15-20 Bird species disappear from Manipal region!

Manipal: Human interference in the name of development has been putting wildlife and bird species at risk, a concern that is now evident in Manipal as well. It has come to light that developmental activities in the city have led to a sharp decline in the number of bird species.

Previously, 60 to 70 species were spotted every week, but now, only 40 to 50 species can be observed, said Tejasvi S Acharya, Managing Trustee of the Manipal Birding and Conservation Trust. The Manipal Birders’ Club, with around 500 members, has been monitoring and studying various bird species for the past 12 years. Every Sunday, birdwatching is conducted from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM in seven locations, including Eshwar Nagar, Herga, and Saralabettu within Manipal.

Over the last 12 years, the Trust has identified a total of 404 bird species in the Manipal region, including migratory species like the Tufted Duck and White Stork.

Recorded on eBird Portal

Complete information about the location and time of sightings for different bird species is being recorded on the ‘eBird Portal’. While 60 to 70 species were recorded every Sunday in the past, only 40 to 50 are being spotted now.

Need for a Veterinary Officer

“Currently, veterinary officers in Udupi-Manipal are available to treat animals like cows, dogs, and cats. However, there is a growing need for specialists who can treat birds. At present, even minor treatments for birds require travel to Mangaluru or Bengaluru,” saysTejasvi S Acharya, Managing Trustee, Manipal Birding and Conservation Trust

Reasons for the Decline

• Removal of trees and construction of concrete buildings in their place
• Several trees were felled during the widening of the Udupi-Manipal road, resulting in the death of hundreds of birds
• Increased human interference is making many birds feel unsafe
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Translated version of Kannada article by Vijay Kumar Hiremath