Small steps we can take to help our urban wildlife
In today's world, humans live disconnected with nature. Work, family responsibilities, and deadlines take control of our physical and mental resources. Amidst this struggle, humans often forget that their survival is made possible because of the numerous animals and birds which exist alongside us. Urbanisation has caused a lot of physical and mental trauma to animals and birds. Luckily, organisations continue to form to provide rescue and treatment services to these often neglected beings.
However, organisations cannot take complete responsibility for the wellbeing of animals and birds. This is a task that can be best achieved with the help of a community, a community of animal lovers, animal activists, animal enthusiasts, and more importantly, compassionate and responsible citizens who understand the importance of serving nature.
In this blog, let's delve into the conservation aspects of urban wildlife - ways in which each one of us can reduce trauma for animals.
Birds
We have rescued a lot of birds over the years. The conditions in which birds are rescued are disheartening. The major cause is urbanisation. A major way in which we can prevent bird accidents is to ensure we do not use a clear glass window. When flying from a distance and looking for food, the glass is not visible and birds often collide with it. We recently rescued a Blue-faced Malkoha who had collided against a glass window in the daytime. The bird sustained a head concussion and is undergoing treatment at our shelter. This is unintentional human-animal conflict and can be avoided. To avoid such accidents, use a curtain or any other marker like stickers to indicate that the window is present. Also, prevent keeping food and shiny objects near the window to avoid confusion for the birds.
It is also important to plant more fruit trees for birds. Food sources are becoming scarce, so are natural habitats. Due to the absence of trees in many areas of Bangalore, birds are forced to form nests in apartment buildings. This does not ensure safety, especially during harsh weather conditions.
Another way to ensure the health of birds is to stop using single-use plastic. The micro plastics get mixed with limited food sources, causing death. Keeping water bowls and small pieces of fruit in balconies or terraces is a good way to help birds, especially when urbanisation makes it impossible to plant trees. They can also be given uncooked grains.
Black Kites
Black Kites and other raptors fly high and scavenge for food. A lot of times they are rescued with wounds caused due to glass manjha. Since kite flying is an activity which involves flying patangs as high as one can, and as swiftly as one can, a lot of times the glass manjha thread is not visible to birds. These threads also get stuck in trees, and when kites swoop to catch prey, they end up getting injured. A lot of kites and raptors end up with a fracture, wing injury, or severe mutilation.
The use of glass manjha has been banned by the government for years. But little is done to execute it. Make sure you buy thread which is less harmful for the birds and boycott glass manjha entirely.
Aquatic Birds
Lake rejuvenation projects are by far the most successful way to ensure the health of aquatic birds. Bangalore is rich in aquatic wildlife. Sadly, due to decrease in lakes, aquatic birds have less and less spaces to procreate and live in. Rejuvenation projects bring a lake back to life by dealing with pollutants.
Participating in lake cleanliness drives is a small part we can play in supporting the lake rejuvenation projects. These drives involve removing the waste which has been dumped in the lake and in the surrounding areas. The waste kills aquatic life, forbidding birds to live there due to absence of food sources.
Illegal Trading
Alexandrine Parakeets, Rose-ringed Parakeets, Plum-headed Parakeets, Scaly-breasted Munias and Red Avadavat are some of the commonly traded bird species. If you spot any of these birds captive, that is in pet shops or as pets, please report it to the Karnataka Forest Department or to us, PfA Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre.
The major reason for illegal trading is the aesthetics. These birds look magnificent and people like to keep them in cages. Another reason is superstitious beliefs, wherein people believe procuring their wings or having them as pets will bring good luck. However, keeping these birds captive is harmful. When confiscated, a lot of physical and psychological disturbances are noticed. It is a long process to fully rehabilitate them. A few birds have their winger cut off, which delays the rehabilitation process. Needless to say, it is very traumatising.
