The Central Forest Division of the Government of Manipur today conducted the Great Backyard Bird Count at Kangla Fort, highlighting the historic site’s importance as a vital urban green space and biodiversity refuge in the heart of Imphal.
The exercise, which began at 7 this morning, was organised by the Central Forest Division in collaboration with Wildlife Explorers, Manipur, and the Kangla Board at the premises of Kangla Fort.
Forest officials, members of Wildlife Explorers, wildlife enthusiasts, and volunteers took part in the bird count with enthusiasm.
Divisional Forest Officer of the Central Forest Division, Vikram Suresh Nadhe; Assistant Conservator of Forests Aquib Jamal; Superintendent of the Kangla Board K. Sashikanta Sharma; and office bearers of Wildlife Explorers, Manipur were present during the event and interacted with participants.
Officials stated that the initiative was aimed at promoting awareness about urban biodiversity and encouraging greater public participation in bird monitoring.
They noted that the Great Backyard Bird Count is part of a global citizen-science movement that generates valuable data on bird populations and their distribution.
Participants recorded a variety of bird species within the Kangla Fort premises, underscoring the ecological significance of the area as an important green lung within the city.
Speaking on the occasion, the DFO stated that the exercise was not merely a birdwatching activity but a citizen-science movement connecting people with nature.
He observed that urban green spaces like Kangla Fort serve as crucial refuges for biodiversity and added that such initiatives help sensitise citizens, especially the youth, about the importance of conserving habitats and documenting biodiversity.
The ACF remarked that public participation remains central to successful conservation efforts and said that each bird recorded contributes to a broader global understanding of ecological health.
Brajesh Khoyumthem of Wildlife Explorers, Manipur reportedly stated that citizen-science initiatives empower local communities to contribute actively to global biodiversity databases.
He noted that Kangla Fort continues to demonstrate its importance as a biodiversity hotspot within Imphal city and expressed encouragement over the growing interest among young birdwatchers and volunteers.
He also conveyed optimism about strengthening collaboration with the Forest Department in future conservation and awareness programmes.
The Central Forest Division appreciated the support extended by Wildlife Explorers, the Kangla Board, and all participants, and reiterated its commitment to promoting conservation awareness and citizen participation in biodiversity monitoring across the state.
