Neha Jamwal and Arti Sharma
Migratory Birds
Migratory birds are exceptional species that undertake remarkable journeys in order to nest, forage or flee hostile environmental conditions from one area or habitat to another during the year. Thousands of kilometres may be covered by these migrations, which frequently follow well-travelled flyways that birds have been using for millennia.About 20% of bird species are thought to be migratory, and their yearly travels result in a redistribution of bird diversity that drastically alters the composition of avian communities around the planet. From nectivorous hummingbirds, which weigh only a few grams, to carnivorous raptors, which may weigh up to three orders of magnitude more, these birds can fly short distances or make incredibly long expeditions around the world.
After the winter season begins in most parts of the northern hemisphere each year, many bird species fly southward to overwinter, returning to their home regions in the spring.The itineraries of migratory birds are generally unpredictable. The northern and southern hemispheres are connected by certain international routes, which typically run north-south.In addition to other considerations like the destination’s physical features and weather patterns, the energy cost of migration drives these birds to choose the quickest and shortest route. They primarily prefer rivers, waterways, mountain ranges and coasts. Specifically, these routes are referred to as the “FLYWAYS OF BIRD MIGRATION.” Around the world, migrating birds use nine different flyways, with the Indian subcontinent encountering the “Central Asian Flyway.” Between the Indian Ocean and the Arctic, it covers the majority of Eurasia.
India, which is home to a wide variety of organisms and rich biodiversity, is also a preferred location for migrating birds. According to a WWF analysis, India harbours over 1349 of the 2274 migratory bird species worldwide, accounting for roughly 59.32% of the total migratory bird population.
Migratory Birds in Jammu and Kashmir
In the northern crown of India lies a realm that poets have long struggled to capture in mere words, Jammu and Kashmir, where nature whispers in verses and the mountains sing ancient songs. It is not merely a place, but a living poem, a dream embroidered in snow and sunlight depicting magnificent symphony of seasons.As a gateway to the entering migratory bird population, Jammu and Kashmir is located along the Central Asian Flyway whichtraverse the majestic Himalayan mountains to occupy several wetlands and a small number of Ramsar sites in both the J&K and Ladakh divisions. The five renowned wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir i.e., Mansar-Surinsar Lakes, Wular Lake, Hokersar Wetland, Shallabugh Wetland and Hygam Wetland, have been notified as Ramsar Sites which hold a great pride of hosting numerous migratory birds species from across the globe annually. Despite these internationally acknowledged wetlands and lakes, many other water bodies and reservoirs serve as over-wintering grounds for a plethora of migratory birds.
As notified by the Forest Department in 1981, wetland status has been attributed to Gharana, Sangral, Pargwal, Kukrian and Nanga reserves. Except Gharana wetland in RS Pura, others are vying for attention because of their ongoing decline as a result of human atrocities. Gharana wetland is a declared International Bird Area, by Birdlife International and Bombay Natural History Society and more stress is laid on it to upgradeits status while the others await attention from the stakeholders. About 96 species of migratory birds have been reported to visit the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and their extent and number varies from wetland to wetland. These birds include; Cormorants, Egrets, Storks, Spoonbills, Teal, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Pochards, Buzzard, Egyptian vulture, Sandpiper, Tern, Swallows, Wagtails, etc.
Wings in Peril: The Decline of Migratory Birds
Migratory birds are essential for the health of ecosystems. They spread seeds over great distances, pollinate plants and regulate insect populations. The condition of the environments along their flyways is reflected in their migrations, which also serve as ecological indicators. They remind us of the interdependence of nature by bridging nations and civilizations.
Despite harbouring immense biodiversity, these wetlands and other reservoirs have witnessed serious decline in migratory bird species population that is a measure of overall ecosystem health and is flashing red warning signs. The most important threats being:
4Climate Change: As a result of rising greenhouse gas emissions, precipitation has significantly decreased, temperatures have changed and extreme weather events have occurred. These factors have a significant impact on the timing and availability of food resources, which has worsened the situation of wetlands. Birds’ migratory patterns have probably also been disturbed by this.
4Growing population: As the population grows, more resources are needed, which results in illegal encroachment.
4Extensive changes in land use and growing development initiatives
4Over-exploitation: The population of migrating birds has been significantly diminished due to illegal hunting, poachingand trapping.
4Non-sustainable levels of fishing and grazing: Overharvesting causes a shortage of food supplies (fish), which causes migrating birds to modify their arrival destinations. However, overgrazing has also caused their nesting and sheltering areas to be disrupted.
4Habitat Loss due to increased agricultural activities: Due to population growth and rising food demands, migratory bird habitat has been lost as a result of unlawful encroachment and conversion of marsh land into agricultural land.
4Pollution: Increased usage of pesticides and insecticides, has greatly affected the bird population by leaking or running off into marsh water. Furthermore, ongoing human activities like washing vehicles and clothing, illegal sand mining and driving across wetlands are likely to disturb/stress/frighten migratory birds, who will then make it difficult to live there and fly to far-off places.
The Fate of Migratory Birds Amid Human Exploitation
Once the ageless representations of liberty, tenacity and the passing of the seasons, migratory birds are now among the most vulnerable to the unquenchable human desire for territory, riches and authority. As we clear every forest, drain every marsh and occupy every shoreline, we are destroying the unseen paths they have travelled for thousands of years. The sky-paths thatare etched into instinct and steered by the stars are disappearing at an alarming rate.Many migratory species could go extinct throughout our lifetimes if habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and illicit hunting keep up their current rate. Not only will we lose birds, but we will also lose the stories they shared across continents, the beauty they bring to our seasons and the equilibrium they preserved in our planet.
If we actnowto protect flyways, restore habitats and enforce conservation laws, we can still change their fate. The future of migratory birds lies in our hands.
“The question still remains: Will we choose silence or will we fight to keep the skies alive with wings?”
(The writers are from Department of Zoology, University of Jammu)