Shimla: Himachal Pradesh recorded 357 bird species during the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2026, securing the 8th position nationwide. The annual international event, held from February 13 to 16, aims to encourage public participation in bird counting and promote awareness about biodiversity conservation.
The programme in Himachal Pradesh was organised across all 12 districts by the Forest Department in collaboration with eBird India and Bird Count India. More than 180 forest officials, wildlife experts, biologists and bird enthusiasts actively participated. Students from various colleges and local bird lovers also contributed to the exercise.
Participants visited designated birding hotspots across the state and recorded observations through the eBird platform. The 357 species documented this year reflect the rich natural diversity of Himachal Pradesh.
According to Santosh Kumar Thakur, eBird Coordinator for Himachal Pradesh (GBBC 2026), the state has been consistently participating in the programme for the past 10 years and has recorded 640 bird species on eBird so far. In recent years, the numbers have steadily increased — 322 species in 2024, 326 in 2025 and 357 in 2026.
During GBBC 2026, a total of 1,090 bird species were recorded across India, of which 357 were observed in Himachal Pradesh. The state also became the first in the country to conduct bird counts in all its districts.
District-wise species recorded:
Kangra (257), Sirmaur (192), Chamba (142), Mandi (130), Solan (128), Hamirpur (95), Shimla (93), Kullu (92), Bilaspur (82), Una (70), Kinnaur (54) and Lahaul & Spiti (38).
R. Lalunsanga, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, said that GBBC provides an excellent opportunity for people to connect with nature and strengthens collective conservation efforts.
Priti Bhandari, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Circle Shimla South, congratulated all coordinators and participants and urged continued collective efforts towards wildlife conservation.