Mammals
Macaques, pangolins and bats are commonly found in the city of Bangalore. They also suffer due to the lack of habitats and rapid urbanisation. Moreover, they are illegally traded and kept as pets, which results in a lot of physical and psychological trauma.
Macaques
Macaques are rescued with injuries, especially caused by electrocution. Many baby macaques are rescued because their parents die or get separated. They are then brought up as orphans, and are placed in a group with an adult nanny who can teach them how to survive in the wild. But we cannot deny the psychological wounds caused due to absence of one's parents and one's own troop.
Humans have had a close relationship with macaques for decades. Macaques are often found in religious places, parks, and after urbanisation, they visit our streets in troops. Our first instinct is to feed them. This needs to be actively discouraged. Through our observation, we have noticed that humans often end up giving them food which is not healthy. In a particular case where a macaque was illegally held captive and was confiscated, we came to know that the offenders were feeding him things like Nutella. When the macaque came to us for rehabilitation, he was obese and his digestive system was not responsive to specie appropriate food.
Many times when we see troops of macaques, especially one that has many babies, our first thought is to feed them, to at least give something to the milking mother. We need to let them be, as they are likely looking for places with abundant food sources. They will go their way without harming or damaging your property. It is important to not make it a habit to feed them as it can increase dependability on humans. That can lead to over friendliness, aggression, and make them more susceptible to poaching because they learn to lower their defences around humans. We have witnessed cases wherein lowered defences have led to brutality. Nanny, our lifetime care Macaque, was attacked with acid when people tried to chase her away for foraging for food. To protect macaques, we have to let them go their way.
To ensure a healthy habitat for macaques, plant trees in an area to create a mini forest. Since macaques live in groups, it is important to have a habitat which feeds the whole group. Patches of greenery can facilitate this, and it ensures that macaques do not enter human territory. This prevents injuries.
Bats
Bats are one of the gentlest creatures. If you look closely at them, they are basically flying puppies! Yet, like dogs, bats are wildly misunderstood creatures.
Pangolins
Pangolins are rare and do not often get in touch with humans. Unfortunately, that does not save them from illegal trafficking. Pangolins body parts are believed to have medicinal value, which makes them susceptible to poaching. These claims are not verified.
Reptiles
Reptiles like snakes are the most rescued species at our organisation. We have also rescued many terrapins and tortoises. Habitat destruction and injuries are the most common causes of their endangerment. Dehydration, spine/shell injury, and lack of habitats are common causes for their suffering.
Snakes
When it comes to snakes, it is important to learn about their needs and behaviours and let them be. Do not be fearful of them and attack them in self defence. These animals do not attack unless they sense danger. Most of the time, we panic when we see a snake and start moving hysterically. This causes the snake to panic and they attack, thinking there is danger ahead. If you witness a snake, slowly move away from them. Walk as slow as possible.
If they seem injured or displaced, reach out to urban wildlife rescue groups and organisations. We have also rescued snake eggs when it became apparent that the parent will not be able to return to hatch them. These eggs are hatched at our centre, and the hatchlings are released into the wild. To avoid such mishaps, make sure they have spaces to take cover in during adverse weather conditions, like burrows and trees.
Lastly, remember not to interfere with their routines. Snakes can be diurnal, crepuscular or nocturnal. When you see them slithering around you, they are only looking for food, and they like to do that without being interrupted!
Terrapins and Turtles
These creatures live in rivers or around rivers. Lack of water bodies in Bangalore leads to terrapins and turtles exploring human spaces. They end up getting injured or dehydrated due to lack of safe spaces. Vehicles run over them or in the cases of captivity, they fall from a height, causing shell fractures.
To conserve terrapins and turtles, ensure the health of the lakes. Pollutants like plastic, pesticides, and noise should be avoided. Terrapins and turtles are key to maintaining the health of the water body. They consume harmful algae and bacteria, thus regulating aquatic life.
