Goa Takes Flight: India’s Second State-Level Bird Atlas Unveiled

VALPOI, GOA – In a milestone for Indian ornithology, Goa has officially become the second state in the country—following Kerala—to publish a comprehensive, grid-based Bird Atlas. The landmark document was released on February 7, 2026, during the inaugural ceremony of the ninth Bird Festival of Goa, held in the scenic town of Valpoi.

A New Benchmark in Citizen Science

The Bird Atlas of Goa is the culmination of an intensive year-long effort involving professional ornithologists and a dedicated network of over 75 volunteers. Using standardized protocols, the team surveyed a vast array of habitats across Goa’s 3,702 sq. km. territory.

While Goa has a total of 499 recorded bird species, the atlas focuses on the 322 species documented during the systematic surveys. By mapping these birds across specific geographic grids, the atlas provides a high-resolution “snapshot” of avian distribution, which is essential for tracking the impacts of climate change and habitat loss over time.

“Majestic Mhadei” and Local Heritage

This year’s festival was themed “Majestic Mhadei,” drawing urgent attention to the rich biodiversity of the Mhadei River basin. Inaugurating the event, Chief Secretary C. Candavelou emphasized that scientific documentation is the backbone of effective conservation policy.

In a move to bridge the gap between academia and local communities, the government also released “Olakh Suknayanchi” (Introduction to Birds), a publication documenting 515 bird species with their traditional Konkani names. By integrating local nomenclature, the initiative aims to foster “grassroots stewardship” and encourage more Goans to participate in citizen science.

Institutionalizing Conservation

The festival also saw the signing of a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Goa Forest Department and the ResQ Charitable Trust. This partnership is designed to streamline wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts across the state.

As North India grapples with severe pollution, Goa’s proactive approach to biodiversity mapping offers a different model of environmental governance. For policymakers, the Bird Atlas is not just a book of maps; it is a vital baseline for making evidence-based decisions on land use and protected area management, ensuring that Goa remains a sanctuary for both residents and its feathered visitors.