Guwahati: Birdwatchers, researchers and nature enthusiasts in Assam now have a new digital tool to explore the state’s rich avian diversity with the launch of Pokkhi, an online platform that aims to become the most comprehensive repository of Assamese bird names and species information.
The freely accessible platform features detailed profiles of 372 bird species, including Assamese and English common names, high-quality field photographs, identification guides, descriptions and their International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status.
Developed by wildlife photographer and birder Chirantanu Saikia of Jamugurihat in Sonitpur and Abhilash Gayan, a PhD scholar in Physics at Tezpur University and an avid birder from Sivasagar, the initiative seeks to bridge a long-standing gap in the documentation of Assamese bird nomenclature.
The idea grew out of the duo’s own field experiences, where they often struggled to find reliable Assamese names for several bird species. Since local names frequently vary across different parts of Assam, Pokkhi aims to document these variations and create a trusted, publicly accessible reference for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
The developers have also invited contributions from birdwatchers and the wider public to help expand the database and record regional variations in bird names.
Designed for educators, students, researchers, conservationists and bird lovers, the platform is expected to strengthen bird documentation and conservation awareness in one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots.