After Kerala, This Coastal State Takes Flight with India’s Second Comprehensive Bird Atlas

Goa has taken an important step towards biodiversity conservation. On February 7, 2026, the State released the Bird Atlas of Goa, becoming the second state in India to do so after Kerala. The atlas was launched during a major bird festival and reflects Goa’s growing focus on scientific documentation, citizen participation, and wildlife protection. This initiative is expected to play a key role in long-term ecological monitoring and conservation planning.

What Is a Bird Atlas and Why It Matters

• A bird atlas is a scientific document that maps the distribution and abundance of bird species using grid-based surveys.
• The Bird Atlas of Goa offers spatial data that helps track changes in bird populations over time.
• Such atlases are essential tools for understanding habitat health, climate impacts, and human pressures.
• For policymakers and conservationists, the atlas will support evidence-based decisions and targeted conservation strategies.

Bird Festival of Goa and Its Conservation Theme

• The ninth Bird Festival of Goa was held at Valpoi and carried the theme “Majestic Mhadei”, focusing on the biodiversity of the Mhadei River basin.
• The festival was inaugurated by C. Candavelou, highlighting strong government support for wildlife conservation.
• Bird festivals act as platforms for education, citizen science, and community involvement.

Local Language and Community Engagement

• Alongside the Bird Atlas of Goa, a publication titled “Birds of Goa: Konkani Nomenclature – Olakh Suknayanchi” was also released.
• This work documents bird species using local Konkani names, making biodiversity knowledge more accessible.
• Using regional languages strengthens community engagement and encourages local participation in conservation.
• It also bridges the gap between scientific research and grassroots awareness.

MoU for Wildlife Rescue and Recognition of Contributors

• To further boost conservation efforts, an MoU was signed between the Goa Forest Department and ResQ Charitable Trust to improve coordination in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
• During the event, volunteers, bird conservationists, forest frontline staff, and wildlife rescuers were felicitated for their contributions.
• This recognition reinforces the importance of collective action in biodiversity protection.

Why the Bird Atlas of Goa Is Important Nationally

• The Bird Atlas of Goa sets an example for other states to follow.
• As habitat loss and climate change affect bird populations, state-level atlases provide crucial baseline data.
• The initiative strengthens India’s citizen science movement and highlights how scientific tools, festivals, and local communities can work together for conservation.

Background: Bird Atlases in India

• A bird atlas is created through systematic surveys conducted by scientists and trained volunteers.
• Kerala was the first Indian state to publish a state-level bird atlas. Such atlases are globally recognised tools for biodiversity assessment and conservation planning.

Question

Q. Which state became the second in India to publish a Bird Atlas?

A. Karnataka
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Goa
D. Maharashtra