The Avian Acquaintances of Bangalore

A lot of us wonder about the lakes of Bangalore – how they are being turned into dump yards or how they have been encroached by land developers over the last few years and what is it that we can do to conserve water bodies. However, how many of us see the deterioration of these lakes beyond human needs and profits? How many of us know that there are other creatures as well who have suffered because of this and rather a lot more than humans ever could? If you guessed it, yes, we are talking about our Avian Acquaintances – the Water Birds of Bangalore.

Aquatic birds live in or around water for most of their lives. Some divide their time between land and water, while some come back to land only to breed. Whatever may be the case, water bodies are integral to their life. Some species live in freshwater bodies while some in saltwater. Bangalore is famous for its freshwater lakes and hence is a home to many freshwater birds while some birds migrate for specific seasons.

However, with lakes diminishing at an alarming rate, many of these birds are entering the endangered zone, while some are critically endangered. A study conducted by Bangalore University in 2011 recorded 35 species of freshwater birds across 15 lakes, whereas a study conducted in 2005 recorded 42. It would be unsurprising if we told you that 4% of our rescues constitute these water birds that include Asian Openbill Storks, Purple Swamphens, Black-crowned night herons among many others.

So what really is the cause of their endangerment? In short, the encroachment of lakes and apparent climate change are the biggest reasons. With their natural habitat changing or being snatched away, it has become difficult for these birds to adapt themselves somewhere else.


The 15 lakes where water birds exist, are not mostly protected either. Bangalore is a city with bird watching enthusiasts. During the migratory season especially, there is a hike in bird watchers as all of them come to these lakes to capture a shot of the migratory birds. Birds are not comfortable with human presence and often get anxious. These water birds then fly away to save themselves and look for a place to hide.

Now that we know a few of the many dangers that these birds face, we need to take the next step and come up with ideas or habits to protect our Avian Acquaintances. One can contribute by participating in spreading awareness about lakes and their importance or even participate or contribute in cleanup and restoration drives conducted with a scientific backing.

Small steps bring about a big change. It is only with the help of all citizens that we can save the wild heritage of Bangalore City.

If you would like to support us in preserving the diminishing urban wildlife of the city, please write to conservation@peopleforanimalsbangalore.org.


For more details, please visit www.pfaWildlifeHospital.org

Author - Praanjali Shukla