Illegal Trading
Indian star tortoise, Red sand boa, Bengal monitor lizard, and Tokay gecko are the commonly traded reptiles. The reasons vary from superstitions, to misguided beliefs, to having pet fantasies. Many people also capture snakes to put on shows. They put the snakes through a process of defanging which involves cutting off fangs to prevent biting. Needless to say, these reptiles are fed unhealthy food which leads to death.
Reach out to organisations which conserve and rescue snakes if you witness illegal activities. An FIR needs to be filed to avoid second offences, especially if a community has many snake charmers.
We hope this blog gives an insight into the numerous issues faced by urban wildlife, and the steps which every citizen can take to ensure their wellbeing. Every task seems difficult at first. When we give due importance to it, it becomes easier to keep ourselves motivated. Repetition leads to forming habits. First day of school, first day of moving into a new city, first relationship, initial friendships, first job, everything seems difficult. But because we know these are important, we find the courage and motivation to go through it. When it comes to getting involved in nature, a lot of hurdles may come our way. Lack of motivation, lack of sense of responsibility, depending on others to do their part, hectic routines, compassion fatigue, physical and mental health issues, etc. are some of the many factors that can hinder the process. Just remember -urban wildlife has endured pain for years, yet they not only manage to create their own lives but also maintain the health of ours. Coexisting while ensuring their safety is the least we can do in return.
However, organisations cannot take complete responsibility for the wellbeing of animals and birds. This is a task that can be best achieved with the help of a community, a community of animal lovers, animal activists, animal enthusiasts, and more importantly, compassionate and responsible citizens who understand the importance of serving nature.
In this blog, let's delve into the conservation aspects of urban wildlife - ways in which each one of us can reduce trauma for animals.
Birds
We have rescued a lot of birds over the years. The conditions in which birds are rescued are disheartening. The major cause is urbanisation. A major way in which we can prevent bird accidents is to ensure we do not use a clear glass window. When flying from a distance and looking for food, the glass is not visible and birds often collide with it. We recently rescued a Blue-faced Malkoha who had collided against a glass window in the daytime. The bird sustained a head concussion and is undergoing treatment at our shelter. This is unintentional human-animal conflict and can be avoided. To avoid such accidents, use a curtain or any other marker like stickers to indicate that the window is present. Also, prevent keeping food and shiny objects near the window to avoid confusion for the birds.
 |
| Blue-faced Malkoha who had collided against a glass window |
 |
| Blue-faced Malkoha was rescued by our rescuer, Mohan |
It is also important to plant more fruit trees for birds. Food sources are becoming scarce, so are natural habitats. Due to the absence of trees in many areas of Bangalore, birds are forced to form nests in apartment buildings. This does not ensure safety, especially during harsh weather conditions.
Another way to ensure the health of birds is to stop using single-use plastic. The micro plastics get mixed with limited food sources, causing death. Keeping water bowls and small pieces of fruit in balconies or terraces is a good way to help birds, especially when urbanisation makes it impossible to plant trees. They can also be given uncooked grains.
Black Kites
Black Kites and other raptors fly high and scavenge for food. A lot of times they are rescued with wounds caused due to glass manjha. Since kite flying is an activity which involves flying patangs as high as one can, and as swiftly as one can, a lot of times the glass manjha thread is not visible to birds. These threads also get stuck in trees, and when kites swoop to catch prey, they end up getting injured. A lot of kites and raptors end up with a fracture, wing injury, or severe mutilation.
 |
| Black Kite injured by Manjha |
The use of glass manjha has been banned by the government for years. But little is done to execute it. Make sure you buy thread which is less harmful for the birds and boycott glass manjha entirely.
Aquatic Birds
Lake rejuvenation projects are by far the most successful way to ensure the health of aquatic birds. Bangalore is rich in aquatic wildlife. Sadly, due to decrease in lakes, aquatic birds have less and less spaces to procreate and live in. Rejuvenation projects bring a lake back to life by dealing with pollutants.
