- The State of India’s Birds (SoIB) report, which was based on data gathered from nearly 30,000 birdwatchers, revealed alarming trends in India’s bird population.
- The study identifies a significant drop in a number of bird species and attributes this decline to a variety of sources.
About SoIB Report
- The SoIB report attempts to assess the conservation status of a diverse variety of species found in India on a regular basis.
- It is the result of a collaboration between 13 governmental and non-governmental organisations, including SACON, WII, and ZSI.
- The report makes considerable use of data from over 30 million eBird observations made by over 30,000 birdwatchers.
- The analysis evaluates distribution range size, abundance trends over time and since 2015, and data from the IUCN Red List to classify Indian species as Low, Moderate, or High Conservation Priority.
The Report’s Main Points
- Widespread Decline: Among the species studied, 60% show a decline in long-term trends, while 40% show a decline in current annual trends.
- Raptors and Vultures: Birds that consume vertebrates and carrion, such as raptors and vultures, have dropped dramatically, probably due to pollution or a reduction in prey supply.
- Endemics and Biodiversity Hotspots: Endemic species in the Western Ghats and the biodiversity hotspot of Sri Lanka have declined rapidly in recent decades.
- Positive Outlook: Certain generalist species, such as the Indian peafowl, have shown tremendous gains in abundance, with a 150% increase observed in the last few decades.
- Conservation Priority: The report categorises species as having High, Moderate, or Low Conservation Priority, with 178 having High Priority, 323 having Moderate Priority, and 441 having Low Priority. The Ruddy shelduck, Indian courser, Narcondam hornbill, and Nicobar megapode are all notable species.
Threats to Bird Species Identified
- The paper emphasises issues such as forest destruction, urbanisation, and energy infrastructure.
- Environmental contaminants such as Nimesulide, which affects vulture populations, climate change’s effects on migratory species, avian diseases, and illicit hunting and trafficking all have a significant influence on birds.
Implications for Action and Research
- Targeted protection: The report calls for the protection of specific groups, such as grassland specialists, which have declined by more than 50%, emphasising the necessity of maintaining and preserving grassland ecosystems.
- Long-Term Monitoring: To understand minor oscillations in bird numbers, the importance of continual, systematic bird population monitoring is emphasised.
- In-Depth Research: More research is needed to understand the reasons of both bird population decreases and rises.
- Policy Synergy: Recognising the multidimensional significance of prolific, widespread bird species, the paper advocates for the harmonisation of policies relating to river, water, and wasteland development.
- Citizen Participation: Citizen Engagement is critical to biodiversity conservation and should be included in the action plan for bird population and habitat preservation.
Source: https://stateofindiasbirds.in/