A migratory seagull carrying a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was found along Karnataka’s Karwar coast, raising questions due to the location’s proximity to the strategic INS Kadamba naval base. Locals first spotted the bird near Timmakka Garden in Uttara Kannada district and alerted the marine division of the forest department. The discovery drew attention because INS Kadamba hosts key Indian Navy assets and is undergoing expansion that will make it one of the largest naval bases in the eastern hemisphere.
Authorities examining the device found that it belonged to the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Forest officials explained that such devices are widely used in wildlife studies to track migration routes, flight patterns and feeding behaviour of birds. Senior police officer Deepan MN confirmed that the device is under review and that police are working with the forest department to verify its purpose.
Data retrieved from the tracker suggests the bird travelled more than 10,000 km, including routes across Arctic regions, before landing on the Karnataka coast. Forest officials said the evidence so far points to a scientific research project rather than suspicious activity, though the device has been sent for technical examination to eliminate any doubts. Authorities are also contacting the Chinese institute for additional details on the research timeline and objectives.
The presence of the device close to INS Kadamba has prompted extra scrutiny from multiple agencies, given the base’s significance in India’s naval operations and its fleet of warships, submarines and aircraft carriers. Officials note that a similar incident occurred in November 2024, when a tagged war eagle was found near Baithkol port, also in Karwar, and later confirmed as part of a wildlife tracking project. While there is currently no indication of espionage, officials will release conclusive findings after detailed verification, keeping both wildlife research interests and national security concerns in focus.
