Now, plastics part of avian world in Ooty


A little more than a decade ago, the hill station of Udhagamandalam saw an intensive campaign against indiscriminate use and unsafe disposal of plastics, especially carry bags and disposable items, to protect its fragile environment.

What was banned then to protect the environment now seems to be dangerously becoming a part of it. Birds are using plastic material to build nests. With the ban losing steam and the use of plastic bags and other materials on the rise, bird lovers are a worried lot.

Throwing light on the menace, J. Vasanthan, a medical practitioner and ornithologist, says there is plenty of evidence of birds using plastics to build nests.

Author of the field guide Birds of the Nilgiris , he said some birds such as Jungle Fowl or Quail make simple ground-level nests. Some others create pieces of art, such as Baya Weaver, commonly called the Weaver bird. It builds a pendulous nest with side entrance, porches and egg chambers. The material being used by birds over the centuries includes natural substances such as clay or cobwebs for binding and plastering, twigs for strengthening, rootlets, coir, grass and similar material for structuring, and leaves, feathers, hair and other soft material for lining and insulation. Some birds even use pieces of bark, lichens and moss to artistically decorate or camouflage Years of evolution and instinct have helped these winged creatures perfect their respective methods of procreation and survival.......Read More

 

 

Source: The Hindu


Comments (0)



Please Login or Register to join groups