Urban Ecology and Citizen Science

The LUNGS Ant Walk, led by ant enthusiast Paul Antony, introduced participants to the fascinating and often overlooked world of ants. With a lifelong interest in myrmecology, Paul guided the group through ant behaviour, diversity, and ecological roles, turning a simple walk into an insightful learning experience.

​

The walk revealed several interesting species, including Tetraponera rufonigra, known for its notably painful sting. What made the event especially memorable was the enthusiasm of the participants, around 40–45 people, with some travelling from as far as Secunderabad, reflecting a growing curiosity and appreciation for even the smallest forms of urban biodiversity.

The LUNGS Butterfly Walk, led by butterfly enthusiast Vijay Dixit, offered participants a closer look at the vibrant diversity of butterflies and moths within urban green spaces. Each participant received a LUNGS identification card featuring commonly observed species, enabling them to recognise and connect with butterflies in their everyday surroundings.

The walk was filled with lively moments, including instances where butterflies moved closely around the group, creating an immersive experience. A number of children participated, bringing keen observation and curiosity to the walk. The presence of a botany enthusiast added another dimension, as participants learned about host plants and their crucial role in supporting butterfly life cycles. Together, these interactions made the walk both engaging and deeply educational.

The LUNGS Bird Walk at Ameenpur Lake brought participants closer to the rich avifauna of one of Hyderabad’s important urban wetlands. The walk focused on observing bird diversity, understanding behaviour, and recognising the ecological significance of wetland habitats within city landscapes. Participants observed a variety of resident and migratory birds, learning to identify species through visual cues and calls. The walk encouraged careful observation and patience, helping participants appreciate the role of wetlands in supporting birdlife. Set against the backdrop of Ameenpur’s unique ecosystem, the experience highlighted the importance of protecting urban water bodies as critical habitats for biodiversity.

The LUNGS Insect Walk at Ficus Garden offered participants a closer look at the incredible diversity of insects thriving within urban green spaces. The walk focused on observing insects in their natural microhabitats, highlighting their roles in pollination, decomposition, and maintaining ecological balance.

Participants encountered a variety of insects, from beetles and ants to butterflies and other invertebrates, learning to observe patterns, behaviours, and habitats often overlooked in everyday environments. The intimate setting of Ficus Garden allowed for detailed observation and discussion, making the experience both engaging and insightful, while reinforcing the importance of preserving such green spaces within the city.

The LUNGS Birding Walk at Forest Trek Park, led by Mr. Imran Siddiqui, introduced participants to the diversity of birdlife within an urban forest setting. Through guided observation, participants learned to identify birds by their calls, movements, and key visual features, gaining a deeper understanding of avian behaviour and habitat use.

The walk encouraged slow, attentive exploration, allowing participants to notice species often overlooked in busy urban environments. With insights shared throughout the session, the experience highlighted the importance of preserving urban green spaces as vital habitats for birdlife and as spaces for meaningful human connection with nature.

The LUNGS Birding Walk at Durgam Cheruvu, led by Ibrahim Wadood, was a special New Year’s Eve session designed to begin the year with nature. The walk brought participants together to observe urban birdlife in a calm and reflective setting, encouraging a mindful start to the year. Through guided birding, participants learned to identify species by sight and sound while understanding their behaviour and habitat use within the urban landscape. The experience highlighted how even within a bustling city, spaces like Durgam Cheruvu continue to support rich bird diversity, offering a meaningful way to reconnect with nature at the start of a new year.

The LUNGS Nature Walk at Narsapur Forest, conducted in collaboration with the CHIREC Nature Club, brought participants into a rich forest landscape to explore biodiversity beyond the urban setting. The walk focused on observing flora and fauna, understanding forest ecosystems, and experiencing the interconnectedness of species within a natural habitat. Participants engaged in guided exploration, learning about ecological relationships, forest structure, and the importance of conserving such landscapes. The collaboration created an enriching learning environment, especially for students, encouraging curiosity, observation, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The LUNGS walk at BHEL brought together multiple perspectives on nature through a combined focus on birds, butterflies, and plant life. Led by botany enthusiast Krishna, along with young birders Riyaansh and Daarshik, the session created a dynamic and engaging learning experience for participants. The walk blended observations of birdlife and butterflies with insights into plant diversity and host relationships, offering a holistic understanding of the ecosystem. The presence of international students from Minerva added to the exchange of ideas and perspectives, making the walk especially vibrant. With contributions from both experienced and young naturalists, the session highlighted how shared curiosity can deepen our connection to nature.

The LUNGS Bat Walk at Osmania University, led by Dr. Aditya Srinivasulu, offered participants a fascinating introduction to the nocturnal world of bats. Drawing on his expertise, Dr. Srinivasulu shared insights into bat behaviour, feeding patterns, echolocation, and methods used to identify species using specialised equipment.

Participants observed species such as least pipistrelles and fruit bats, and had the opportunity to listen to and identify bat calls in real time. The experience was both educational and immersive, revealing the ecological importance of bats within urban ecosystems. A memorable highlight of the evening was the sighting of fireflies, adding to the magic of exploring biodiversity after dusk.