The Deadly Consequences of Chinese Manja: A Call for Urgent Action

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...