Wildlife Week walk in Palakkad spots 30 bird species

The Biodiversity Management Committee of Akathethara grama panchayat organised a 2.5-km nature walk and birdwatching programme through the Chendamangalam wetlands, adjoining areas and Kunnampara Biodiversity Park as part of Wildlife Week.

The programme was held in association with the Birds Club of Government Victoria College, Palakkad.

The nature walk brought together 53 participants for habitat study, nature observation and birdwatching. The walk, conducted in the rain, focused on the importance of protecting habitats and wildlife corridors and promoting human-wildlife coexistence.

Around 30 bird species were recorded during the walk. One of the notable sightings was the Lesser coucal, known locally as Pulluppan or Variyuppan. The bird belongs to the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) and is usually found in tall grasslands, wetlands and small wooded areas. It is less common in Keralam than the Greater coucal.

The programme also sought to create awareness about the need to protect natural habitats and wildlife as part of Wildlife Week, which focused on connecting habitats, helping wildlife thrive and strengthening human-wildlife coexistence.

Biodiversity management committee convenor Lijo Panangadan and Birds Club convenor Yesudas coordinated the programme.