Decades of Data: Hyderabad researchers publish most comprehensive bird checklist for Telangana
Hyderabad: A significant scientific contribution has expanded the scope of ornithological research in India, offering fresh insights into Telangana's rich avian diversity. A new research paper on birds in Telangana has documented 452 species. The research was spearheaded by Prof. Chelmala Srinivasulu (Osmania University) and Sriram Reddy (Hyderabad Birding Pals).
The research paper was published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. The study offers critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity, including rare sightings and first records for India, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing.
“Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health. Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana’s hidden biodiversity-rich areas - from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes," said Prof. Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University.
Sriram Reddy, co-author and citizen scientist, added, “This checklist is not just for scientists. It is for every nature lover, student, and amateur birder. We invite people from all walks of life to take up birdwatching—not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful connection to our natural heritage.”
It is one of the most comprehensive avifaunal checklists ever compiled for the state. It also highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the Critically Endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region’s importance for bird conservation.
"We urge the citizens to appreciate and protect the birds around them. The policymakers need to work in tandem with researchers and experts to prioritize habitat identification and conservation. Our bird diversity and populations are declining due to many direct and indirect threats, it is imperative that we nurture a new generation of bird lovers," added Prof. Srinivasulu.
"It is a very dedicated piece of work that comes out of passion and years of observation by two passionate birders," said Prof. Kumar Molugaram, Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University.
The paper is the result of decades of field observations, historic record reviews, and community-contributed data. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge the immense role played by amateur birders, researchers, and platforms like eBird and iNaturalist.
