A reptiles, amphibians and molluscs walk was organised by the National Zoological Park (NZP) on Sunday as part of its citizen engagement and biodiversity documentation initiative.
The “Sunday Reptiles, Amphibians and Mollusc Walk” introduced participants to the ecological importance of lesser-known species found inside the zoo campus.
The walk was held from 7.30 am to 10 am under the guidance of wildlife expert Dr Surya Prakash. Nature enthusiasts, students, wildlife photographers, biodiversity researchers and volunteers participated in the programme, where they learnt to observe, identify and document different species in their natural habitats.
During the walk, participants recorded five species — slug, garden lizard, house gecko, monitor lizard and soft-shelled turtle. Prakash explained the ecological role, behavioural adaptations and conservation significance of these species, while highlighting the importance of protecting urban biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems, as per statement.
Alongside the reptile walk, the zoo also conducted its regular “Sunday Bird Walk” under the guidance of bird expert Vijay Madan. Participants documented 42 bird species across different parts of the zoo, reflecting the rich bird diversity present within the campus, it said.
Indian spot-billed duck, Indian peafowl, grey francolin, Asian koel, red-wattled lapwing, painted stork, little cormorant, black-crowned night heron and little egret were recorded in the survey.
Great white pelican, black kite, Indian grey hornbill, white-throated kingfisher, coppersmith barbet, Alexandrine parakeet, rose-ringed parakeet, house crow, common tailorbird, red-whiskered bulbul, Indian pied starling, common myna and oriental magpie-robin, among others were also recorded.
Addressing the participants, National Zoological Park Director Dr Sanjeet Kumar said such nature walks help strengthen field identification skills, contribute to biodiversity documentation and encourage greater appreciation for wildlife conservation.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, a feedback session and a group photograph with experts and zoo officials, it stated.
The zoo said it will continue its citizen science and environmental awareness initiatives by organising the second edition of its “Sunday Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk” on August 9 from 7.30 am to 10 am, alongside the regular bird walk.
The statement said weekly nature walks are aimed at providing hands-on opportunities for people to explore, observe and document the diverse flora and fauna within the campus while promoting citizen science and awareness about urban biodiversity.
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Delhi Zoo hosts reptiles, amphibians and mollusc walk
