February 19 –Ornithologist Day

The Ornithologist Day is marked on February 19. Its story begins with the creation of the All-Union (now Menzbirovsky) Ornithological Society at the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1983. The scientific society brings together professionals involved in the study, protection, and rational use of wild birds. The Ornithologist Day is a good occasion to draw attention to the study and conservation of birds as well as the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

The avifauna of the Republic of Tatarstan is rich and varied, it is represented by more than 300 species of birds. Most of themare of forest, open spaces, and wetlands species. Rare species of birds are represented in the specially protected natural areas. Currently, 85 species of birds are listed in the Red Book of Tatarstan. The birds in the country are studied and protected by the members of the Kazan branch of Russian Bird Conservation Union, the specialists of “Lower Kama” National Park, the Volga-Kama State Natural Biosphere Reserve, the staff of the Office for the Protection and Use of RT wildlife, the scientists of the Kazan Federal University, and the Academy of Sciences RT. In 2014, on the basis of Yelabuga Institute of KFI the scientific and educational laboratory “Monitoring and Protection of Birds”was created, which deals with the study and conservation of the avifauna of Tatarstan.

Press-service of MENR of RT