A State-wide Synchronised Wetland Bird Census is scheduled to be conducted on December 27 and 28 for the year 2025-2026.
The Forest Department has asked the District Forest Officers / Wildlife Wardens to make necessary preparations to conduct the Wetland Bird Census in all bird sanctuaries, marshlands and other significant wetlands.
The annual exercise is to be carried out involving non-governmental organisations, bird experts, nature lovers, volunteers and students of educational institutions. Forest Department officials said the census would be conducted at all the locations covered during the previous year’s census.
Ahead of the conducting the census, field-level Forest Department officials would hold an orientation programme for the participants on various aspects including the ways of conducting the census, how to sight the birds and identification of species, data recording and documentation among others. The exercise would begin at the crack of dawn at the wetlands by multiple teams comprising field-level Forest Department officials to spot the birds and record the species, the officials further said.
In Tiruchi district, a total number of 20 big and small tanks were covered during the previous year’s census. This includes the Koothapar big tank, Mukkombu – Upper Anaicut, Thayanur tank, Kiliyur tank, Thuraiyur big tank, Thinnanur tank and Keerambur tank. Some of the bird species recorded during the census conducted in the previous year in Tiruchi district included Purple Swamphen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Black-headed Ibis, Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Oriental Darter, Little Cormorant and Little Stint.
In Pudukottai district, the Kavinadu Kanmoi, Annavasal Periyakulam, Ariyur Kulam and Perungalur Sirungakulam were among the 25 wetlands which were covered during the census conducted in the previous year. The same locations would be covered this time too. In Ariyalur district, the wetlands covered last time included the Karaivetti bird sanctuary.
Published – December 23, 2025 08:54 pm IST
