Confined to home and subjected to only Corona related news has got me bored. I came across non-corona news which I thought of sharing with you all.
The report was about the state of India's birds 2020, as per the report all is not well with our feathered friends. An analysis of the conservation status suggests that India’s birds are declining at an alarming pace. Over 100 species of Indian birds are staring at possible extinction. Birds are very critical to our eco-system, but their conservation has not got half of the attention that wild animals get.
The report points out the fact that the sparrows have disappeared from most big cities, their numbers have remained stable for the last 25 years. What is concerning however is, the fact that several other kinds of birds such as red-necked falcon, Indian cuckoo, etc have decreased in number and are struggling to survive. Several reasons such as habitat loss, the use of pesticides, hunting and trapping have pushed them to the edge. Despite the earlier calls to end the use of pesticides, it’s usage continues to plague the environment. Growing urbanisation and resultant concrete jungles have enormously impacted the avian population today. Rising temperatures, changing vegetation and extreme weather conditions must have played their role in deteriorating conditions of the birds.
Now we have comprehensive data that was compiled, in this report presented before the UN, 13th conference. The assessment of nearly 867 Indian species makes it clear that birds, overall are on the decline. Another 319 species are classified under the “moderate conservation concern” category. These species must be carefully monitored to rapidly detect and act upon, signs of a continuing decline. On the other hand, 126 species including peafowl, House sparrow, Asian Koel, rose-ringed parakeet and the common tailorbird are expected to increase in numbers primarily due to their ability to survive in human habitats.
Therefore the concept of urban forestry needs to be promoted with adequate concern for bird shelters and their feeding. Students also need to be sensitised. Now it’s up to the Ministry Of Forests&Environment and climate change to secure a future for the birds by taking urgent steps to save the threatened species. Resolute steps taken to protect forests and tree cover can offer multiple benefits.
The report was about the state of India's birds 2020, as per the report all is not well with our feathered friends. An analysis of the conservation status suggests that India’s birds are declining at an alarming pace. Over 100 species of Indian birds are staring at possible extinction. Birds are very critical to our eco-system, but their conservation has not got half of the attention that wild animals get.
The report points out the fact that the sparrows have disappeared from most big cities, their numbers have remained stable for the last 25 years. What is concerning however is, the fact that several other kinds of birds such as red-necked falcon, Indian cuckoo, etc have decreased in number and are struggling to survive. Several reasons such as habitat loss, the use of pesticides, hunting and trapping have pushed them to the edge. Despite the earlier calls to end the use of pesticides, it’s usage continues to plague the environment. Growing urbanisation and resultant concrete jungles have enormously impacted the avian population today. Rising temperatures, changing vegetation and extreme weather conditions must have played their role in deteriorating conditions of the birds.
Now we have comprehensive data that was compiled, in this report presented before the UN, 13th conference. The assessment of nearly 867 Indian species makes it clear that birds, overall are on the decline. Another 319 species are classified under the “moderate conservation concern” category. These species must be carefully monitored to rapidly detect and act upon, signs of a continuing decline. On the other hand, 126 species including peafowl, House sparrow, Asian Koel, rose-ringed parakeet and the common tailorbird are expected to increase in numbers primarily due to their ability to survive in human habitats.
Therefore the concept of urban forestry needs to be promoted with adequate concern for bird shelters and their feeding. Students also need to be sensitised. Now it’s up to the Ministry Of Forests&Environment and climate change to secure a future for the birds by taking urgent steps to save the threatened species. Resolute steps taken to protect forests and tree cover can offer multiple benefits.
