Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 2: A Rainforest Birding Trail organised at the Biological Park, Chidiyatapu, brought together birdwatchers, students, tourism stakeholders and nature enthusiasts as the Andaman and Nicobar Administration continued its efforts to promote sustainable eco-tourism while raising awareness about the Islands’ rich biodiversity and fragile rainforest ecosystems.
The programme was organised by the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Forests as part of the Tourism Fairs, Festivals and Events 2026-27. The initiative focused on encouraging responsible nature-based tourism while providing participants with an opportunity to observe the Islands’ diverse birdlife in its natural habitat.
The morning trail attracted 54 participants, including birdwatchers, photographers, students, travel professionals and members of the public. Representatives of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association (ANTOA) and members of the Avians Club also participated in the event.
Before the trail commenced, Deputy Director of the Biological Park, Chidiyatapu, Meera Nambiar briefed participants about the park and its ecological significance. Participants were then divided into two groups and guided through designated nature trails inside the park for birdwatching sessions.
The field sessions were led by Forest Guard Ram Vikas along with Forest Ranger Pramod Singh and Reuben Paul, a member of the Avians Club. During the trail, the resource persons shared information on endemic and migratory bird species, their ecological importance, habitat conservation and the need to protect the Islands’ rainforest ecosystems.
Participants observed approximately 20 species of birds during the exercise while interacting with experts to identify different species and gain a better understanding of the Islands’ natural heritage.
The Administration said the initiative highlighted birdwatching as a sustainable eco-tourism activity capable of promoting environmental awareness alongside responsible tourism practices. It also noted that the programme created opportunities for collaboration among government departments, tourism stakeholders, educational institutions and the local community in supporting biodiversity conservation.
The Rainforest Birding Trail forms part of the Administration’s continuing efforts to showcase the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ biodiversity through environmentally responsible tourism initiatives. The Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism acknowledged the support extended by the Department of Environment and Forests, the authorities of the Biological Park, Chidiyatapu, tourism stakeholders, the Avians Club and all participants in organising the programme.
