Goa Launches Comprehensive State Bird Atlas, Second Only to Kerala in India

Goa Publishes Landmark Bird Atlas, Bolstering Avian Research and Community Conservation

Goa has achieved a significant milestone in biodiversity conservation by releasing a comprehensive  state-level Bird Atlas , becoming only the  second state in India after Kerala  to accomplish this feat. The  Bird Atlas of Goa  was officially launched during the  ninth Bird Festival of Goa  on  February 7, 2026 , underscoring the state's commitment to scientific documentation and citizen-driven environmental stewardship.

Atlas Launch and Festival Focus
The atlas was unveiled at the festival held in  Valpoi , themed  “Majestic Mhadei”  to spotlight the rich biodiversity of the  Mhadei river basin . The event was inaugurated by  C. Candavelou, Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Forests) , highlighting strong governmental support. The atlas provides  systematic, grid-mapped data on bird distribution  across the state, which will serve as a crucial baseline for  long-term ecological monitoring, research, and informed conservation planning .

Bridging Science and Local Communities
In a parallel effort to deepen public engagement, the festival also saw the release of  “Birds of Goa: Konkani Nomenclature – Olakh Suknayanchi.”  This publication documents bird species with their  local Konkani names , aiming to make ornithological knowledge more accessible and foster a stronger connection between Goan communities and their natural heritage. This initiative is designed to  enhance grassroots awareness and participation in citizen science projects .

Strengthening Institutional Wildlife Protection
To further solidify conservation infrastructure, the  Goa Forest Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ResQ Charitable Trust . This partnership is aimed at  improving coordination and efficacy in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation operations  across the state. The festival ceremony also included felicitations for  volunteers, bird conservationists, forest frontline staff, and wildlife rescuers , recognizing their invaluable contributions to protecting Goa's avian diversity.

Exam-Focused Important Facts:

• Achievement:  Goa is the  second Indian state  (after Kerala) to publish a comprehensive  state-level Bird Atlas .

• Event:  Launched at the  9th Bird Festival of Goa , themed on the  Mhadei river basin .

• Community Focus:  Release of a Konkani nomenclature guide to  promote local language awareness and citizen science .

• Conservation Action:   MoU signed  to enhance  wildlife rescue and rehabilitation  efforts.

• Significance:  Bird atlases provide  scientific baseline data  essential for  ecological monitoring and policy-making .