Save the Aves !
Meghna Das

Birds…they are found almost in every nook and corner of the world. In fact, they are quite ubiquitous and make their presence felt by many visible activities like fluttering, perching, hopping on the ground or by their various calls. If one were asked to list down the names of the bird species known, most of us would probably rattle off 30 - 40 names in the first attempt, maybe on pondering harder the list would increase to 100 - 200. But the fact is that there are about 8600 species of different kinds of birds worldwide, of which 1245 species are found in India alone!

         However, most of us fail to realize the importance of these winged creatures. In fact, birds play an important role in the environment and are an integral part of the ecosystem just as we are!

Birds’ Worth

          Many birds like nectar sucking Sunbirds, fruit eating Parakeets help in propagating new plants and hence play a role in pollination and seed dispersion. Many, like Drongos, Babblers, help in controlling large populations of insect pests and serve as natural insecticides. Birds of prey like Owls serve as pest controllers by checking rodent population while Vultures and Crows, by virtue of their being efficient scavengers, are natural waste managers as they feed on strewn garbage, which if left unattended could cause diseases. Bird droppings (Guano deposits) mostly of aquatic birds (fish feeding birds) are also a source of natural fertilizers! Birds are also called the Litmus paper of the environment and serve as indicators of the health of the ecosystem. The presence or absence of a particular bird, its physical appearance, behaviour etc. can help in assessing the health of the environment. For example, If Black Winged Stilts are present in a water body, it is an indication that the water might be polluted!! Apart from this, birds are food providers to man and animals; they have an aesthetic appeal and have also been used as messengers and for other such activities.

CLEAN-India Initiatives

          Realizing the need to introduce children to the diverse world of birds and sensitize them to the problems faced by these winged creatures, CLEAN-India has initiated Bird watching in several schools of Delhi, which is based on the assessment, awareness and action mode and aims to:

n Familiarize the students with the diverse avifauna and help them realize the importance of birds with the help of interactive activities and workshops.

n Help students identify birds as indicators of the health of the ecosystem and generate data about their population and diversity in an area with the help of field trips.

n Create mass awareness by increasing participation at the community level by organizing exhibitions and campaigns.

What can you do to save the aves?

●    Create bird refuges: Plant bird-friendly trees /plants like Red Silk Cotton, Indian Coral, Peepal, Flame of the Forest etc. Install Bird Boxes, Feeders, Bird Baths, Duck ponds in your compound.

●      Do not buy caged birds, exotic pets, products made of bird feathers, claws etc. Report the illegal sale to police.

●     Be aware of the laws applicable to birds: (Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972, CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species).

●     It is illegal to colour birds (as is done by bird sellers to make them look more attractive) as the chemical colour is toxic and possibly carcinogenic.

●     It is illegal to cut the feathers of birds as this amounts to maiming them which is a cognizable offence under IPC Section 428/429.

●     Act against pollution, crackers, use of chemical insecticides etc.

●     Protect habitats like forests, wetlands

●     Adopt injured birds. Pay visits to bird/animal hospitals.

●    Join groups that help protect birds and their habitats.

  ●       Identify the various problems faced by the birds and take remedial actions by putting into practice various conservation steps.q

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