Gurgaon: Haryana on Monday started recording natural sounds such as those of insects, wind, water and bird calls in select wetlands and parks across the state. This marked the state’s dive into ecoacoustics to monitor ecosystems.The initiative kicked off on World Wetlands Day, alongside Haryana’s first bird festival, which will go on till Feb 21 at Sultanpur National Park.Officials said the initiative will help create acoustic baselines for protected areas, allowing scientists to track seasonal and long-term changes in biodiversity and detect early signs of ecological stress. Such audio datasets are also used globally as a non-invasive tool to assess habitat health, species presence, and ecosystem wellbeing. The curated recordings will be uploaded to the ‘sounds of parks’ platform to support nature-based monitoring as well as public engagement.With this, the state has become the first in India to join the ecoacoustics platform.Launching the programme, Haryana environment minister Rao Narbir Singh said, “Wetlands are among the state’s most valuable natural assets, supporting biodiversity, water security, and livelihoods while also carrying deep cultural significance.” He said, “The festival aims to take conservation awareness to communities across Haryana, particularly students and youth,” he added.PCCF-cum-chief wildlife warden Vivek Saxena said, “The festival is designed as a statewide movement combining field-based learning with community outreach,” adding that soundscape monitoring will help build a broader understanding of ecosystem health over time.The statewide bird festival is organised by the forest, wildlife and environment department in collaboration with an NGO named CMS Vatavaran, and is endorsed by the international union for conservation of nature under its #NatureForAll initiative. Aligned with the World Wetlands Day theme of this year, ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage’, the programme will feature guided bird walks, wetland trails, biodiversity exhibitions, student outreach, and eco-education sessions, along with interactions with conservation experts. The department will also invite citizen participation through online competitions in photography, reels, and painting. Entries can be submitted via Google Forms. An expert jury will select three winners in each category and awards will be presented during the closing ceremony.How ecoacoustics worksEcoacoustics uses sound recordings from natural habitats to study biodiversity and ecosystem health. Small recording devices are placed in forests, wetlands, and parks to capture ambient sounds such as bird calls, insect activity, amphibians, and wind or water movement.Each species produces distinct acoustic signatures. By analysing these patterns over time, scientists can identify which species are present, track seasonal changes, and spot early signs of ecological stress such as declining bird activity or rising human noise.Unlike traditional surveys, ecoacoustics is non-invasive and allows continuous monitoring, helping build long-term acoustic baselines that reveal changes in habitat quality and wildlife populations.
