Recent studies have brought into light a worrying decline in many bird species across India. The State of India’s Birds 2023 report, compiled by top research and conservation groups, analysed data from 942 species. This data was collected through the eBird platform, a citizen science initiative involving thousands of birdwatchers. The findings show 204 species have suffered long-term declines, with 142 species currently in decline. This signals an urgent need for focused conservation efforts in the country.
Overview of Bird Population Decline
The report marks one of the largest biodiversity studies in the global south. It categorised bird species into three priority levels for conservation – 178 species as high priority, 323 as moderate, and 441 as low. Species with specialised diets, such as those feeding on vertebrates, carrion, or invertebrates, have declined by over 25% on average. Meanwhile, fruit and nectar feeders have remained stable or increased. Habitat specialists in grasslands, scrublands, and wetlands have seen the sharpest drops. Winter migrant birds have declined more than resident species.
Role of Citizen Science and Data Collection
The study utilised data from eBird, a platform where birdwatchers submit checklists of observed species. One challenge was the uneven effort by contributors in terms of time and distance covered. To address this, researchers standardised data analysis based on the number of species per checklist rather than duration or distance. This improved the reliability and comparability of results. The approach allowed for a large-scale assessment that was previously difficult due to resource constraints.
Innovations in Data Analysis
A key innovation was the development of open-source software and analytical methods to process semi-structured citizen science data. This framework cleaned and organised the data to reduce biases. It enabled the study to assess more species than traditional surveys usually allow. The methodology can be adopted by other regions with limited resources for biodiversity monitoring. This opens new possibilities for large-scale ecological studies using citizen contributions.
Implications for Conservation Efforts
The decline in specialised and habitat-dependent species points to habitat loss and ecological imbalance. Migratory species’ sharper decline suggests problems along migratory routes or wintering habitats. Conservation strategies must prioritise habitat restoration and protection. Engaging citizen scientists remains crucial for ongoing monitoring. The report’s findings provide a scientific basis for policy makers to focus resources where they are most needed.
Questions for UPSC:
- Estimate the impact of habitat loss on biodiversity in India and critically discuss the role of citizen science in biodiversity conservation.
- Analyse the challenges faced in collecting ecological data in developing countries and examine how technology can address these issues.
- Point out the significance of migratory species in maintaining ecological balance and discuss the threats they face due to climate change.
- Critically discuss the importance of open-source data and collaborative research in advancing environmental conservation efforts, with examples from global biodiversity monitoring.
