Tirupati Bird Atlas, a first in Andhra, released

THE first-of-its-kind in Andhra Pradesh and only the third across India, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Tirupati unveiled the Tirupati Bird Atlas.'

- USHA PERI

The project aims to conduct a comprehensive research on bird distribution within the region, encompassing a range of critical factors, including bird numbers, species diversity, habitats, and behavioural patterns. The project is conceived by the state forest department. National Geographic Society and Duleep Matthai Nature Conservation Trust also extended their support.

The survey covered a broad spectrum of habitats, including major urban zones, industrial areas, agricultural regions, and forested areas in Tirupati. Over 60 volunteers meticulously counted an astonishing total of 27,230 birds, representing a diverse array of 219 different species. The data collection spanned two seasons, with surveys conducted during October and November (premonsoon) and January.

These efforts involved more than 600 hours of combined dedication, spread across 530 kilometres, generating over 500 bird lists, and yielding insights into 219 different bird species.