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New Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
New study documents 452 bird species across Telangana, including first India records
HYDERABAD: Osmania University Zoology department faculty Professor Chelmala Srinivasulu, along with Sriram Reddy of Hyderabad Birding Pals, meticulously documented 452 species of birds, including first records for India, across Telangana. This documentation has been published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on July 26. The study offers critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and species recorded in India for the first time such as the Spur-winged Lapwing and highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region's importance for bird conservation. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity rich areas from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes.'
Hans India
15 hours ago
- Science
- Hans India
New study reveals rich bird diversity in State
Hyderabad: Ina significant contribution to Indian ornithology, a newly published research paper by Prof. Chelmala Srinivasulu from Osmania University and Sriram Reddy from Hyderabad Birding Pals has thoroughly documented 452 species of birds across Telangana. This research represents one of the most comprehensive avifaunal checklists ever compiled for the state. Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on Saturday, the study provides critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and first records for India, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing. It also emphasizes the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and the Lesser Florican, highlighting the region's significance for bird conservation. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Prof. Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity-rich areas—from wetlands to forests and from grasslands to urban lakes.' Co-author and citizen scientist Sriram Reddy added, 'This checklist is not just for scientists. It is for every nature lover, student, and amateur birder. We invite people from all walks of life to embrace birdwatching—not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful connection to our natural heritage.' The paper is the culmination of decades of field observations, historic record reviews, and data contributed by the community. The authors acknowledge the vital role played by amateur birders, researchers, and platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist. 'We urge citizens to appreciate and protect the birds around them. Policymakers need to collaborate with researchers and experts to prioritize habitat identification and conservation. Our bird diversity and populations are declining due to various direct and indirect threats, making it imperative to nurture a new generation of bird lovers,' added Prof. Srinivasulu. 'It is a highly dedicated piece of work that reflects the passion and years of observation by two committed birders,' said Prof. Kumar Molugaram, Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University. 'The university community greatly appreciates the outcome of this research,' he added. Birdwatching isn't just about observing birds—it's about experiencing the world through a lens of curiosity and care.
News18
a day ago
- Science
- News18
New study documents 452 bird species in Telangana
Hyderabad, Jul 27 (PTI) A newly published research paper by a Professor of Osmania University and a citizen-scientist has documented that there are 452 bird species across Telangana, including rare sightings and first records for India, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing. Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on July 26, the study, by Prof Chelmala Srinivasulu (Osmania University) and Sriram Reddy of Hyderabad Birding Pals, (a Non-Governmental Organisation, dedicated to promoting birdwatching across Telangana) offers critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity and is one of the most comprehensive avifaunal checklists ever compiled for the state, a release from Osmania University said. It also highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the critically endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region's importance for bird conservation, it said. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health. Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity rich areas – from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes," said Prof Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. Sriram Reddy, co-author and citizen-scientist said this checklist is not just for scientists, but for every nature lover, student, and amateur birder. He invited people from all walks of life to take up birdwatching – not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful connection to natural heritage. The paper is the result of decades of field observations, historic record reviews, and community-contributed data, the release said. Prof Srinivasulu urged the citizens to appreciate and protect the birds around them. He said policymakers need to work in tandem with researchers and experts to prioritise habitat identification and conservation. 'Our bird diversity and population are declining due to many direct and indirect threats. It is imperative that we need to nurture a new generation of bird lovers," he added. Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Prof Kumar Molugaram said the university fraternity appreciates the outcome of this research. PTI VVK GDK VVK KH view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 20:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Second season of Hyderabad Bird Atlas 2025 concludes
The second season of the Hyderabad Bird Atlas 2025 has concluded. Aimed at documenting the city's avian diversity across seasons, the atlas is expected to be released in a few weeks. While the first season took place in winter (February), the second was conducted during the monsoon (July). In the first season alone, 209 volunteers surveyed 180 locations across Hyderabad and its peri-urban areas, recording 195 bird species and counting a total of 70,187 individual birds, both resident and migratory. During the monsoon season, the second phase of the Hyderabad Bird Atlas saw resident birds dominating the landscape, many actively engaged in breeding. A total of 166 bird species and 62,811 individual birds were recorded, with the contributions of 22 volunteers. 'While the species count was slightly lower than in winter, owing to the absence of migratory birds, the observations provided critical data on breeding behavior, habitat preferences, and distribution patterns of resident species during the rainy season,' said Sriram Reddy, a core member of Hyderabad Birding Pals which is collaborating for developing the atlas.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Hyd Atlas logs 218 bird species; birders raise red flags on dwindling migratory avians
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Bird Atlas (HBA) has recorded over 2.3 lakh individual birds and 218 species across two rounds held this year, one in winter and another during the current monsoon. HBA is a citizen science initiative jointly undertaken by World Wide Fund, Deccan Birders and Hyderabad Birding Pals to document bird diversity across seasons in the city. The first season, conducted in Feb, focused on the winter period, a time when Hyderabad hosts both resident and migratory birds. This round saw the participation of 209 volunteers, who covered 180 unique locations across the city and peri-urban areas. In all, 195 bird species were documented, and 70,187 individual birds were counted. The second season, held earlier this month, focused on the monsoon period, when resident birds dominate the landscape, and many are engaged in breeding activity. This round saw increased participation, with 225 volunteers. It resulted in 166 bird species being recorded, and 62,811 individual birds counted. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad However, the bird watchers have raised concerns over a sharp decline in migratory birds that once visited Telangana in large numbers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Serbia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House Search Now Undo The state used to see thousands of migratory birds arriving from Mongolia, Europe, Central Asia, and the Tibetan plateau during the winter months. Several species that were once common in Hyderabad and lakes in its vicinity were either missing or being seen in drastically reduced numbers. "The change is not subtle anymore. It's stark and visible," said Sudhir Moorthi K, founder of Deccan Birders. "Among the most visibly missing are greater flamingos, which used to grace lakes across Hyderabad such as Ameenpur lake, Fox Sagar, and Osmansagar in large numbers," he added. These birds breed in the Rann of Kutch (Gujarat) and typically arrive in Telangana between Oct and March. Another missing visitor was the bar-headed goose, known as the world's highest-flying bird, capable of soaring over the Himalayas at 29,000 feet. "These birds breed in the high-altitude lakes of Mongolia, Tibet, and Central Asia. Their migration to Telangana usually peaks between Nov and early March. They need large, clean water bodies to rest and feed, which are now increasingly hard to find," said Sriram Reddy of Birding Pals Hyderabad and project coordinator of HBA. Several species of migratory ducks, such as the red-crested pochard, common pochard, northern pintail, northern shoveller, and garganey, have also seen declining numbers. According to bird watchers, polluted lakes choke their food sources. Encroachments have also left very little undisturbed space. Experts blame this decline on habitat loss, pollution of water bodies, air and noise pollution, and unregulated urban expansion. "Air pollution impairs their ability to fly long distances safely, while noise pollution disrupts their navigation and communication. Constant construction activity and vehicular noise near lakes and wetlands deter birds from landing or resting," Sriram Reddy added. Hyderabad alone has lost hundreds of lakes to encroachments, landfills, and real estate development. "Even existing lakes suffer from untreated sewage inflow and plastic dumping. Birds don't just need water; they need clean, undisturbed water. We have to stop treating wetlands as wastelands," said Vinay Manchala, an environmentalist and a regular bird watcher at Ameenpur Lake.
