Citizen Science Program Documents Biodiversity Across Jashpur Forests

A citizen‑science drive launched in Jashpur forest division is now creating a comprehensive record of the area’s biodiversity. The initiative, part of the broader Service Commitment Campaign, invited young volunteers, local residents and forest staff to work side by side in cataloguing wildlife.

The training emphasized systematic observation techniques for birds, butterflies and reptiles, stressing the ecological significance of each group. Field trips combined guided nature walks with practical lessons on using GPS tools and photography to capture accurate species data.

Data collected during the program will be compiled into an open‑access repository, providing researchers and decision‑makers with up‑to‑date information on species distribution and population trends. Forest officials, including Divisional Forest Officer Shashi Kumar, praised the effort as a milestone in participatory conservation.