Webinar Details

Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026

Time: 04:00 PM IST

Host: Dr Rajat Bhargava

Platform: Zoom (online)

About the Speaker

Dr Rajat Bhargava is an independent ornithologist based in Meerut and a former Assistant Director at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). With decades of experience in avian research and conservation, his work has focused on India's threatened endemic birds, particularly Finn’s Weaver and Green Munia. His extensive field surveys and conservation efforts have significantly contributed to understanding the status and challenges faced by these rare species.

Webinar Focus

• The rediscovery and distribution of Finn’s Weaver
• Population trends and conservation status
• Major threats affecting breeding populations
• Key findings from BNHS surveys and field research
• Conservation interventions and future priorities
• The role of habitat protection, research, and community participation in preventing extinction

Short Description

Join Dr Rajat Bhargava for an insightful webinar on Finn’s Weaver, one of India’s rarest and most threatened birds. Discover its journey from rediscovery to recovery and the conservation efforts working to secure its future.

Long Description

Finn’s Weaver is one of the least-known and most threatened weaverbird species found in India. Once considered extremely rare and absent from many historical locations, the species was rediscovered and has since become the focus of dedicated conservation research.

In this webinar, Dr Rajat Bhargava will share the remarkable story of the Finn’s Weaver, tracing its journey from rediscovery in the North Indian terai to ongoing efforts to reverse its decline. Participants will gain insights into the bird’s ecology, distribution, population trends, and the challenges threatening its survival, including habitat disturbance, human pressures, and the decline of breeding habitats.

The session will also highlight important findings from BNHS surveys, the species’ conservation status, and recommendations for future action, including habitat protection, research, monitoring, and conservation breeding initiatives.

This webinar is ideal for birdwatchers, conservationists, students, researchers, wildlife professionals, and anyone interested in the conservation of India's threatened bird species.

Organizer: