Bihar: Bhagalpur forest division to appoint 10 bird guides

BHAGALPUR: The Bhagalpur forest division has decided to appoint 10 ‘bird guides’ for the nature lovers in the area, which has become a predominant abode of migratory and oriental birds in recent years due its versatile topography in the Ganga and Kosi diara areas. The objective is to create awareness about the different species of birds, besides promoting nature tourism in the area.
Bhagalpur divisional forest officer (DFO) Bharat Chit Palli on Tuesday told this newspaper that ‘bird guides’ would be appointed soon.More than 50 applications have been submitted by the nature conservationists, Palli said and added that the applicants will have to qualify in both theoretical and practical tests and undergo a minimum one month’s rigorous training.
The ‘bird guides’ will be taught about bird taxonomy, nature conservation, topography of the region, life skills, first-aid and healthcare techniques, prevention from snakebite poisoning, disaster management techniques, swimming, soft skills and local communication skills besides others for safety and survival in case of any eventuality in the wildlife terrain for themselves as well as of birders and nature conservationists.
‘Birder’ is a person whose hobby is watching and studying wild birds in their natural surroundings, the DFO said, adding that Bhagalpur region has become one of the most enthralling birding destinations having forests, grasslands, farmlands and wetlands that nurture distinctive populations of bird species and varies from those found in other habitats.
“We also aims at promoting nature and wildlife conservation with the help of bird guides and promote nature tourism by bringing people close to nature and cultivate mindfulness through birding and remove work stress,” he said.
“We will provide bird guide kits and tools, including high-quality binoculars, identifiable dress, hunter boots, bags, night vision tools etc besides accreditation number and identity cards to the bird guides in order to help the nature enthusiasts and birders during their wildlife sojourn,” Palli said
Gyan Chandra Gyani, an avid birder and a nature conservationist working for promoting biodiversity, said it is a welcome step for conservation of biodiversity as well as monitoring birds and birding besides promoting nature tourism.