Two new bird species spotted in Biligiri reserve forest, total count up to 274

CHAMARAJANAGAR: Two new species of birds were recorded at the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) reserve forest during the bird census, much to the excitement of birders.

Volunteers during the bird census.

The new species spotted are the Northern shoveler and the Northern pintail. Apart from this, the Hornbill was spotted after many years. During the 2012 census, 272 species of birds were recorded in the BRT reserve forest. Now, after 11 years, 274 species have been recorded.

Volunteers taking count of the bird species.

Mysuru royal family scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, who distributed certificates to the census volunteers, said the Mysuru palace is closely connected with the BRT reserve forest.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar presenting certificates to the volunteers.

“After the Amazon forests, the Western Ghats are the next place with the highest concentration of biodiversity. The BRT reserve can be considered an extension of the Ghats and commendable work has been done in conducting the survey”, he said.