Guwahati, July 27: The rich biodiversity of the world-famous Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) was once again highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 124th episode of his Mann ki Baat radio programme on Sunday.
The Prime Minister spoke about the avian diversity of Kaziranga and how modern technology was utilised in the recent bird census.
Modi highlighted the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the first-ever Grassland Bird Census at Kaziranga National Park, which recently recorded over 40 bird species.
“For the first time, a Grassland Bird Census has been conducted here. You will be happy to know that more than 40 species of birds have been identified. These include many rare birds,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that technology was used to record bird species without disturbing the avifauna of the region.
“The team conducting the census installed sound recording devices. Then those sounds were analysed on the computer, and AI was used. The birds were identified just by their sounds — that too without disturbing them,” the Prime Minister said. He lauded the efforts and emphasised the need to inspire the younger generation to follow suit.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, immediately after the Mann ki Baat broadcast, highlighted that the Kaziranga bird survey had recorded 43 grassland bird species.
“During the first grassland bird census, surveyors employed Point Count Surveys and Passive Acoustic Monitoring, leading to the identification of 43 species some critically endangered, others more commonly found,” the Chief Minister shared on a microblogging platform on Sunday.
Kaziranga’s beauty is unparalleled and is home to many globally endangered species.
“Gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister for appreciating the survey and letting the nation know about Assam’s efforts in wildlife conservation and its natural beauty,” CM Sarma said.
