Navi Mumbai: This year’s wildlife and bird census at Karnala Bird Sanctuary, conducted on May 12 and 13 to mark Buddha Purnima, marked a technological milestone with the strategic use of trap cameras, enabling the recording of several elusive and shy species.
According to Forest Range Officer Narayan Rathod, a total of six trap cameras were installed near key water bodies, and three observation stations were set up within the sanctuary. These silent, motion-activated devices played a crucial role in capturing images and movements of wildlife that are rarely visible to the naked eye during traditional field surveys.
The trap cameras are stated to have helped in detecting and documenting a variety of species such as Hanuman langurs, wildcats, Indian rat snakes (Dhaman), and nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars, which often go unnoticed during the day. Their calls and movements were also recorded, enriching the biodiversity data collected during the census.
The census, jointly organized by the Forest Department and six environmental NGOs, recorded a total of 23 species of birds and animals. While visible sightings included white-throated kingfishers, egrets, sunbirds, and barbets, the trap cameras revealed lesser-known residents of the sanctuary, highlighting the importance of integrating modern tools in conservation.
Situated along the Mumbai-Goa highway, Karnala Bird Sanctuary spans over 12,000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of species year-round.
"The inclusion of trap cameras in this year’s census provided not only visual evidence of biodiversity but also emphasized the evolving approach of the Forest Department toward scientific and minimally invasive wildlife monitoring," informed the officer.
