Wildlife Dept asks birdwatchers to avoid sharing exact locations of migratory birds

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 25: The Wildlife Protection Department of Jammu & Kashmir has urged wildlife photographers, birdwatchers and visitors to avoid sharing exact locations, GPS coordinates and other identifiable details of migratory bird congregations on social media during the upcoming migratory bird season.

The advisory, shared with Ziraat Times, was issued by the Office of the Range Officer, Lakes Range Hokersar, Wetlands Division, Srinagar, as large congregations of migratory and resident birds are expected across Kashmir’s wetland habitats.

The department said responsible wildlife photography and social-media posts can help create awareness about Kashmir’s avian diversity and the ecological importance of wetlands, but cautioned that publicly available location information could inadvertently expose vulnerable bird concentrations and sensitive habitats to poachers, hunters and others involved in illegal wildlife activities.

It asked photographers and birdwatchers to remove GPS and location metadata from photographs, avoid real-time location tagging and refrain from identifying sensitive bird congregation, nesting or roosting sites in social-media posts.

The department suggested that, where appropriate, photographs could be shared after a reasonable time and with only broad geographical references instead of precise locations.

Visitors have also been advised to maintain a safe distance from birds and avoid disturbing feeding, resting or roosting flocks. They have been asked to refrain from loud sounds, flash photography and other activities that could cause unnecessary stress or displacement of birds.

The department further called for strict compliance with the directions of wildlife officials and applicable provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Clarifying that the advisory was not intended to discourage wildlife photography or public appreciation of migratory birds, the department said the objective was to ensure that photography and social-media engagement support conservation and awareness rather than inadvertently facilitate poaching or disturbance.

It urged wildlife photographers, birdwatchers and visitors to act as “responsible ambassadors” for wildlife conservation and help protect migratory birds and their habitats throughout the season.

“Photograph Responsibly. Share Wisely. Protect Wildlife,” the department said.