Agartala, Jan 20, 2025, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Charilam, Jan 20: Birdwatching, or birding, has been gradually gaining popularity in Tripura over the past decade, though it remains a niche hobby.

Despite the limited number of regular birders—fewer than ten—enthusiasts like Parthasarathi Chakrabarti, Suman Biswas, Shawon Kuri, Dipankar Dev, Krishnendu Das, and Sanjay Majumdar have been actively documenting the avian diversity of the region.  

Their dedication is yielding significant results. A total of 421 bird species have been recorded in Tripura so far, thanks to the collective efforts of birders from within and outside the state. 

The latest addition to this growing list is the Rosy Starling (juvenile), a bird spotted for the first time in Tripura by Suman Biswas earlier this month. The discovery sparked excitement among the local birding community, with several other enthusiasts also observing and photographing the bird.  

“This season alone, from November last year until now, we’ve recorded eight new bird species in Tripura,” said Parthasarathi Chakrabarti. “These discoveries are not just adding to the bird database but are also fostering awareness about bird conservation.”  

Social media has played a pivotal role in this growing interest. By sharing captivating photographs of birds online, these birders are inspiring others to take up the hobby. Encouragingly, more people are joining the birding community in Tripura, including women, signaling a broader and more inclusive future for this passion.  

With increasing participation, the possibility of identifying more bird species in the region is bright. Tripura’s rich biodiversity, coupled with the enthusiasm of its birders, promises to uncover more avian treasures in the coming years.