Fifteen Indian Bird Species under the Threat of Extinction

Fifteen Indian Bird Species under the Threat of Extinction

Earth is home to different species of animals and birds. India itself is an important habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. In news that is alarming to Indian ecologists and nature lovers, it has just been found that 15 Indian bird species are now under the threat of extinction. Among the endangered bird species include the Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Jerdon’s Courser and the Sociable Lapwing. These birds are currently in the danger of becoming extinct due to the indiscriminate destruction of their natural habitats such as grasslands and forests.

These 15 endangered avian species are part of a growing list of birds that are now facing extinction, as per a list released by the Zoological Society of London and Yale University. As many as 100 globally endangered species are covered under this list. The study points to over 100 EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) species across the globe. These birds are under threat because they are unable to access their natural habitat.

The Spoon billed Sandpiper, White bellied Heron and Siberian Crane and other birds which are included in the list are also facing a struggle for survival. Their existence is vastly dependent on the presence of wetlands. The destruction of the wetlands has contributed to a sudden fall in their numbers and increased the possibility of their extinction. Forest Owlets are also included in the list of endangered bird species. They are likely to face extinction due to the continued onslaught on deciduous forests in central India.

The Bombay Natural History Society has been working towards safeguarding the existence of nearly 12 Forest Owlets so far. They have discussed how the species is under threat due to factors such as rapid and indiscriminate urbanization, lack of sustainable development and increased use of chemical products and fertilizers in farming and agricultural activities.

Conservation programs which promote sustainable development can do a lot to halt the rapid destruction of the natural habitats of the birds. There is immense strain on different species of avian population here. Grasslands as well as wetlands lack protection in India currently. For ecological balance to be maintained, the survival of various avian species is critical. Life saving ecosystems need to be treated with respect and conserved instead of being reduced to wastelands in the name of development.

India is rich in diverse species of animals and birds. Our nation is known for its natural beauty as well. From the hills of the Himalayan range to the flowing waters at the tip of Kanyakumari, India is a beautiful and topographically diverse country. But, diminishing forest cover and the reduction of natural habitats to barren wastelands is endangering the survival of a vast number of animal and bird species.

Conservation can only be successful if all parties concerned take care of their responsibilities. The government needs to frame eco-friendly policies and safeguard against the destruction of natural habitats. The companies need to engage in sustainable development and ensure that they do not destroy forests and wetlands for their commercial enterprises. The citizens need to form forums and protest against the destruction of forests, wetlands and grasslands. Ornithologists and conservation experts also need to spread awareness among the masses about the importance of protecting endangered species of birds and animals.

India is rapidly losing forest cover currently. While efforts are on to promote awareness regarding the need for conservation, it often becomes difficult to bypass corporate lobbying. This is why pressure groups of activists and eminent specialists must be involved in directing policies for the interests of our country’s ecology. While there have been significant attempts to campaign for ecological conservation, success is only possible if the wall of apathy and indifference is removed. Until then, India’s population of bird and animal species will continue to dwindle and face a continuous threat of extinction.