Interdependency - Humans and Urban Wildlife!

We learn as kids that humans and animals live in a symbiotic relationship with each other. Our presence benefits animals as much as theirs benefits us. Due to the rise in animal activism, we only hear how animals are important in our lives. Today, let's also talk about how we help the animals around us, specifically the relationship we have with urban wildlife.

Humans need food to survive. We are the only species that spend time growing our food. Being a farmer is tough. There is a huge population to feed and only a fraction of people are dedicated to agriculture. To ease the burden, pollinators like squirrels, bats, lizards, small birds, bees and monkeys, naturally plant seeds for us while going about their daily routine. Pollination ensures the production of sources of food at an agreeable pace.

When it comes to protecting that food from rodents like mice, that is where snakes, owls, kites, peacocks and other predators come in. They maintain their distance from humans while keeping the rodents' population in check. If not for them, our crops will be attacked by rodents and storage would be our biggest issue. Some small birds like sparrows and crows save the crops from insect infestation by pecking on them for meals.

Keeping our city clean and free of diseases is essential. Carnivores like snakes, owls, kites and omnivores like peacocks and bats consume mice, which can transmit around 35 diseases to humans. Wetland species like herons, keelbacks, storks keep our lakes healthy by consuming bacteria that can kill the lakes in the long run. Sadly, in cities like Bangalore, the number of lakes has been decreasing and getting more polluted due to urbanisation. Because of climate change following the aforementioned phenomena, the wetland species are at a threat of extinction too. It is important we save our lakes and by extension, the wetland species too who keep our cities disease-free.

So how can we help urban wildlife?

Due to harsh weather conditions, animals and birds depend on us for food, water and shelter. We see many posts that urge us to keep water bowls on our terrace/balconies and around our houses. We also keep food bowls filled with grains and fruits. Many societies give shelter to these animals when nature creates havoc. Animals depend on us for shelter when their homes are uprooted due to heavy rainfall or adverse natural disasters. 

Animals in the wild also have a predator-prey relationship with each other. They often get wounded in combat. Some animals get displaced and orphaned. And just like us, they are also prone to several infections. That is where animal welfare organizations and conscientious citizens come in. Rescuing these animals and providing adequate treatment/shelter on time can save the lives of many animals. 

We have released many orphaned animals back into the wild after successful rehabilitation. We have treated many animals when they were suffering from heatstroke, hypothermia, viral and bacterial infections, wounds and dehydration among others.

By helping these animals in need, we unconsciously sustain the ecosystem. Our empathy and the will to help goes a long way. Saving lives is a great achievement in itself. But we also ensure that we save these animals from extinction and vulnerability, which maintains the balance of nature. 

Authored by Praanjali Shukla, Volunteer @PfA Bangalore