The annual White-bellied Sea Eagle nest survey in Kerala recorded 17 active nests in Kannur and Kasaragod districts this season, up from 13 in 2024. The survey was done by the Malabar Awareness and Rescue Centre for Wildlife (MARC) along with the Social Forestry Divisions of Kannur and Kasaragod. Dr. Roshnath Ramesh of MARC led the study, supported by Rajeevan M., assistant conservator of forests, Kannur, and Jose Mathew, assistant conservator of forests, Kasaragod. Despite more nests this year, officials say the number is still below the 25 sites recorded in 1996. Dr. Ramesh explained that 10 nests were found in Kasaragod and seven in Kannur. All nests in Kasaragod were old, while Kannur had four new and three old nests. About 70% of nests in Kasaragod were inside temple compounds. In Kannur, nests spread across public lands, private areas, and coasts. For the first time, a nest was spotted on a telephone tower at Kattampally, showing how the eagles adapt to changing environments. Eagles preferred tall, mature trees like Ficus religiosa, Mangifera indica (mango), Alstonia scholaris, and Casuarina species. Many nests were within temple grounds and human areas, proving the birds can live alongside people if nesting trees are protected. The breeding season runs from January to March. Eagles use the same nest yearly, repairing it before breeding. Dr. Ramesh said, “The only way to conserve the species is to protect the trees where it builds its nests.” The White-bellied Sea Eagle is an important predator in coastal ecosystems and a sign of marine health. In Kerala, it nests only in Kannur and Kasaragod districts. The survey team asked people to report new nest sites to the Forest Department or MARC to help conservation efforts.