Declining bird populations are a ‘grim’ reminder of rapid biodiversity loss, says new report

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bird Population Decline in India

Introduction

A new report assessing bird diversity and population stability in India has found that a majority of bird species in the country are on the decline. This is an alarming indication of biodiversity loss and anthropogenic pressures on the environment. The report, titled “State of India’s Birds 2023,” was released on August 25 by a consortium of 13 government and non-profit conservation organizations. It is based on 30 million bird sightings and highlights the urgent need for action to protect bird species and their habitats.

Key Findings

Birds and Ecosystem Services

Birds play a crucial role in ecosystem services, including seed dispersal, pollination, and acting as predators and scavengers. However, the report reveals that around 60 percent of birds assessed have declined over the past 30 years, with 40 percent currently declining over the last eight years. This decline is a matter of deep concern for conservationists.

Impact on Ecosystems

The decline in bird populations can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems. For example, the decline in raptors could result in changes in rodent populations, leading to imbalances in the ecosystem. It is essential to understand how ecosystems are adapting to changing bird numbers.

Conservation Priority

The State of India’s Birds 2023 report identifies 178 bird species of high conservation priority that require urgent action plans for their conservation and deeper research to understand the factors leading to their decline. Some of these species include the sarus crane, the Indian courser, the Andaman serpent eagle, and the Nilgiri laughingthrush.

Birds in Open Habitats Particularly Vulnerable

The report highlights that birds occupying open natural ecosystems (ONEs), such as grasslands and semi-arid landscapes, are particularly vulnerable. These species have seen a decline of 50 percent. Grassland specialists like the great grey shrike and chestnut-bellied sandgrouse have suffered significant declines, emphasizing the importance of conserving ONEs.

Threats and Recommendations

The report identifies eight broad threats to bird populations in India, including environmental pollutants, forest degradation, urbanization, avian disease, illegal hunting and trade, and climate change. It recommends conducting targeted, systematic, periodic monitoring of bird populations using consistent methods. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to mitigate the negative effects of infrastructure projects, such as wind energy, on bird populations.