Participating in lake cleanliness drives is a small part we can play in supporting the lake rejuvenation projects. These drives involve removing the waste which has been dumped in the lake and in the surrounding areas. The waste kills aquatic life, forbidding birds to live there due to absence of food sources.
Illegal Trading
Alexandrine Parakeets, Rose-ringed Parakeets, Plum-headed Parakeets, Scaly-breasted Munias and Red Avadavat are some of the commonly traded bird species. If you spot any of these birds captive, that is in pet shops or as pets, please report it to the Karnataka Forest Department or to us, PfA Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre.
 |
| (Top row) Alexandrine Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet (Bottom row) Scaly-breasted Munia and Red Avadavat |
The major reason for illegal trading is the aesthetics. These birds look magnificent and people like to keep them in cages. Another reason is superstitious beliefs, wherein people believe procuring their wings or having them as pets will bring good luck. However, keeping these birds captive is harmful. When confiscated, a lot of physical and psychological disturbances are noticed. It is a long process to fully rehabilitate them. A few birds have their winger cut off, which delays the rehabilitation process. Needless to say, it is very traumatising.
Mammals
Macaques, pangolins and bats are commonly found in the city of Bangalore. They also suffer due to the lack of habitats and rapid urbanisation. Moreover, they are illegally traded and kept as pets, which results in a lot of physical and psychological trauma.
Macaques
Macaques are rescued with injuries, especially caused by electrocution. Many baby macaques are rescued because their parents die or get separated. They are then brought up as orphans, and are placed in a group with an adult nanny who can teach them how to survive in the wild. But we cannot deny the psychological wounds caused due to absence of one's parents and one's own troop.
Humans have had a close relationship with macaques for decades. Macaques are often found in religious places, parks, and after urbanisation, they visit our streets in troops. Our first instinct is to feed them. This needs to be actively discouraged. Through our observation, we have noticed that humans often end up giving them food which is not healthy. In a particular case where a macaque was illegally held captive and was confiscated, we came to know that the offenders were feeding him things like Nutella. When the macaque came to us for rehabilitation, he was obese and his digestive system was not responsive to specie appropriate food.
Many times when we see troops of macaques, especially one that has many babies, our first thought is to feed them, to at least give something to the milking mother. We need to let them be, as they are likely looking for places with abundant food sources. They will go their way without harming or damaging your property. It is important to not make it a habit to feed them as it can increase dependability on humans. That can lead to over friendliness, aggression, and make them more susceptible to poaching because they learn to lower their defences around humans. We have witnessed cases wherein lowered defences have led to brutality. Nanny, our lifetime care Macaque, was attacked with acid when people tried to chase her away for foraging for food. To protect macaques, we have to let them go their way.
 |
| Nanny, who lost her vision due to the acid attack |
To ensure a healthy habitat for macaques, plant trees in an area to create a mini forest. Since macaques live in groups, it is important to have a habitat which feeds the whole group. Patches of greenery can facilitate this, and it ensures that macaques do not enter human territory. This prevents injuries.
Bats
Bats are one of the gentlest creatures. If you look closely at them, they are basically flying puppies! Yet, like dogs, bats are wildly misunderstood creatures.
Bats mean us no harm. And their presence around us will not cause deadly diseases. Covid period was the worst for bats. People resorted to killing them or getting them removed from their areas due to a myth that bats can spread Covid. On the other end of the spectrum, bats are considered superstitious and are often illegally poached and traded for their body parts.
Conserving bats is not that difficult. Just let them be, do not disturb them when they are asleep and plant trees to give them a habitat. Avoid using pesticides altogether. Since bats are small animals, even a small amount of pesticide can cause serious harm and death.
