Managing Trustee

Dr. S. Balachandran brings over four decades of expertise in bird migration, solidifying his status as a distinguished figure in ornithology. His extensive experience includes implementing wetlands and waterbird projects nationwide, marked by his pioneering work in bird ringing, colour flagging, and Avian Influenza Surveillance through satellite tracking of wild birds.

 Professional Accomplishments:

• Project Implementation: Successfully executed wetlands and waterbird projects across India, funded by state and central governments, international agencies such as FAO and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and corporate sponsors.

• Migratory Monitoring: Monitored migratory movements of birds at Point Calimere for over four decades and at Chilika, Gulf of Mannar, and Kanyakumari for the past two decades. His studies have revealed the connectivity of Indian wetlands with counterparts in Russia, Australia, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and South Korea.

• International Collaboration: Trained ornithologists from neighbouring countries (Bangladesh, China, and Sri Lanka) in bird ringing and migratory studies, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

• Bird Ringing Expertise: Specialized in bird migration, personally ringing more than 200,000 birds, primarily shorebirds, ducks, terns, gulls, and passerine birds at various sites in India.

• Research Contributions: His wader ringing studies have generated significant insights into age composition, moult patterns, and sub-species recognition, contributing to the global understanding of bird migration.

• International Engagement: Active participation in 28 international conferences, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, showcasing his commitment to global collaboration in ornithological research.

• Authorship and Publications: Published 18 papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals, along with presenting 12 papers at national and international symposiums. Authored ten books, including the well-regarded 'Indian Bird Migration Atlas' and the recent publication, 'Birds of Kanyakumari Saltpans.'

Legacy and Impact:

Dr. S. Balachandran's contributions have significantly enriched the field of ornithology, establishing him as a key figure in bird migration studies. His work not only enhances our understanding of avian ecology but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in preserving the delicate balance of migratory bird populations.