Goa Becomes Second State To Publish Bird Atlas

Goa has become the second state in India to publish a comprehensive state-level bird atlas, marking a significant milestone in avian research and conservation. The Bird Atlas of Goa was released on February 7 during the ninth Bird Festival of Goa, highlighting the State’s growing emphasis on biodiversity documentation and citizen-driven conservation initiatives.

Release of Bird Atlas of Goa

The Bird Atlas of Goa was unveiled at the ninth Bird Festival of Goa, formally positioning Goa after Kerala as the only Indian states to have a complete bird atlas. The atlas provides systematic, spatially mapped data on bird distribution across the State and is expected to support long-term ecological monitoring and conservation planning.

Festival theme and inauguration

The ninth edition of the Bird Festival of Goa was held at Valpoi and was themed “Majestic Mhadei”, drawing attention to the biodiversity of the Mhadei river basin. The festival was inaugurated by C. Candavelou, Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Forests), Government of Goa, underscoring official support for wildlife conservation and scientific documentation.

Local language documentation and conservation outreach

Alongside the atlas, the publication “Birds of Goa: Konkani Nomenclature – Olakh Suknayanchi” was also released. The work aims to document bird species using local Konkani names, strengthening community engagement and awareness. The initiative supports the wider goal of making scientific knowledge accessible to local communities and encouraging grassroots participation in conservation.

Important Facts for Exams

• A bird atlas maps species distribution using grid-based scientific surveys.
• Kerala was India’s first state to publish a state-level bird atlas.
• Use of local languages aids biodiversity awareness and citizen science.
• Bird festivals are tools for conservation outreach and education.

MoU for wildlife rescue and recognition of contributors

Further strengthening conservation efforts, an MoU was signed between the Goa forest department and ResQ Charitable Trust to improve coordination in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation across the State. The ceremony also saw volunteers, bird conservationists, forest frontline staff and wildlife rescuers being felicitated for their sustained contributions to avian protection and biodiversity conservation in Goa.