, and phenological changes linked to climate variability. These insights are expected to feed directly into state biodiversity action plans and influence national conservation strategies.

Inclusive Vision and Future Outlook

Chief Wildlife Warden P. Pugazhendi, Kerala State Biodiversity Board Chairperson N. Anilkumar, wildlife biologist P. O. Nameer, and former Travancore royal family member Adithya Varma also addressed the event. They emphasized the need for harmonious coexistence among humans, wildlife, and forest‑fringe communities, underscoring that effective conservation must balance ecological integrity with local livelihoods.