State of India’s Birds (SoIB) 2023 Report

The recently released State of India’s Birds 2023 Report has brought to light concerning findings about the status of bird species across the country. While the report indicates a general decline in the numbers of most bird species in India, it also highlights certain species that are showing an encouraging upward trend. The report’s analysis identifies critical patterns that shed light on the conservation status of India’s avian diversity.

Overview of the State of India’s Birds (SoIB) 2023 Report

The SoIB 2023 Report is a collaborative effort involving 13 government and non-governmental organizations, collectively forming the State of India’s Birds Partnership. The primary goal of the report is to comprehensively assess the conservation status of the majority of bird species regularly observed within the country. Unlike global trends where common and widespread species are declining, India’s unique situation is marked by limited data availability and a skewed focus on a few charismatic and threatened species. The 2023 report, building on its inaugural edition in 2020, bridges this data gap by leveraging over 30 million observations contributed by more than 30,000 birdwatchers to the eBird platform. This vast dataset enables the evaluation of the distribution range size and population trends of 942 Indian bird species over both the long term (25+ years) and the current period (since 2015). By combining these measures with information from the IUCN Red List, the report categorizes Indian species into Low, Moderate, and High Conservation Priority levels.

Key Highlights of the SoIB 2023 Report

• Decline in Numbers: Of the 338 species analyzed for long-term trends, a concerning 60% showed a decline in population. Additionally, out of the 359 species examined for current annual trends, 40% exhibited a decline. The most significant declines were observed among species feeding on vertebrates and carrion, including raptors and vultures. This alarming trend suggests potential contamination of their food sources or a decrease in prey availability.
• Endemics and Rapid Declines: Bird species endemic to the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot have undergone rapid declines within India over the last few decades. This underscores the urgency of addressing the specific threats faced by these species and their fragile ecosystems.
• Positive Trend: Amidst the decline, certain generalist species have shown remarkable resilience. The Indian Peafowl, India’s national bird, has experienced a remarkable 150% increase in abundance across the country over the past decades. However, this success story is balanced by reports of crop damage and negative impacts on other wildlife, necessitating an investigation into the broader ecological implications of this increase.
• Priority Classification: Among the 942 species assessed, 178 species are categorized as High Priority for conservation, 323 as Moderate Priority, and 441 as Low Priority. This includes migratory wetland birds like the Ruddy Shelduck, resident species such as the Indian Courser, and endemics like the Narcondam Hornbill and Nicobar Megapode.

Major Threats to Bird Species

The report also underscores the significant challenges faced by bird species in India:

• Habitat Degradation: Forest degradation and urbanization are major threats, underscoring the urgent need for habitat conservation and restoration.
• Energy Infrastructure: The expansion of energy infrastructure poses a risk to avian habitats, necessitating careful planning to mitigate its impact.
• Pollutants and Diseases: Environmental pollutants, including veterinary drugs like nimesulide, continue to jeopardize vulture populations. Climate change and avian diseases further exacerbate the threats.
• Illegal Activities: Illegal hunting and trade persist as threats, demanding stringent enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Way Forward

• Species-Specific Conservation: The decline of grassland specialists by over 50% highlights the need to safeguard and manage grassland ecosystems effectively.
• Long-Term Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of bird populations is crucial for understanding subtle population changes and formulating effective conservation strategies.
• Research Imperative: In-depth research is essential to comprehend the underlying reasons behind population declines or increases, enabling informed decision-making.
• Integrated Policies: Policies concerning development, such as those related to rivers, water, and wastelands, must align to support bird habitats and ecosystems.
• Citizen Engagement: Citizen participation must be integral to any conservation action plan, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation efforts.

UPSC Mains Questions

1. What are the primary reasons behind the decline of bird species in India, as highlighted in the SoIB 2023 Report, and how might these factors be interconnected?
2. Discuss the significance of prioritizing species into different conservation levels and explain the implications for High Priority species as identified in the report.
3. In what ways can governmental and non-governmental organizations collaborate to ensure that the findings and recommendations of the SoIB 2023 Report translate into effective conservation actions on the ground?