Why in news?
A comprehensive bird survey conducted in Silent Valley National Park in Kerala in February 2026 recorded 192 species, including several migrants and endemic species rarely observed in the region. The survey, which involved 85 birdwatchers, was the first to cover the entire extent of the park.
Background
Silent Valley National Park covers about 237 sq km in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Located in the Western Ghats, it consists of undisturbed tropical evergreen forests and montane grasslands. The region gained national attention in the 1970s and 1980s when environmentalists successfully opposed the construction of a hydroelectric dam that would have submerged the valley. The “Save Silent Valley” movement led to the area being declared a national park in 1984.
During the February 2026 survey, teams traversed 31 routes across various elevations and habitats. Highlights included the sighting of Asian house martins (a migratory swallow rarely recorded in Kerala) and endemic species such as the Nilgiri wood pigeon and Malabar trogon. The exercise provided baseline data for monitoring avian diversity and assessing the park’s ecological health.
Key points and significance
- Biodiversity hotspot: Silent Valley is part of the UNESCO‑listed Western Ghats, recognised for high levels of endemism and species richness.
- Citizen science: The survey brought together volunteers, park officials and ornithologists, demonstrating how citizen participation enhances scientific data collection.
- Conservation awareness: Highlighting rare birds encourages conservation efforts and responsible ecotourism.
- Long‑term monitoring: Repeating surveys along the same routes will help detect changes in bird populations due to climate change or habitat disturbance.
Sources: The Hindu – Silent Valley bird survey records 192 species, Kerala Tourism – Silent Valley National Park