The Indian Grey Hornbill has been selected as the ‘Bird of Tirupattur’ district through a public poll conducted by the Forest Department in Tamil Nadu. The month-long exercise aimed to build awareness on biodiversity conservation, forest protection and the need to safeguard endangered bird species among students and young people. A total of 1.04 lakh votes were cast, with the Indian Grey Hornbill receiving 41,243 votes.
Public Participation Drive
The selection process was designed as a community awareness campaign. People voted online through the official website and also through offline slips placed in designated boxes. QR codes and pamphlets in Tamil and English were displayed at bus termini, railway stations, schools, colleges, government offices, banks, ATMs, panchayat offices and Tangedco offices.
Birds Included in the Poll
Seven birds were shortlisted for the district poll. These were the Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Eagle Owl, Black-winged Kite, Black-winged Stilt, Lesser Whistling Duck, Red Avadavat and Pied Kingfisher. The shortlisted species were among the commonly recorded birds in the district’s annual bird census.
Why Indian Grey Hornbill Was Chosen
The Indian Grey Hornbill secured the highest number of votes and was formally declared the Bird of Tirupattur by the District Forest Officer and the Collector. Forest officials noted that population of the species is found in the Ambur and Singarapettai forest ranges, as well as in the Yelagiri Hills. The choice also reflects local ecological significance and public interest in wildlife conservation.
Conservation Significance
The initiative marks the use of public engagement in environmental awareness campaigns. By linking a district identity with a native bird species, the Forest Department seeks to strengthen interest in habitat protection, bird diversity and conservation education. Such exercises can help promote citizen participation in biodiversity-related initiatives.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026