A first,nationwide programme to monitor common birds

The purpose of the programme,which will be a long-term study,is to get specific figures on the presence/absence and rise or decline of these species in certain areas and to provide interesting data that can be analysed for conservation efforts. “Currently,there is no scientific data on the status,population and distribution of these birds in the country because we take common birds for granted and only take notice when they start disappearing,which is what happened with vultures. This will serve as an early warning system to prevent decline of these species,” Dilawar said.

The initiative mainly targets the ordinary citizen to spend 15 minutes a day observing birds around him with the help of the guide provided by the NGO and record which of the 18 birds are present and in what number. One can do this from any location,home,office or school but anytime between half an hour after sunrise until half an hour before sunset. After a simple registration on the programme’s website, http://www.cbmi.in,the participant can enter details such as his exact location in terms of address and enter his observations. Each participant will be credited for sightings and all the data from across the country will be accessible to each participant.

The programme will later allow even organisations to participate. “We want to involve educational institutions,NGOs,corporates,community organisations,researchers and all those interested,to participate. We will also ask the Union Environment Ministry and state governments for support,” Dilawar said.