Meet the birders behind Kerala Bird Atlas 2.0

The Kerala Bird Atlas 2.0 brings together bird enthusiasts across the state, united by a common goal of documenting the region's avian population. The project, initiated in 2015, has evolved into the country's largest citizen science initiative, providing valuable insights into bird species distribution and abundance in Kerala. With 4,324 sub-cells covering 38,863 square kilometres, the atlas revisits the same areas surveyed during the first edition, allowing researchers to track changes over a decade.

One notable species that has expanded its range in the state is the peafowl, shifting from a dry, open-country habitat to the humid, dense environment of Kerala. The atlas employs a standardized protocol, requiring volunteers to conduct 15-minute surveys during the dry and wet seasons. The data collected is recorded on e-Bird and Merlin apps, ensuring consistency and comparability between the first and second iterations.

The initiative has fostered a thriving community of birdwatchers, including students, homemakers, professionals, and retirees, who contribute to the conservation of Kerala's diverse ecosystems.