Bird survey records 192 species in Silent Valley National Park

Kochi: A first-ever comprehensive bird survey conducted across Silent Valley National Park in the weekend recorded 192 species, including rare migratory birds such as Asian House Martin and Western House Martin. It provided one of the most detailed accounts so far of the park's avian diversity and highlighted its importance for both resident and migratory species.While the bird survey conducted in 2023 was confined to the core area of the park and recorded 175 bird species, the latest effort held from March 6 to 8, covered both the protected forest and its buffer zone in the park. Forest officials said the exercise spanned all 21 forest camps in the park, including high-altitude locations such as Poochipara, Koomban, Sispara, Meenbhani and Walkkad.The survey also recorded a rich diversity of birds of prey, including nocturnal species such as owls and nightjars. "Usually, we conduct bird surveys only in the core area of the park, which spans 89.54 sq km. This time, we extended the exercise to the 154-sq-km buffer zone as well. We found different species of birds in both areas," a forest official said.The highest number of species was recorded in Anavaayi (95), followed by Thathengalam (94), Uppukandam (93) and Keeripara (92). The survey was conducted jointly by the state forest department and the Malabar Natural History Society, with the participation of 85 birdwatchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.The survey found 20 bird species endemic to the Western Ghats, including Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, White-bellied Treepie, Nilgiri Pipit, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and Nilgiri Sholakili.Jafar Palot, a scientist with the Zoological Survey of India, said most of the diversity of bird species was found in the buffer zone. "The rare bird species are found in core areas. Whereas, we found the highest diversity of bird species in the buffer area, which the birds prefer as they get different food sources from diverse habitats, including plantations. We also recorded breeding nests of different species. The breeding season of the birds is before the arrival of rains," said Palot.Evidence of breeding of bird species was documented of Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Indian Nightjar, Bronzed Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Malabar Grey Hornbill and Malabar Imperial Pigeon.