The first ever citizens science-based bird survey recorded a total 226 species of birds in Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR).

The maiden bird survey, largest in Central India, covered 741 sq km area of PTR, including 78 beats of the forest. More than 125 volunteers from 11 States participated in the activity.

The data was collected on ‘Kobo Collect’ mobile App. Each record included bird name, number of individuals and its geo-location. A baseline checklist of 310 species in PTR has already been created by a Nagpur-based NGO Central India Bird Academy (CIBA). The highest number of bird diversity was found in Chourbauli Range with 154 species, followed by East Pench with 138 species. Malabar Pied Hornbill, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Common Emerald Dove, Indian Nuthatch, Long-billed Vulture, Black Eagle, Great Thicknee, Orange-headed Thrush, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture etc., were some of the important species reported during the survey.

A detailed scientific report on the data collected during survey will be published by TINSA Team and PTR soon. The inferences from the data and ecological modelling will be used for management interventions of the reserve. These sort of surveys are important for conservation awareness and bring citizens from tiger centric conservation and tourism to landscape-level conservation and tourism.

The concluding ceremony was held on 15th January at Sillari. During the event Shreelakshmi, Field Director, PTR; Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director; and RFOs and other field staff along with Dr Anil of CIBA and Ajinkya Patil, Honorary Wildlife Warden and team members of TINSA also were present.