Migratory birds facing decline in numbers: Facts, reasons, betrayal! – PressNews24

Undoubtedly, this could happen due to the efforts of the administration and the residents, but this important form of transfer is also in danger.

A recent UN report claims that almost half (44%) of all migratory species are in decline, with one in five facing the real possibility of extinction.

This continuous degradation disrupts the delicate balance of nature. Their annual journeys benefit the world in many ways, making them indispensable to biodiversity and environmental health.

Top benefits that migratory birds provide to nature

First, migratory birds act as important pollinators aiding effective seed dispersal, especially for cryptic plants that cannot be cloned or cultivated. This is achieved by carrying pollen from one plant to another during rest and travel, which is one of the largest agents of plant reproduction and ensures the necessary genetic diversity within plant populations.

Additionally, the seeds eaten by these birds are then released and dispersed far and wide, creating diverse habitats that are better resilient in every way.

Additionally, these birds help control local insect populations, thus keeping pest populations under control and reducing the burden of chemically charged pesticides in agricultural areas. It helps in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem naturally and preventing abnormal outbreaks of some other harmful insect species.

This is done by the seemingly impossible exchange of nutrients and genes resulting in the overall health and stability of ecosystems around the world.

The existence of migratory birds and their extensive travels prove to be important in connecting different regions and its ecosystems across the world, where necessary, to bring resilience and adaptation against the environmental changes currently taking place.

Migratory birds and their absence will weaken the base of every ecosystem they inhabit, impacting almost everything, be it plant growth, food security or promoting clean ecosystems.

Reasons for decline: Threat to migratory birds

Many human activities have pushed migratory birds towards extinction. Some of the biggest threats are:

habitat loss: Deforestation and degradation of pristine ecosystems, crowding into urban spaces that has destroyed breeding sites, wetlands that are often referred to as barren lands. These grounds serve as exclusive habitats for these individuals coming from foreign lands and as these natural treasures shrink, the birds can hardly find food, shelter or space to bird.

Climate change: Global warming and rapidly changing climate have disrupted the seasons and therefore unbalance the migration patterns of every species, their respective circadian cycles, feeding and breeding times. Rising sea levels alone have destroyed their coastal habitats.

Hunting and accidental catch: Poaching and killing of these birds due to various flus has disturbed these spirits. To add to their troubles, these creatures have suffered even more suffering by being accidentally entangled in fishing gear, including ghost nets.

pollution: Plastic pollution, water contaminated with industrial waste, pesticides and other strong chemicals can seriously affect birds’ immune systems, reducing reproductive and navigation abilities.

Case Studies: Devastating Plight

Some migratory birds have suffered a major setback.

The recently released World Migratory Species Report has indicated a deepening crisis with a record 70 species recorded in the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), including the Egyptian vulture, steppe eagle etc., declining in their numbers. A big decline is being seen. ,

Sometimes, due to loss of natural breeding potential and changes in behavior, these birds experience skewed sex ratios.

Many Siberian cranes have stopped visiting wetlands in Noida and surrounding areas, causing a lot of trouble to bird lovers.

Some famous real-world examples are the Eskimo Curlew in the North American continent who are suffering from projected extinction or the Spoonies who once traveled across Asia and Europe.

The present situation is serious but the future is not lost yet. Simple steps such as habitat conservation, maintaining wildlife corridors, and promoting sustainable forestry practices can be the beginning of experiencing positive change.

These birds do not know boundaries and the human soul will also be like this. International cooperation and awareness on these critical routes will inspire further concrete action.