Tirupati’s ‘Garuda Atlas’ records 55,000 birds, 274 species

The fifth edition of the ‘Garuda Atlas’, a bird-mapping exercise in and around Tirupati, recently concluded with positive results. More than 55,000 birds were recorded by the volunteers and researchers during the survey, documenting 274 species across the Tirupati landscape.

During a recent bird walk at ‘Divyaramam’, participants spotted the ‘Indian Yellow Tit’ for the first time in the region. The nearest place it was spotted had been in the northern parts of Nallamala and the MM Hills.

The study was originally launched in 2022 as ‘Tirupati Bird Atlas’, but soon changed into Garuda Atlas, in sync with the city’s cultural identity and to encourage wider public participation.

The project is led by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER Tirupati) in partnership with the Tirupati Nature Society (TNS) and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.

Shaheen Falcon, a small and powerful cliff-dwelling raptor, was also spotted at the Tirumala ghat road, which actually serves as an excellent habitat for such species. Similarly, Yellow-throated Bulbul, Red-necked Falcon, Slaty-breasted Rail, and Black eagle were among the other notable species recorded.

Researchers at Dr. Robin’s Lab in IISER-Tirupati said that the presence of such species highlights the ecological richness and health of the Tirupati landscape.

The latest edition of the five survey cycles was coordinated by IISER’s Hareesha, supported by S. Pushya Mitra and P. Ramachandra Reddy.