Haryana Launches First AI-Driven Bird Census at Sultanpur National Park
The Haryana state government is set to introduce its first-ever technology-driven bird census at Sultanpur National Park in Gurugram, marking a significant shift from traditional manual counting to continuous digital monitoring. The initiative will deploy artificial intelligence-enabled cameras, drone surveys, and year-round data collection to track bird populations, migration patterns, and habitat changes.
How the Digital Census Works
The Forest Department plans to install AI-powered cameras at two strategic watchtowers overlooking Sultanpur’s wetlands and surrounding landscape. Drone-based aerial surveys will complement the system by covering areas that are difficult to access on foot. Unlike conventional bird counts conducted manually over a few hours or a day, the new digital census will gather data continuously over several weeks and seasons. Officials believe this will provide a far more accurate picture of bird populations, species diversity, and habitat use. The project is expected to become operational before the peak migratory season later this year.
What the Technology Will Track
The AI platform will monitor bird movement, migration routes, population trends, and the presence of rare or threatened species. It will also help detect habitat changes such as fluctuations in water spread, vegetation cover, and signs of ecological stress. Drone surveys will document bird activity across wetlands and surrounding areas, enabling authorities to identify changes that may otherwise go unnoticed during periodic ground surveys. The data will create a long-term scientific database to assess the impact of climate change, shrinking wetlands, and increasing human disturbance on bird habitats.
Why Sultanpur National Park Was Chosen
Sultanpur is one of North India’s most important birding destinations. The national park attracts more than 250 bird species annually, including over 100 migratory species such as bar-headed geese, northern pintails, spoonbills, storks, and several raptors. The need for better monitoring has grown amid concerns over delayed monsoons, warmer winters, and changing migration schedules. Experts say technology can help authorities understand these shifts more precisely and take corrective measures in time.
Impact on Conservation Efforts
Officials say the digital census will improve the accuracy of bird counts, provide early warnings about habitat degradation, and support better wetland management decisions. The information can also guide vegetation management, water conservation, and visitor regulation inside the park. Bird experts have welcomed the initiative but suggested expanding the monitoring network beyond Sultanpur to nearby wetlands, including Chandu, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of migratory bird movements across the region.
