For circulation among people/birders who may be interested in studying nesting birds in India and who may wish to comment on the draft guidelines.
The nesting biology of birds is an important component of their life history, and there is great need for deeper research on this for Indian birds.
Birds are at one of their most vulnerable during nesting season as they spend a large portion of time and energy working to feed and keep their young ones safe from harm.
There are several biological, legal, and ethical aspects to consider before studying bird nests through direct observation or digital monitoring techniques.
In the latest issue of Indian BIRDS, scientists outline why it is important to study the nesting biology of birds in India, but also suggest best practices, specific to the Indian context, which will help ensure that the research aids us advance our understanding of birds without jeopardizing their welfare.
The issue carries two papers relevant to birdwatchers and scientists who study birds at nests.
The authors invite comments and feedback from birdwatchers, ornithologists, park managers, conservationists, and concerned members of the public on the draft guidelines.
Sahas Barve, T. R. Shankar Raman, Aparajita Datta & Girish Jathar
2. Guidelines for conducting research on nesting biology of Indian birds
Sahas Barve, T. R. Shankar Raman, Aparajita Datta & Girish Jathar
The life histories of Indian birds are so little known, and yet all of us face the dilemma of what to study, when to study, and how to study—torn between ethics and science. These two papers deal with the problem and propose draft guidelines that could be used by academics and amateurs, helping them to consider the cost-benefit, biological, legal, and ethical aspects that should be considered in such studies.TR Shankar Raman, Scientist, NCF
These are timely publications, which the authors hope will be useful as well as stimulate interest and discussion among the birding community on this important aspect of bird study.
All comments should be sent to the Editor, Indian BIRDS, by email (editor.indianbirds@gmail.com) no later than 15 October 2020. Based on the comments and feedback received, a revised and updated version of the guidelines will likely be published in a future issue of Indian BIRDS.