Conserving bats is not that difficult. Just let them be, do not disturb them when they are asleep and plant trees to give them a habitat. Avoid using pesticides altogether. Since bats are small animals, even a small amount of pesticide can cause serious harm and death.
 |
| Short-nosed Fruit Bat |
Pangolins
Pangolins are rare and do not often get in touch with humans. Unfortunately, that does not save them from illegal trafficking. Pangolins body parts are believed to have medicinal value, which makes them susceptible to poaching. These claims are not verified.
Pangolins are very important to forests as they consume a wide range of harmful insects and ensure the health of the trees. It is important to conserve Pangolins, and the greatest threat to their being is illegal trade. If you witness illegal trading, reach out to the designated organisations.
 |
| Pangolin at our wildlife hospital |
Reptiles
Reptiles like snakes are the most rescued species at our organisation. We have also rescued many terrapins and tortoises. Habitat destruction and injuries are the most common causes of their endangerment. Dehydration, spine/shell injury, and lack of habitats are common causes for their suffering.
Snakes
When it comes to snakes, it is important to learn about their needs and behaviours and let them be. Do not be fearful of them and attack them in self defence. These animals do not attack unless they sense danger. Most of the time, we panic when we see a snake and start moving hysterically. This causes the snake to panic and they attack, thinking there is danger ahead. If you witness a snake, slowly move away from them. Walk as slow as possible.
If they seem injured or displaced, reach out to urban wildlife rescue groups and organisations. We have also rescued snake eggs when it became apparent that the parent will not be able to return to hatch them. These eggs are hatched at our centre, and the hatchlings are released into the wild. To avoid such mishaps, make sure they have spaces to take cover in during adverse weather conditions, like burrows and trees.
 |
| Checkered Keelback hatchling |
Terrapins and Turtles
These creatures live in rivers or around rivers. Lack of water bodies in Bangalore leads to terrapins and turtles exploring human spaces. They end up getting injured or dehydrated due to lack of safe spaces. Vehicles run over them or in the cases of captivity, they fall from a height, causing shell fractures.
To conserve terrapins and turtles, ensure the health of the lakes. Pollutants like plastic, pesticides, and noise should be avoided. Terrapins and turtles are key to maintaining the health of the water body. They consume harmful algae and bacteria, thus regulating aquatic life.
Illegal Trading
Indian star tortoise, Red sand boa, Bengal monitor lizard, and Tokay gecko are the commonly traded reptiles. The reasons vary from superstitions, to misguided beliefs, to having pet fantasies. Many people also capture snakes to put on shows. They put the snakes through a process of defanging which involves cutting off fangs to prevent biting. Needless to say, these reptiles are fed unhealthy food which leads to death.
 |
| (Top row) Indian Star Tortoise, Red Sand Boa, (Bottom row) Bengal Monitor Lizard, Tokay Gecko |
Reach out to organisations which conserve and rescue snakes if you witness illegal activities. An FIR needs to be filed to avoid second offences, especially if a community has many snake charmers.
We hope this blog gives an insight into the numerous issues faced by urban wildlife, and the steps which every citizen can take to ensure their wellbeing. Every task seems difficult at first. When we give due importance to it, it becomes easier to keep ourselves motivated. Repetition leads to forming habits. First day of school, first day of moving into a new city, first relationship, initial friendships, first job, everything seems difficult. But because we know these are important, we find the courage and motivation to go through it. When it comes to getting involved in nature, a lot of hurdles may come our way. Lack of motivation, lack of sense of responsibility, depending on others to do their part, hectic routines, compassion fatigue, physical and mental health issues, etc. are some of the many factors that can hinder the process. Just remember -urban wildlife has endured pain for years, yet they not only manage to create their own lives but also maintain the health of ours. Coexisting while ensuring their safety is the least we can do in return.
You can also help by reporting any injured wild animals. Saving just one life can have a greater impact on the ecosystem and all the living things that depend on it. Contact our rescue helpline at: +91 99000 25370 / +91 99803 39880.
Authored by Praanjali Shukla, Volunteer at PfA Bangalore
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