Study reveals widespread decline in India’s bird populations

A recent study has revealed a significant and widespread decline in India’s bird species, underscoring the urgent need for targeted and sustained conservation efforts.

The State of India’s Birds 2023 report, produced by a consortium of leading research institutions and conservation organisations, assesses the status of 942 bird species using data contributed by thousands of birdwatchers through the eBird citizen science platform. This report represents one of the largest biodiversity monitoring efforts in the Global South.

“Our findings reveal a sobering truth: India’s diverse bird populations are facing significant declines, underscoring an urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts,” said Vivek Ramachandran, fellow, wildlife biology and conservation programme at National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and an author of the study.

The findings state that over 204 species have suffered long-term declines, and 142 are currently declining. Additionally, 178 species have been classified as High Conservation Priority.

Species such as the Black-capped Kingfisher, Greater Flamingo, Spot-billed Pelican and Western Marsh Harrier have seen some of the most significant population decline.

Birds with specialised diets, such as those feeding on vertebrate prey like fish or on invertebrates such as snails and crabs, have declined the most, averaging over 25 per cent long-term population loss. In contrast, species dependent on fruits or nectar have remained stable or even increased, the findings state.

Habitat specialists from grasslands, scrublands, and wetlands have experienced the steepest declines. The report also found that winter migrants to India have declined more sharply than resident species, raising further alarm.

“A common thread in global assessments is that some groups of birds are more at risk than others, particularly those relying entirely on grasslands, scrublands, agricultural areas, or other open landscapes. Grassland ecosystems in India are highly vulnerable due to the loss of habitat caused by development and plantations,” the study said.

The study also pointed to the use of pesticides as a possible driver of decline in insects, resulting in the decline of birds that rely on them for food.

“Pesticides, including neonicotinoids, currently have very little regulation in India, and this may be a reason behind the severe declines seen in open-habitat birds and insectivores. The relationship between pesticides and fertilisers with insect and bird declines requires urgent attention, so necessary mitigation steps can be taken quickly,” the study said.

India