'Mann ki Baat' : Modi praises AI-driven bird census in Assam's Kaziranga
For the first time a comprehensive Grassland Bird Census was conducted in Kaziranga's grasslands, revealing over 40 species of birds, including many rare ones.
The census leveraged cutting-edge technology such as sound recording devices which were installed across the park, capturing bird calls which were then analyzed using AI-based computer software. This innovative approach allowed the identification of
birds solely by their sounds without disturbing their natural habitat.
The Prime Minister praised the successful blend of technology and ecological sensitivity, emphasizing that such initiatives deepen our understanding of nature. He encouraged the promotion of similar hi-tech efforts nationwide to better recognize India's rich biodiversity.
Speaking about the initiative, the Prime Minister said, 'If you are asked how many kinds of birds there are around you, what would you say? Most of us might notice five to six birds daily — some familiar, some unfamiliar. But it is truly fascinating to discover the variety of species living right in our vicinity.'
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is famous for its rhinos, (but) this time the topic of discussion is its grasslands and the birds living in them. For the first time, a Grassland Bird Census has been conducted here. You will be happy to know that, as a result of this census, more than 40 species of birds have been identified. Many of these are rare species, said the PM
'This is a significant achievement,' he added, stating, 'because it shows that our biodiversity is far richer than we often realise.'
The use of technology played a crucial role in this endeavor. Modi explained, 'The team installed sound recording devices across the grasslands, and these recordings were analysed using Artificial Intelligence. Birds were identified solely by their calls — without any disturbance to their natural habitat. This seamless integration of technology and ecological sensitivity makes understanding nature easier and deeper.'
The Prime Minister urged greater support for similar scientific and conservation efforts, adding, 'such initiatives not only help us recognise our rich biodiversity but also inspire the next generation to connect deeply with nature.'
Welcoming Kaziranga's recognition by the Prime Minister, Diganta Kalita, MLA from 32 Kamalpur, Assam, and spokesperson for BJP Assam Pradesh, expressed his delight on X. He said the thriving diversity of bird species and the park's ecological transformation represent a remarkable achievement.
'This recognition is a matter of immense pride for Assam,' he remarked.
Ranjan K Baruah, Advisor, Skill Employment and Entrepreneurship Department of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), noted that the park has long captivated tourists and intrigued scholars alike.
He said the recent discovery of rare bird species will further enhance its appeal to both visitors and researchers. Calling for stronger conservation efforts, he urged state authorities to adopt cutting-edge technologies to preserve and showcase this ecological treasure trove.
UNI AJ BM
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On Tuesday (29th July), officials released a summary report for 2024 titled 'Status of Tigers in the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve', with the findings of a Phase IV tiger monitoring initiative across Eastern Assam, Nagaon, and Biswanath Wildlife Divisions. This was done at the direction of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). 2. The survey documented 148 tigers in the reserve, up from 104 recorded in 2022, 99 in 2018 and 96 in 2014. Reserve director Sonali Ghosh said these findings show that Kaziranga has the third-highest density of tigers in the world, after Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand and Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. 3. The survey was conducted over 103 days using 293 paired camera traps across 1307.49 square kilometres, which yielded 4,011 tiger images in 242 locations. The report states that the right-flank stripes of the animals in these images were used to identify 148 adult tigers – 83 females, 55 males, and 10 with undetermined gender. 4. 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Established in 2023, honouring 50 years of Project Tiger, the IBCA aims to promote the protection of seven big cats: the tiger, leopard, snow leopard, lion, cheetah, puma and jaguar. The 'Project Tiger' is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched by the Central government on April 1, 1973, in a bid to promote conservation of the tiger. The programme came at a time when India's tiger population was rapidly dwindling. 📍Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 status: Schedule I. 📍IUCN Red List status: Endangered. 📍CITES status: Appendix I. (1) Consider the following pairs: How many pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs (2) In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of (UPSC CSE 2013) (a) insects and fungi (b) limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients (c) water limits and fire (d) None of the above (Source: Down in Jungleland: Instead of golf courses, India should worry about its grasslands, Grassland bird census in Kaziranga: What was special about this survey, which PM Modi talked about, UPSC Issue at a Glance | Why Tigers Matter: Environmental, cultural, and economic significance of India's apex predator, 103 days, 293 camera traps, 4,011 images – how Kaziranga Tiger Reserve counted its big cats, and what it found Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
