Other bird species suffer as well

The problems of pollution and loss of green cover have become a menace for other species of birds as well. Destruction of habitat has taken aheavy toll of grey hornbill, vultures and ashy wood swallows.

Zeeshan Mirza of Reptile Rescue and Study Centre feels that the plantation of exotic trees under the name of beautification of the city has aggravated the problem.  “Many trees are virtually useless for local birds, reptiles and insects. As a result they have come under threat,” Mirza said.

Ashy Wood Swallow, a small bird which is found in the areas with thick Pulmara Palm plantation, is nowhere to be seen thanks to the destruction of Pulmara Palm trees. While, Munias are facing the heat due to loss of grass lands, which is their home.

“Ashy Wood Swallow was regularly seen in Aarey Milk Colony till recently. But their numbers have reduced in last couple of years,” Mirza said.

Vultures and grey hornbills too have been affected due to rampant tree cutting. “Rain trees in the city are rapidly being replaced by exotic trees.

This has left the hornbills with no nesting space. They seem to have met the same fate as ashy wood swallows,” Mirza said.

Vultures, ashy wood swallows and Grey Hornbills are on the verge of extinction due to rampant development and tree cutting.  Mirza said that the loss of habitat has also forced reptiles to stray into human settlements. “Similarly, marine life too has come under threat as well,” he added.