Declining migratory birds

Globally the nesting grounds of birds- the wetlands- are being protected by the Ramsar Convention. Bangladesh is a signatory to this convention and as such has an obligation to protect these sites

Only a few years back thousands of migratory birds from the ultra cold regions like Siberia, Mongolia, Xinxian (China) and other parts of the Himalayas used to flock to different parts of Bangladesh, especially the wetlands, in winter seeking respite from the harsh winters of their own lands. In the recent years though there has been a steady decline in the population of migratory birds coming to Bangladesh. This year the number has been particularly bad. It is believed that mindless poaching coupled with climate change has had a detrimental effect on this trend. According to a recent agency report carried in this newspaper said that “:Poaching of migratory birds continues unabated at the heart of the Kaptai Lake and in dense forests of Rangamati district ignoring the district administration's warning against killing and trapping of the winged guests.” Moreover, frequent use of fertiliser and insecticides in lakes and lands by farmers and lease holders are also contributing to the drastic decline in the number of migratory birds in recent times.
Experts believe that the situation may turn even worse. Human activities such as using of insecticides in croplands and capturing of small fish by the fishermen are responsible for the sharp decline in the number of migratory birds in the country in the recent winters. Birds are not getting food; instead they have to face adverse situations and perhaps that is why they are not coming in large numbers.
Environmentalists suggest proactive efforts to preserve water bodies and wetland areas. Real Estates companies are filling up large water bodies and building up apartments. If this trend continues for another five years, we may all the water bodies which were considered safe havens for the migratory birds.
The Jahangirnagar University sanctuary which is considered the safest haven for migratory birds was almost deserted at the beginning of this winter. And the numbers did not increase much in the following months. But a number of birdwatchers including JU students complained about negligence on part of the university authority. There are allegations that the authorities have compromised the conservation of natural habitat of the migratory birds, in their attempt to take up developmental activities. Presumably the destruction of lily, lotus and water hyacinth in the water bodies triggered the situation because the tender stems of lily and lotus are the main harbour of birds; but to facilitate aqua culture, the lease holders have rooted out the plants. As water hyacinths were fully wiped out, so birds found no refuge on the lakes.
Many birdwatchers who frequent JU every winter also complained about the fading charm of the area.
There is no denying that the number of migratory birds has been declining due to the adverse impacts of the ongoing climate change though the number was very high and even uncountable even about 15 years ago. About 200 species of migratory birds used to visit the country during the winter season since ancient times when adequate number of water bodies, ponds, canals, forests, hilly sanctuaries and the overall climate remained undisturbed. But now-a-days the poachers are very active and they are selling migratory birds in the open market under the very nose of the law enforcers.
There must be proper enforcement of the existing environmental and animal laws to prevent such menace. Preservation of water bodies and lakes should be the prime concern at this moment if we are to increase the numbers of migratory birds in the country. Besides our tourism sector will get a big boost if the government is sincere enough to turn these places into tourist spots.  
Globally the nesting grounds of birds- the wetlands- are being protected by the Ramsar Convention. Bangladesh is also a signatory to this convention and as such has an obligation to protect these sites. There are three Ramsar sites in Bangladesh-The Meghna estuary, Tanguar and Hail-Hakaloki Haors. The latter two are in the north-eastern district of Sunamganj. But you can not protect bio-diversity by signing or holding workshops or conferences in five star hotels while forgetting to reintroduce traditional values.   There are about 207 species of bird live or visits Bangladesh. Among the birds 30 per cent are waterfowls, 26 per cent waders, 20 per cent bush and her bland birds and the rest are grassland, air hawking prey. Extinct wetland birds include Spotbill pelican, Pelican, Scavenger Vulture, Bengal Florican, pinkheaded Duck, Greater Adjutant, King Vulture. Endangered birds include Poceps cristatus, Phalarocorax carbo, Anhinga rufa, neophron percnopterus, Leptoptilos javancus, plegadis falcinellus, A. anser, Carina scutulata, Haliaeetus leucoryphus, Anthropoidis virgo, Rostratula bengalensis, Esacus magnirostris and Palargopsis capanesis. Winter is the king of all seasons in this tropical land. The equivalent of spring in the temperate countries, it is ideal for the blooming of life, what scientists call bio-synthesis. As global interest veers from the material sciences to life and the environment, the Bengali winter gains in importance. Scientists want to preserve the biological diversity of the world, as much as possible before people destroy it.   Unfortunately many people are still unaware of the importance of migratory birds and the global ecological balance they make. The sale of these birds is patronised by rich urban dwellers. They are the largest group of wildlife customers. They await the opportunity of purchasing the hunted birds or animals to make delicious meals. Many believe that there should be a law against the consumers too, which will result in the protection of wildlife.    Coming back to the issue of birds, they are trapped and killed not only is specific areas but all over the country. Obviously, to stop this, more concrete actions apart from processions are necessary and along with this there has to be a massive public awareness programme. On many occasions several newspapers have carried reports as well as editorials to state that guest birds or migratory should not be killed but their pleas have reached only the educated class and considering the fact that people near the haor and bil areas are uneducated, there should be a grass root level attempt to inspire a pro-wild life attitude. At a very reasonable cost the government can carry out pre-winter campaigns in the haor areas and the relevant ministry can employ a seasonal force to ensure that guest birds return home safely.  On a more positive note there are some places in Bangladesh where birds are safe from harm. For example Kanglar Haor in Sunamganj, guest birds are neither shot nor caught. Near the Haor is the Birampur village, where people understand that as part of Mother Nature guest birds need to be cherished not hunted. The local elders in this village banned the killing of birds more than a decade or so back and today the Kanglar Haor and its vicinity is a haven for winged guests. Similar committees blessed by the local authorities of areas where guest birds come can help add impetus to our overall pro-environmental stance.  
Birds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations.
Birds that nest in the northern hemisphere tend to migrate northward in the spring to take advantage of burgeoning insect populations, budding plants and an abundance of nesting locations. As winter approaches, and the availability of insects and other food resources drops, the birds move south again.
Escaping the cold is a motivating factor but many species, including hummingbirds, can withstand freezing temperatures as long as an adequate supply of food is available.

