GLOBAL GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT  (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Environment)

Context: India has submitted over 1,000 species in a global citizen science initiative to document bird diversity  the second highest number of submissions in the world. Birding enthusiasts from all over the country documented 1,036 species for the Global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2024.

Global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 

• About: GBBC India is the Indian adaptation of the global Great Backyard Bird Count, taking place annually for four days in February.
• Launched in: 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society.
• Participation and History: Indian birders have actively participated in GBBC since its global inception in 2013, contributing significantly to the annual event.
• Impactful Statistics from 2023: The 2023 edition witnessed the engagement of over 4,259 birders, who uploaded more than 53,000 checklists, documenting an impressive 1,072 bird species.
• Purpose and Significance: Participating in GBBC is not only fun but also serves a crucial purpose.

oThe event provides vital snapshots of bird populations, addressing questions about distribution, habitat changes, and potential shifts in populations and distributions over time.

• GBBC India is coordinated by: The Bird Count India collective, comprising various groups and organizations passionate about birds, nature, and conservation.
• Notable Species Spotted: Some of the restricted-range species observed by Indian birders in the 2023 edition include Andaman Serpent-Eagle, Andaman Woodpecker, Nilgiri Laughingthrush, White-headed Starling, Nilgiri Sholakili, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Andaman Treepie, Forest Owlet, Bugun Liocichla, and White-bellied Sholakili.