Human intervention spelling doom for winged creatures

Electrocution of birds is on a rise following large scale tree felling and rapid urbanisation leading to destruction of natural habitats of the winged creatures.

As towering apartments dot the urban skyline, the felled trees making way for the concrete jungles have a sad story to tell about the displaced birds now struggling to find a place to build their nests.

Highlighting the plight of birds, renowned ornithologist Dr Satish Pande says "Human intervention is leading to suffering of population of the habitat specific birds who are now forced to adapt to new places for nesting as they continue to lose natural hollows and cavities."

Describing birds as " Bio indicators" of  environment, Pande in an interview with PTI here strongly advocated a mass awareness to promote conducive environment for them by adopting various measures including artificial wooden nest boxes.

"There is a long list of bird species affected by rapid urbanisation encroaching upon their natural habitat. They include  crows, Magpie Robin, Baya Weaver, Herons, Starks, Hornbills, Falcons and so on", Pande who is also associated with Ela Foundation, an environmental group, noted.

The destruction as well as modification of natural habitat and also pollution was badly affecting the winged friends who are not as flexible as humans when it comes to habitation as they need water bodies, trees, hollows and natural cavities to live and multiply, Pande said.

"Those birds who earlier nested in tall trees are now taking refuge on electric polls, wires, satellite television towers, electricity meters and dish antennae. A bird like Ibis having a large wing span is exposed to the danger of electrocution while flying just as the common smaller birds," the ornithologist observed.

The nesting material too has undergone a change that is fraught with danger for the young ones.

"Earlier it used to be straws, leaves, dry grass etc. Now coir, nylon strings, aluminium foils, pieces of electrical wires are used alternatively.

We have come across instances where the nylon threads used for the nest has led to tragic deaths of the chicks who get entangled in it," he said.

From the ecological perspective also, the displacement of  birds is proving to be harmful.

"Spotted owlets, the nocturnal bird is another victim of tree felling and its displacement has adversely affected rat control in agriculture", Pande pointed out.

Another adverse effect of tree felling and urbanisation on the bird population is the fall in their breeding in the absence of conducive natural environment suited for copulation.

"Population of horn bills is arrested the world over because of human intervention", Pande said.

What is the remedy?

"Let us make friends with birds. Common citizens have to be pro-active. One can foist the artificial nest boxes in the residential premises. Plant fruiting and flowering trees as well as create small shrubs and creepers for birds like Robin. The hole nesting birds can find nest boxes inviting. Offer them food and water and see the difference in your environs".

"If we do this, we would see a variety of birds twittering around and not just pigeons who in many parts become a nuisance. It is important to stress that man is part of nature and not master. Birds in the vicinity can bring you happiness and even serve as stress busters!", Pande commented.