New study documents 452 bird species across Telangana, including first India records
This documentation has been published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on July 26. The study offers critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and species recorded in India for the first time such as the Spur-winged Lapwing and highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region's importance for bird conservation.
'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity rich areas from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes.'
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The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
452 bird species documented in Telangana; what do feathered friends tell us about air, water and other elements we need?
The rocky ledges of Palarathi Gutta near Bejjur of Sirpur-Kaghaznagar in Telangana hosted breeding colonies of the Indian Vulture (Gyps Indicus) - which is listed as 'Critically Endangered' in The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. However, their breeding activities have ceased following the destruction of nesting ledges due to natural causes. Ongoing habitat degradation, particularly due to land conversion for real estate development, and natural deterioration of their specific habitat requirements further exacerbated the critical status of the species. This is one of the findings mentioned in the study titled 'A checklist of avifauna of Telangana, India', published in The Journal of Threatened Taxa on Saturday (July 26, 2025). The authors, Chelmela Srinivasulu, professor of Zoology at Osmania University, Hyderabad, and Sriram Reddy, cofounder of Hyderabad Birding Pals, documented 452 bird species, belonging to 24 orders and 82 families, in the study. Reflection of environment quality One of the authors and an avid bird watcher from Hyderabad said that diversity, presence or absence of birds is a clear reflection of the environment quality around us and changes in it. To drive the point, Mr. Sreenivasulu cited an example of Pied Kingfisher which resides near aquatic habitats. 'They should be able to see fishes. They live in such areas. Weed growth also keeps these birds away. If a Pied Kingfisher is not spotted at a locality anymore, it means there are changes in the water body,' Mr. Sreenivasulu said. Aasheesh Pittie, who is one of the authors of 'A checklist of birds of Andhra Pradesh' published in 1989, said that if aquatic birds are disappearing from their habitat, some basic questions arise: Is the water bad? Are we drinking that water? Are there changes in the surroundings? What do birds indicate? 'Animals and birds do not speak. But they indicate the condition of the environment (air, water and other elements) we live in. If number of migratory birds continues to decrease, there are changes in the places they used to visit,' said Mr. Aasheesh. Of the 452 species documented in the latest checklist, most (339, 75.5%) species have been found to be common, followed by uncommon (78 species, 17.37%), and rare (35 species, 7.79%). Regarding the rare species, the authors mentioned that these species often act as indicators of ecosystem health and habitat specificity, providing valuable insights into the region's biodiversity significance.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
New study documents 452 bird species across Telangana, including first India records
HYDERABAD: Osmania University Zoology department faculty Professor Chelmala Srinivasulu, along with Sriram Reddy of Hyderabad Birding Pals, meticulously documented 452 species of birds, including first records for India, across Telangana. This documentation has been published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on July 26. The study offers critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and species recorded in India for the first time such as the Spur-winged Lapwing and highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region's importance for bird conservation. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity rich areas from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes.'
Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
New study reveals rich bird diversity in State
Hyderabad: Ina significant contribution to Indian ornithology, a newly published research paper by Prof. Chelmala Srinivasulu from Osmania University and Sriram Reddy from Hyderabad Birding Pals has thoroughly documented 452 species of birds across Telangana. This research represents one of the most comprehensive avifaunal checklists ever compiled for the state. Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on Saturday, the study provides critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and first records for India, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing. It also emphasizes the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and the Lesser Florican, highlighting the region's significance for bird conservation. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health,' said Prof. Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. 'Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity-rich areas—from wetlands to forests and from grasslands to urban lakes.' Co-author and citizen scientist Sriram Reddy added, 'This checklist is not just for scientists. It is for every nature lover, student, and amateur birder. We invite people from all walks of life to embrace birdwatching—not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful connection to our natural heritage.' The paper is the culmination of decades of field observations, historic record reviews, and data contributed by the community. The authors acknowledge the vital role played by amateur birders, researchers, and platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist. 'We urge citizens to appreciate and protect the birds around them. Policymakers need to collaborate with researchers and experts to prioritize habitat identification and conservation. Our bird diversity and populations are declining due to various direct and indirect threats, making it imperative to nurture a new generation of bird lovers,' added Prof. Srinivasulu. 'It is a highly dedicated piece of work that reflects the passion and years of observation by two committed birders,' said Prof. Kumar Molugaram, Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University. 'The university community greatly appreciates the outcome of this research,' he added. Birdwatching isn't just about observing birds—it's about experiencing the world through a lens of curiosity and care.
