Thu May 22 18:33:58 UTC 2025: ## News Article:

**Tamil Nadu Bird Survey Reveals Rich Biodiversity, Highlights Migratory Species**

**Chennai, May 23, 2025** – A comprehensive bird survey in Tamil Nadu has revealed a rich diversity of avian species across both wetland and terrestrial habitats, according to a report released by Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan during International Biodiversity Day events on Thursday.

The synchronized survey, conducted across 934 wetland sites and 1,093 terrestrial locations, identified 397 bird species associated with wetlands and 401 species in terrestrial environments. Notably, a significant proportion of these species are long-distance migrants, comprising 34% of the wetland species and 41% of the terrestrial species.

Key wetland species observed include the Greylag Goose, Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Curlew, Pied Avocet, and Lesser Crested Tern. The terrestrial survey documented noteworthy species like the Ashambu Laughingthrush, Indian Nightjar, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Lesser Fish-Eagle, Nilgiri Pipit, Brown Fish-Owl, and the Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon.

“These surveys highlight the importance of our wetlands and terrestrial habitats in supporting a diverse range of birdlife,” said Minister Rajakannappan. “The presence of so many long-distance migratory species underscores Tamil Nadu’s critical role in global bird conservation efforts.”

Speaking at the event, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, emphasized the need to address biodiversity conservation alongside climate change, human impact, and habitat preservation. She highlighted the state’s efforts to protect and expand forest cover, noting that over two lakh hectares of forest areas have been legally protected and 7,000 hectares of new forest areas have been created in the past four years.

The districts of Coimbatore, Erode, and Dindigul recorded the highest species richness, with each identifying over 200 species.

The event also recognized the contributions of forest officials, divisions, and non-governmental organizations through awards. Headmasters of tribal schools managed by the Forest Department were honoured for achieving high pass percentages. Senior forest officials including Srinivas R. Reddy, Mita Banerjee, Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Debasis Jana, and I. Anwardeen attended the event.

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