Bhubaneswar: This year, Odisha Forest Department is conducting in one-day bird census on a larger scale across the state. This activity has become prevalent among forest and wildlife workers over the last decade. Some of the prominent efforts have been taken up at the major reservoirs such as Chilika, Bhitarkanika, and Hirakud. This year, an exotic step is to use transmitters for tracking migration routes of exotic species. The conservation value in the same states will be invaluable when the project data matures.
Highlights of the Odisha Bird Census 2025
State-Wide Bird Count:
- The operation of counting birds across the state begins on Saturday in the morning and closes in the evening.
- Preparation of reports on bird species and population at the divisional level.
Focus Areas:
- Chilika, Bhitarkanika, and Hirakud: major reservoirs.
- 21 Units census in Chilika, 18 in each of Bhitarkanika and Hirakud.
Participation:
- More than 115 participants, including retired forest officers, bird specialists, volunteers, and the like, will participate in the activity.
- The teams are composed of ornithologists, birders, and guides to have accurate information.
Advanced Tools and Techniques:
- Using spotting scopes, cameras, and binoculars.
- Tagging GSM-GPS With Solar-Powered Transmitters for Exotic Species Such As Greater Flamingo.
Why a Bird Census is Significant?
Bird census is very imperative as it reserves biodiversity amid the kind of rich biodiversity that is found in Orissa, particularly in his rich wetlands at Chilika, housing countless amounts of exotic and migrant bird varieties. Profits of logical analysis toward this issue could digest in the following:
- Conservation Efforts: Which are for defining at-risk species.
- Habitat Management: Ascertaining worthy habitats for migratory birds are strictly preserved.
- Research and Policy: Designing strategies to preserve wildlife.
To an extent, this exercise stands to provide plausible insights into migration patterns of exotic birds to the extent that conservation strategies are to be improved by that.
Upcoming Irrawaddy Dolphin Census
The upturn is, in fact, extended to the scheduled January 20 Irrawaddy Dolphin Census.
The other processes include:
- Training Programs: Scheduled for January 19, Balugaon and Satpada.
- Participants: 18 teams to conduct the dolphin count across key habitats.
- Focus Areas: Chilika Lake, the prime habitat for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
Conservation Beyond Counting
Odisha’s endeavors go beyond counting of birds and dolphins as puppies. Key technical measures are as follows:
Protection Camps:
- 21 temporary camps in Chilika to save exotic birds.
- 48 staff will be engaged in guarding birds in the census.
Volunteer Participation:
- With the participation of bird lovers, students, and wildlife enthusiasts, public awareness and participation are vast.
Conservation Technology:
- Newer ways, such as solar-powered transmitters, provide more good tracking options.
Another Step for Wildlife Preservation
The bird and dolphin census of Odisha is not just data collection–it is a new, comprehensive way to conserve biodiversity. The state has once again set the milestone in wildlife management through the use of advanced technology and involving more diverse stakeholders.
Not only would such efforts conserve natural heritage in the state, but they also highlight the state’s commitment toward sustainability and ecological balance. As the reports start coming in, it becomes sure that these findings will shape all further conservation agenda.
Stay with us for the finer details of the census results and the Odisha’s march toward safeguarding wildlife.
