PfA Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre

Urbanization has drastically changed natural habitats, leaving wildlife struggling to find safe spaces. However, homeowners can create wildlife-friendly environments to support biodiversity even in densely populated cities like Bangalore. Urban dwellers can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future by making small yet impactful changes. Why Support Urban Wildlife? Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Birds, bees, butterflies, and small mammals contribute to pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal. Encouraging biodiversity in urban spaces also enhances the environment, improves air quality, and fosters a deeper connection with nature. Simple Steps to Make Your Home Wildlife-Friendly 1. Grow Native Plants Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers provides food and shelter for local wildlife. Species such as neem, hibiscus, and tulsi attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, while fruiting trees like guava and jamun offer nourishment to birds...

Every year, thousands of birds suffer fatal injuries due to the illegal use of Chinese Manja threads. These synthetic threads, coated with glass or other harmful substances, are a menace not only to urban wildlife but also to humans and the environment. Despite government bans and regulations, their rampant availability continues to endanger lives and ecosystems. At PfA Wildlife Hospital in Bangalore, our team has attended to nearly 2,500 cases of bird injuries caused by Manja threads over the last six years. This alarming number highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness. The Impact of Chinese Manja on Birds and Wildlife Chinese Manja threads are often made of nylon or synthetic materials that are non-biodegradable and extremely durable. While these attributes might make them attractive to kite enthusiasts, they are deadly for birds. Species like Black Kites are particularly vulnerable. These majestic birds often become entangled in Manja threads, leading...

Bengaluru, often hailed as the "Garden City," is home to a rich tapestry of urban wildlife. Amidst its bustling streets and sprawling IT parks, the city harbors an incredible array of birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians. However, with rapid urbanization and habitat loss, the need to protect and monitor this wildlife has never been more pressing. One of the most effective ways to do so is through citizen science initiatives, which empower local communities to actively participate in documenting and conserving the biodiversity around them. Why Citizen Science? Citizen science involves the participation of non-professionals in scientific research. In the context of urban wildlife, it serves multiple purposes: Data Collection: Citizen scientists can gather large volumes of data over diverse locations, which would be difficult for researchers alone. Awareness and Education: Participation helps individuals develop a deeper connection with their environment and understand the ...

Bengaluru, often referred to as the “Garden City of India,” is home to a rich diversity of urban wildlife, ranging from birds and bats to snakes and civets. However, rapid urbanization has created numerous challenges for these species, including habitat loss, pollution, and human-wildlife conflicts. As these challenges grow, so does the need for innovative solutions. Modern technology has emerged as a game-changer in wildlife rescue and conservation, providing tools that enhance efficiency, precision, and impact. Here's how technology is making a difference in Bengaluru’s conservation efforts. 1. Drones for Monitoring and Rescue Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have revolutionized wildlife monitoring and rescue operations. In Bengaluru, drones are increasingly being used to: Track Wildlife in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas : Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras help locate injured or trapped animals in hard-to-reach areas such as dense vegetation, abandoned construct...

Bengaluru, known as the "Garden City" of India, is not only famed for its green spaces but also for its thriving urban wetlands. These water bodies, though surrounded by a growing metropolis, provide a haven for an extraordinary variety of birds—both resident and migratory. In recent years, the wetlands of Bengaluru have become important hotspots for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, showcasing the city's rich biodiversity. The Importance of Bengaluru's Wetlands for Birds Wetlands play a crucial role in sustaining a variety of bird species by offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Bengaluru, despite its rapid urbanization, still has several lakes and marshes that act as key habitats for waterfowl, waders, and even raptors. These wetlands serve as both stopovers for migratory species and year-round habitats for local birds. Key Wetland Areas in Bengaluru Some of the most prominent wetland areas in Bengaluru include: Puttenahalli Lake : A lesser-known bi...

On May 1, PfA Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre faced the grim reality of illegal wildlife trade yet again. We responded to a call from a bus conductor and rescued 218 Indian Star tortoises, which were all tightly packed into three small bags. They were all juveniles, ranging between just a week old to 4 to 5 years old. Unfortunately, one of them had already succumbed to the horrendous conditions in which these tortoises were being transported.   The demand for the Indian Star Tortoise in the exotic pet market is fueled largely, but not entirely by the superstitions that surround the animal. Some believe that the star tortoise can fix the “Vaastu” of a house or simply bring good luck to the house it’s kept in. Others, allured by the beautiful patterns of the shell,  simply want to keep them as pets.  You might be wondering “But why shouldn’t they be kept as pets?”. Other than the fact that it’s illegal, there are various reasons why keeping them as pets is harmful...