A migratory seagull fitted with a Chinese-manufactured GPS tracking device was recently discovered along Karnataka’s Karwar coastline. The area is very close to the strategically vital INS Kadamba naval base, raising curiosity and concern among local residents.
The bird was spotted near Timmakka Garden in the Uttara Kannada district with an unfamiliar device attached to its back, prompting locals to inform the forest department’s coastal marine division.
Initial checks by officials revealed that the GPS tracker was issued by the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, which operates under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Knowing the Chinese previous record and habit of espionage at strategic locations of its enemy or competitor nation makes this case very sensitive. For India, it’s a matter of national security, and the investigation is on.
According to forest officials, such tracking devices are routinely used by researchers to monitor migratory birds, helping them study long-distance movement, feeding habits, and migration corridors.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Karwar, Deepan MN, confirmed that authorities are verifying all details related to the device. He stated that the bird was recovered by the forest department’s marine cell and that the police are coordinating with them as part of the inquiry.
Data extracted from the tracker indicated that the seagull had travelled over 10,000 kilometres, passing through Arctic regions before eventually reaching India’s western coast, as reported by several media.
Research Project or Surveillance Concern?
Forest department officials said preliminary findings point towards a legitimate wildlife research project, with no immediate evidence suggesting espionage. However, to rule out all possibilities, the device will undergo a detailed technical examination. Officials have also contacted the Chinese research institute to verify the study’s origin, duration, and objectives.
The sensitivity of the case has been heightened due to the location where the bird was found. INS Kadamba is among the Indian Navy’s most critical bases, hosting major naval assets including aircraft carriers and submarines. Once its expansion is completed, the base is expected to become the largest naval facility in the eastern hemisphere.
Authorities also noted that this was not an isolated incident. In November 2024, a war eagle fitted with a tracking device was spotted near Karwar’s Baithkol port. That case was later linked to wildlife research, with no security concerns established.
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Broader Context
While officials have urged caution against speculation, the incident has inevitably drawn attention due to China’s past record of intelligence-gathering activities. In 2023, a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon was shot down by the United States after it traversed sensitive military locations, with Washington alleging it was used for espionage.
Additionally, Chinese technology firms such as Huawei have faced restrictions in multiple countries over concerns that their equipment could be leveraged for intelligence collection. Against this backdrop, Indian agencies are expected to examine the Karwar incident carefully, ensuring that scientific research is clearly distinguished from any potential security risk.
In India too, it’s not the first time that an animal has been found with a tracking device.
In February 2024, the Mumbai police released a suspected Chinese spy pigeon after eight months in detention.
The pigeon was captured at Pir Pau Jetty in the Mumbai suburb of Chembur in May 2023, with two rings tied to its leg. A message was written on the bird’s wings that appeared to be in Chinese.