Delhi being termed as “most polluted city in the world” by the recent WHO report poses a serious threat to wildlife in the Capital. Delhi is a safe haven to more than 250 species of migratory birds, 150 species of butterflies and 10 species each of animals comprising hyena, fox, jackal, Nilgai, mongoose, and porcupines etc. Wildlife experts fear climate change and break in food chain due to rising levels in pollution, will force these habitants to migrate to other parts of the world.
“In India, we have around 1,200 species of migratory birds and in Delhi alone we have more the 250 of them due to moderate temperatures in winter. With pollution on a stratospheric rise, we fear losing our birds and animals,” said TK Roy, ecologist and conservationist.
Reacting to the report by WHO, Abhishek Gupta, a Delhi-based veterinarian, said animals are exposed to air pollutants via inhalation of gases or small particles, ingestion of particles suspended in food or water and absorption of gases through skin.
“Air pollution is the largest killer in India. It poses a threat to flora and fauna as well. Wildlife too suffers. The small particles go deep inside our lungs and trigger respiratory and cardiac problems as well as lung cancer,” he said.
Wildlife officials said the city has already started feeling the pinch and the Greater Flamingo and Great White Pelican have stopped visiting the sanctuary two years ago due to rise in pollution. He added that Cotton Pygmy Goose too stopped visiting many years ago.
