In an initiative to prepare baseline data based on the survey on birds in and around, the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) began a three-day-long counting exercise, starting Tuesday.

“The exercise will be conducted in a phased manner, covering all four seasons. We will study the number, species, and locations of birds inside the park. As some birds visit the park during a particular season, we will ensure that the exercise goes on for one full year,” said Rahul, CTR director.

According to an estimate by birdwatchers and researchers, CTR is visited by around 400-600 species of birds. The reserve is famous among the birdwatchers of India for a sighting of raptors, eagles, vultures, fish eagles, different species of owls, and Indian pitta, among others. Migratory birds like a brown dipper, forktails, white-capped water redstart, and gray-headed fish-eagle also visit the park annually.

The 12 ranges of Kalagarh tiger reserve and Ramnagar forest division will be covered in the estimation exercise, which is to be conducted by 21 teams — having five members each. The move will help in conserving the avian species, say officials.

Rahul added that another major objective of the exercise is to provide a livelihood to the villagers in and around Corbett. “Bird watching has huge scope for rural tourism. We want to engage local youths in this profession. It will serve a dual purpose for us — conserving biodiversity in the park and generating livelihood for them,” said Rahul.

“The estimation will span across the park. The major focus this month is on river, water reservoirs, and ponds as we have migratory birds in this season. And Kosi river, Kosi barrage, Ramganga river, and several other ponds are also to be covered in the exercise,” added Rahul. The senior official further said that if the situation demands, drones may also be used for the exercise.

Meanwhile, the bird watching festival — which is conducted in Uttarakhand every year — has been postponed in the wake of the Chamoli flash floods.

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