India, June 15 -- The Delhi zoo on Sunday launched a citizen science initiative to encourage public participation in bird monitoring and biodiversity conservation through weekly bird-watching sessions within its premises.

The inaugural edition of the 'Sunday Bird Walk - National Zoological Park' was held from 6.30 am to 9.30 am under the guidance of ornithologist Dr Paritosh Ahmad and a team of birding volunteers, according to a statement.

Of the 58 registered applicants, 23 people, including birdwatchers, students, nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, took part in the walk. The zoo's director and other officials also took part.

The participants documented 33 bird species and recorded sightings of more than 100 individual birds acro...