India’s bird population suffers long-term decline

India’s bird population suffers long-term decline

Part of: GS Prelims –Environment  and GS-III- Conservation

In news:

State of India’s Birds 2020 (SoIB) assessment  states :

• Over a fifth of India’s bird diversity, ranging from the Short-toed Snake Eagle to the Sirkeer Malkoha, has suffered strong long-term declines

• 80% loss among several common birds 

• every bird species that was found to be increasing in numbers over the long term, 11 have suffered losses

• Rufous-fronted Prinia, Nilgiri Thrush, Nilgiri Pipit and Indian vulture were confirmed as suffering current decline

• The common sparrow have become rare in cities and urban areas. reasons for this is a decrease in insect populations as well as nesting places

Threat 

• loss of habitat due to human activity,

•  widespread presence of toxins, including pesticides;

•  Hunting and trapping for the pet trade.. 

From Prelims Point of View:

Rufous-fronted Prinia : IUCN (least concern )

Nilgiri thrush: IUCN (Endangered )

Nilgiri pipit : IUCN (Vulnerable )

Indian vulture : IUCN (Critically Endangered )