Introduction There are more than 11,000 species of birds globally, [1] populating every country across all regions, displaying behaviours shaped by their unique ecological challenges, and equipped with the ability to adapt. [2] For example, while some species have evolved to adapt to extreme climates, others can fly long distances to more suitable climates. [a] , [3] Bird species contribute to the preservation of rural and urban ecosystems through pollination, seed dispersal, forest regeneration, scavenging, and weed and pest control. Around 5 percent of the plants used by humans for food and medicine are pollinated by birds. [4] Bird droppings also contribute to nutrient distribution. In this context, the role of sea birds is especially crucial. These birds eat fish and other sea creatures on the high seas and nest in large colonies on land. The excrement of the birds provides concentrated nutrients to the soil at their coastal breeding grounds, [5] enabling plant and grass growth. Additionally, many birds consume pests in large quantities, thereby rescuing crops threatened by pests. Barn swallows consume up to 60 insects an hour, and western bluebirds are known to prevent damage to grapes in vineyards by feeding on invertebrate pests. [6] Larger birds like the barn owl feed on rodents. Birds such as woodpeckers support the protection of other bird species—the cavities hollowed out by woodpeckers are often used by other cavity-nesting species for shelter and protection from predators. [7] Scavenging birds, such as vultures, eagles, kites, ravens, and crows play an indispensable role in the food chain. [8] The loss of bird species is likely to increase insect and rodent populations and vector-borne diseases. [9] For example, the population decline of vultures in the mid-1990s in India [10] led to a sudden increase in the population of stray dogs, especially in cities. [11] , [12]
Authors
- Attribution
- Ramanath Jha, “Managing Avian Conservation, Protection, and Diversity in Indian Cities,” Issue Brief No. 749 , November 2024, Observer Research Foundation.
- Pages
- 20
- Published in
- India
Table of Contents
- Birds and Human Health 3
- Introduction Introduction 3
- The Social Value of Birds 4
- Introduction Introduction 4
- State of the Worlds Birds 5
- The State of the Worlds Birds 5
- The State of the The State of the 5
- World World s Birds s Birds 5
- State of Indias Birds 6
- The State of India The State of India s Birds s Birds 6
- Urbanisation and the Urbanisation and the 7
- Impact on Birds Impact on Birds 7
- Current Approach on Current Approach on 8
- Avian Conservation Avian Conservation 8
- Current Approach on Current Approach on 9
- Avian Conservation Avian Conservation 9
- The Role of Trees 10
- Imperatives in Cities for Imperatives in Cities for 10
- Avian Conservation Avian Conservation 10
- Preserving Green Spaces 11
- Mitigating the Dangers of Glass Facades 11
- Imperatives in Cities for Imperatives in Cities for 11
- Avian Conservation Avian Conservation 11
- City Regulations for the Protection of Birds 12
- Community-Level Interventions 12
- Imperatives in Cities for Imperatives in Cities for 12
- Avian Conservation Avian Conservation 12
- Birdwatching as an Urban Activity 13
- Imperatives in Cities for Imperatives in Cities for 13
- Avian Conservation Avian Conservation 13
- Conclusion Conclusion 14
- Endnotes Endnotes 15
- Endnotes Endnotes 16
- Endnotes Endnotes 17
- Endnotes Endnotes 18
- Endnotes Endnotes 19
- 20 Rouse Avenue Institutional Area 20
- New Delhi - 110 002 INDIA 20
- Ph. . Fax 20
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