We are excited to announce *Wiki Loves Birds India 2024 https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Birds_India_2024*, a national photography campaign to celebrate and document the incredible avian biodiversity across India. Inspired by Wiki Loves Birds Nepal, this initiative enriches Wikimedia Commons with high-quality, free-licensed media and improves ornithology-related content in the Indian language Wikipedias.
India has approximately 1,350 bird species, ranging from familiar locals to rare migratory wonders, thriving in diverse ecosystems. Through Wiki Loves Birds India, we seek to raise awareness about bird conservation and inspire a deeper appreciation of India’s avian biodiversity. The campaign aims to address knowledge gaps related to ornithology across the Indian language Wikipedias, enhancing access to valuable information for diverse audiences. The campaign is dedicated to the legacies of pioneering ornithologists *Salim Ali* and *K.K. Neelakandan*, whose work has been foundational in understanding and preserving India’s birdlife. Campaign Details
- *When:* 25 November – 25 December 2024 - *Activities:* - *Uploading Images and Sounds:* Contribute high-quality photographs and bird sounds to Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Campaign:wlb_2024. 1. *Local Photo Walks:* Organize/Participate in photo walks https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Birds_India_2024/Photo_Walks to explore and photograph birds in their near natural habitats/nature park. 2. *Wikipedia Edit-a-thon:* Improve and create ornithology-related articles on your local language Wikipedia.
Outstanding contributions will be recognized through a contest. If you would like more details, you can visit our Commons Campaign Page https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Birds_India_2024. Thanks to the Salim Ali Foundation, Sahya Digital Conservation Foundation, and Wikimedia Foundation for helping organize and sponsor the prizes. If you are a seasoned birder, a budding photographer, or a passionate Wikipedian, we would like to invite you to contribute.
Warm regards, *Manoj Karingamadathil* Project Lead, Wiki Loves Birds India 2024 Wikimedians of Kerala User Group
