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Silent Guardians of Bengaluru: Why We Need to Protect Our City’s Bats

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They say “blind as a bat,” but the truth is, bats see the world in ways we don’t. When Bengaluru’s traffic quiets and the city exhales, the sky belongs to them. Often misunderstood and unfairly linked to darkness and fear, and even vampires, bats are far from the monsters they’re made out to be. In reality, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem and help humans in many ways.  Let’s dig deeper to learn more about these fascinating creatures and why they deserve our protection. There are over 1,400 species of bats in the world, and India is home to many of them. The most common ones are fruit bats and insect-eating bats . Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, feed on fruits like guava, mango, and banana. They help spread seeds and pollinate plants. Insect-eating bats, on the other hand, feed on mosquitoes and other bugs acting as natural pest controllers. Bats make their homes in trees, caves, old buildings, and even under bridges . During the day, the...

Ecosystem Services by Urban Wildlife of Bengaluru

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How the city’s wild residents silently sustain our urban environment Bengaluru is often called the “Garden City,” but beyond its gardens and lakes lies a complex network of wild species that quietly keep the city’s natural systems in balance. From pollination and pest control to seed dispersal and waste management, urban wildlife plays an indispensable role in supporting the health and sustainability of our city . 1. Birds – Nature’s Gardeners and Pest Managers Species like bulbuls, barbets, sunbirds, and mynas help pollinate flowering plants and disperse seeds across fragmented green patches. Kites, crows, and owls serve as natural scavengers and rodent controllers, reducing disease risks and keeping ecosystems clean. At PfA, we frequently rescue injured kites and crows — a reminder of how closely these species coexist with our everyday lives, and how vital they are to Bengaluru’s ecological balance. 2. Bats – The Night Pollinators Though often misunderstood, fruit bats are essent...

What To Do If You Encounter a Snake: A Simple Guide for Bengaluru Residents

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In Bengaluru, snakes are not uncommon visitors. With rapid urban growth and shrinking green cover, snakes often find themselves in our backyards, gardens, or even inside homes. While this can be frightening, remember: most snakes are non-venomous , and they do not attack unless provoked. The key is to stay calm and know what to do. At People for Animals (PfA) Bengaluru , we respond to hundreds of snake rescue calls every month. Here’s a simple guide to help you handle a snake encounter safely. 1. Stay Calm and Do Not Panic Snakes are generally shy and avoid humans. Sudden movements, shouting, or attempts to chase them can agitate the snake.  2. Do Not Try to Catch or Kill the Snake Trying to handle a snake yourself is dangerous. Even non-venomous snakes can bite in self-defense, and mistaking one species for another is common. Killing snakes is also illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 . 3. Maintain a Safe Distance Keep at least 6–8 feet away from the snake. Ensure chil...

Feathered Friends of Bengaluru: A Look at the City’s Most Commonly Spotted Birds

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Bengaluru may be known as India’s Silicon Valley, but amidst the busy streets and tall glass towers, the city is also home to a surprising wealth of birdlife. At People for Animals Wildlife Hospital , we see firsthand how urban landscapes and wildlife coexist — and sometimes collide — in this rapidly growing metropolis. One of the most heartening sights for Bengalureans is waking up to the calls and flashes of color from our feathered neighbors. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly spotted birds of Bengaluru: 1. House Crow (Corvus splendens) Intelligent, resourceful, and ever-present, the house crow is perhaps the most familiar bird of the city. Often seen near markets and food outlets, they play an important role as scavengers but are also indicators of how human waste disposal impacts wildlife. 2. Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) Larger and more robust than the house crow, jungle crows are often seen in leafy neighborhoods, outskirts, and even within the city. Their loud “caw...

Buzzing Beneath the Canopy: The Pollinators of Bengaluru

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  When we think of wildlife, we often imagine large mammals, soaring birds, or elusive reptiles. But some of the most crucial members of our ecosystems are the smallest — our pollinators. In Bengaluru, a city rapidly expanding and changing, these tiny heroes continue to play an outsized role in maintaining the balance of nature. Why Pollinators Matter Pollinators — bees, butterflies, birds, bats, beetles, and more — are responsible for fertilizing over 75% of flowering plants , including many of the fruits and vegetables we eat. In urban ecosystems like Bengaluru’s, they are the silent custodians of biodiversity, ensuring plant reproduction, seed formation, and food availability for countless species, including us. Who Are Bengaluru’s Pollinators? Despite its urban landscape, Bengaluru is home to a diverse group of pollinators: Bees India is home to over 600 species of native bees , and many make their home in and around the green pockets of Bengaluru. Carpenter bees , leafcutter b...