The Great Indian Bustard, Floricans and species of vultures are among the 15 species in India that figure in the 100 Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) birds from around the world. This is as per the findings of a recent study by Zoological Society of london (ZSl) and Yale University.
While Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is working on the conservation of at least 12 of them, experts have raised alarm bells of their possible extinction due to growing human pressures on their habitat.The study points out that most of the factors driving the birds to extinction are human-related. “A lot are threatened by introduced predators. Many of them live on islands, and where humans have colonised those islands, mammals like cats and dogs have been introduced and they have preyed on the vulnerable species which haven’t evolved to deal with natural predators”, says the study.
The study further stresses on the fact the EDGE birds are under threat due to the destruction of their habitat of grasslands and scrub forests. The survival of Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Siberian Crane and White-bellied Heron for instance greatly depends on the existence of their wetland habitat. The survival of Forest Owlet is impossible if its habitat of deciduous forests in central India is destroyed. The Great Indian Bustards on the other hand are vanishing due to disappearing grasslands and their over grazing.
“A variety of habitats in the country are threatened by human factors such as uncontrolled urbanization, unsustainable industrialization and rampant use of chemicals n agriculture” the study notes.Commenting on the need to conserve these habitats, Dr Asad Rahmani, ornithologist said, “Habitats such as grasslands and wetlands and the species inhabiting them have long been neglected in the conservation process in India. Comprehensive conservation action based on in-depth field research is required to save these species from going extinct. Today these habitats are facing some of the most severe human pressures, which endanger the survival of the avian populations found there”.
Out of the 15 Indian species underlined by the international study, including Bengal Florican, Forest Owlet, Red-headed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Jerdon’s Courser, lesser Florican, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, the BNHS has been working on the conservation of at least 12 species, directly or in partnership with other organizations.Conservationist Dr AJT Johnsingh, while hailing the efforts in conservation, however, feared that more needs to be done and really fast if these birds need to be saved from extinction.