The 2026 edition of the Campus Bird Count (CBC), a growing citizen-science initiative conducted as part of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), recorded an impressive global turnout this year. A total of 395 participating campuses, 2,382 eBirders, 558 bird species, and 20,874 checklists were submitted, marking a significant increase in engagement.
In Goa, 12 institutions took part in the exercise, collectively recording 110 bird species. This contributed nearly 40% of the state’s overall GBBC total of 278 species documented during the broader GBBC period. The initiative engages educational institutions, government departments, research stations, and biological parks to explore their respective campuses for biodiversity documentation.
Importance of Campus Habitats
According to scientist Pronoy Baidya, who coordinated the event in Goa, campuses often host a mosaic of habitats with a network of trees, gardens, abandoned corners, and sheltered ledges that sustain biodiversity amid growing urbanization. These areas act as important biodiversity refugia. Baidya emphasized that inculcating an interest in birding and nature watching among college students goes far beyond listing species. It nurtures ecological literacy, sharpens observation skills, and fosters a sense of environmental responsibility at a formative stage of life.
Top Performing Campuses in Goa
Leading the tally for Goa was Carmel College, which recorded the highest number of species at 71. Goa University followed with 60 species, while Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Quepem, logged 41 species. Other participating campuses included Goa Institute of Management (31 species), BITS Pilani Goa (33), Shree Mallikarjun College, Canacona (36), and several others contributing between 17 and 33 species each.
Species Highlights
Three species — brahminy kite, red-whiskered bulbul, and oriental magpie-robin — were recorded on all 12 campuses, reflecting their adaptability and the presence of suitable habitat patches even within developed landscapes. At the same time, 35 species were reported only once, pointing to the presence of localized or less common species that might otherwise go unnoticed without sustained monitoring.
The Campus Bird Count continues to grow as a valuable tool for biodiversity documentation, engaging students and institutions in citizen science while highlighting the ecological importance of campus environments.
