In a remarkable display of collaborative conservation, members of the Birds Club International Unit at Christian College, Chengannur, recently participated in one of the world’s most significant citizen-science initiatives—the Asian Waterbird Census 2025 (AWC). This annual event represents the power of community-driven conservation efforts and demonstrates how passionate individuals can contribute meaningfully to global wildlife protection.
A Partnership for Conservation
The AWC 2025 brought together an impressive coalition of conservation organizations and passionate bird enthusiasts. Our Birds Club International team joined forces with:
- Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) – A leading conservation organization
- Department of Forests and Wildlife, Government of Kerala – The state’s official wildlife protection agency
- Pathanamthitta Birders – Local birding community experts
This collaboration exemplifies the multi-stakeholder approach essential for effective conservation work, combining institutional expertise with grassroots passion and local knowledge.
Karingali Puncha: A Vital Wetland Ecosystem
The survey was conducted at Karingali Puncha (Site 2) near Pandalam in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala. This wetland ecosystem serves as a crucial habitat for numerous waterbird species, providing essential feeding, breeding, and roosting grounds. The site’s strategic location makes it an important stopover point for migratory waterbirds traveling along the Central Asian Flyway.
Kerala’s wetlands, including Karingali Puncha, face increasing pressures from urbanization, agricultural expansion, and climate change. Regular monitoring through initiatives like AWC helps track population trends and habitat changes, providing vital data for conservation planning.
Citizen Science in Action
The data collected during our survey was meticulously uploaded to eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s global platform for bird observations. This citizen-science approach transforms passionate bird watchers into valuable contributors to scientific research and conservation efforts.
eBird serves multiple crucial functions:
- Data Repository: Creates a comprehensive database of bird observations worldwide
- Research Tool: Provides scientists with real-time data on bird populations and distributions
- Conservation Planning: Helps identify critical habitats and population trends
- Community Building: Connects birders globally and locally
Global Impact, Local Action
The Asian Waterbird Census is part of the broader International Waterbird Census (IWC) coordinated by Wetlands International. This global initiative supports the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide, making every local count part of a much larger conservation story.
Our participation in AWC 2025 contributes to:
- Population Monitoring: Tracking long-term trends in waterbird populations
- Habitat Assessment: Understanding the health and importance of wetland ecosystems
- Migration Pattern Analysis: Documenting seasonal movements and habitat use
- Conservation Priority Setting: Identifying sites and species needing urgent protection
The Bigger Picture
This census work aligns perfectly with Birds Club International’s mission of promoting global interest in birds and environmental conservation. By participating in AWC, our members gained invaluable field experience while contributing to a dataset that influences conservation policies and management decisions across Asia.
The collaborative approach demonstrated at Karingali Puncha showcases how different stakeholders—educational institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and local birding groups—can work together effectively for conservation goals.
Inspiring Future Conservationists
For the student members of Birds Club International at Christian College, Chengannur, this experience provided hands-on exposure to professional conservation work. Such field experiences are invaluable in developing the next generation of environmental leaders and bird conservation advocates.
These young conservationists learned:
- Field survey techniques and data collection methods
- Waterbird identification and behavior observation
- The importance of collaborative conservation efforts
- How citizen science contributes to global research
Looking Forward
The success of AWC 2025 at Karingali Puncha represents just one step in our ongoing commitment to bird conservation and environmental protection. As we analyze the data and plan future surveys, we remain dedicated to expanding our conservation efforts and building stronger partnerships.
Birds Club International continues to believe that through collaborative efforts like the Asian Waterbird Census, we can make a meaningful difference in protecting our planet’s incredible avian diversity. Every bird counted, every habitat protected, and every conservationist inspired brings us closer to a future where humans and wildlife thrive together.
Want to join future bird conservation efforts? Contact Birds Club International to learn about upcoming surveys, training programs, and volunteer opportunities. Together, we can make every count count for conservation.
Contact Information:
- Email: info@birdsclubinternational.org
- Phone: (+91) 9496205387
- Address: Narayaneeyam, Muttambalam, Kottayam
Special Thanks: Our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, partner organizations, and the local community for making AWC 2025 a success. Your dedication to conservation makes a real difference.
