Haryana's Tech Bird Census Takes Flight

Haryana has initiated its inaugural technology-driven bird census at Sultanpur National Park, a significant shift from traditional counting methods. Two watchtowers are now equipped with AI cameras to continuously monitor bird movements, migration patterns, and habitat changes within the Ramsar site. Drone surveys will complement the camera data, providing a more accurate and comprehensive census. This initiative is expected to be fully operational before the arrival of winter migratory birds.

This new system is designed to generate continuous data, contrasting with older methods that relied on limited observation periods. Wildlife officials anticipate that the project will establish a crucial long-term database. This will be instrumental in assessing the influence of climate variability, altered rainfall patterns, and habitat pressures on bird populations, enabling earlier detection of environmental threats and habitat stress. Bird expert Pankaj Gupta has lauded the initiative, suggesting an expanded monitoring area to include Chandu for more precise migration pattern analysis.