Types of migration
The term migration is used to describe movements of populations of birds (or other animals). One way to look at migration is to consider the distances traveled.
•    Short-distance migrants: May move only a short distance, as from higher to lower elevations on a mountainside.
•    Medium-distance migrants: Some species may cover distances that span from one to several states.
•    Long-distance migrants: Birds that typically have ranges that extend from the United States and Canada in the summer to Mexico and further south in the winter.
The pattern of migration can vary within each category, but is most variable in short and medium distance migrants.

Origins of migration
The origin of migration is related to the distance traveled. For short-distance migrants it is as simple as a search for food. The origins of long-distant migration patterns are more complex and include the development of the genetic make-up of the bird.

Migration triggers
The mechanisms initiating migratory behavior vary and are not always completely understood. Migration can be triggered by a combination of changes in day length, lower temperatures, changes in food supplies, and genetic predisposition. Different species of birds and even segments of the population within the same species may follow different migratory patterns.
Navigation
Migrating birds can cover thousands of miles in their annual travels, often traveling the same course year after year with little deviation in the path followed. First year birds may migrate unescorted to a winter home they have never before seen and return the following spring to the area in which they were born.
The secrets of their amazing navigational skills remain largely hidden. Birds appear to navigate using a variety of techniques, including navigation by the stars, sensing changes in the earth's magnetic field, and even smell.
Some species follow preferred pathways on their annual migrations. These pathways are often related to important stopover locations that provide food supplies critical to the birds' survival.

The writer is Assistant Editor of The Independent and can be contacted at: [email protected]

 

Declining migratory birds

Globally the nesting grounds of birds- the wetlands- are being protected by the Ramsar Convention. Bangladesh is a signatory to this convention and as such has an obligation to protect these sites

Only a few years back thousands of migratory birds from the ultra cold regions like Siberia, Mongolia, Xinxian (China) and other parts of the Himalayas used to flock to different parts of Bangladesh, especially the wetlands, in winter seeking respite from the harsh winters of their own lands. In the recent years though there has been a steady decline in the population of migratory birds coming to Bangladesh. This year the number has been particularly bad. It is believed that mindless poaching coupled with climate change has had a detrimental effect on this trend. According to a recent agency report carried in this newspaper said that :Poaching of migratory birds continues unabated at the heart of the Kaptai Lake and in dense forests of Rangamati district ignoring the district administrations warning against killing and trapping of the winged guests. Moreover, frequent use of fertiliser and insecticides in lakes and lands by farmers and lease holders are also contributing to the drastic decline in the number of migratory birds in recent times. Experts believe that the situation may turn even worse. Human activities such as using of insecticides in croplands and capturing of small fish by the fishermen are responsible for the sharp decline in the number of migratory birds in the country in the recent winters. Birds are not getting food; instead they have to face adverse situations and perhaps that is why they are not coming in large numbers. Environmentalists suggest proactive efforts to preserve water bodies and wetland areas. Real Estates companies are filling up large water bodies and building up apartments. If this trend continues for another five years, we may all the water bodies which were considered safe havens for the migratory birds. The Jahangirnagar University sanctuary which is considered the safest haven for migratory birds was almost deserted at the beginning of this winter. And the numbers did not increase much in the following months. But a number of birdwatchers including JU students complained about negligence on part of the university authority. There are allegations that the authorities have compromised the conservation of natural habitat of the migratory birds, in their attempt to take up developmental activities. Presumably the destruction of lily, lotus and water hyacinth in the water bodies triggered the situation because the tender stems of lily and lotus are the main harbour of birds; but to facilitate aqua culture, the lease holders have rooted out the plants. As water hyacinths were fully wiped out, so birds found no refuge on the lakes. Many birdwatchers who frequent JU every winter also complained about the fading charm of the area. There is no denying that the number of migratory birds has been declining due to the adverse impacts of the ongoing climate change though the number was very high and even uncountable even about 15 years ago. About 200 species of migratory birds used to visit the country during the winter season since ancient times when adequate number of water bodies, ponds, canals, forests, hilly sanctuaries and the overall climate remained undisturbed. But now-a-days the poachers are very active and they are selling migratory birds in the open market under the very nose of the law enforcers. There must be proper enforcement of the existing environmental and animal laws to prevent such menace. Preservation of water bodies and lakes should be the prime concern at this moment if we are to increase the numbers of migratory birds in the country. Besides our tourism sector will get a big boost if the government is sincere enough to turn these places into tourist spots. Globally the nesting grounds of birds- the wetlands- are being protected by the Ramsar Convention. Bangladesh is also a signatory to this convention and as such has an obligation to protect these sites. There are three Ramsar sites in Bangladesh-The Meghna estuary, Tanguar and Hail-Hakaloki Haors. The latter two are in the north-eastern district of Sunamganj. But you can not protect bio-diversity by signing or holding workshops or conferences in five star hotels while forgetting to reintroduce traditional values. There are about 207 species of bird live or visits Bangladesh. Among the birds 30 per cent are waterfowls, 26 per cent waders, 20 per cent bush and her bland birds and the rest are grassland, air hawking prey. Extinct wetland birds include Spotbill pelican, Pelican, Scavenger Vulture, Bengal Florican, pinkheaded Duck, Greater Adjutant, King Vulture. Endangered birds include Poceps cristatus, Phalarocorax carbo, Anhinga rufa, neophron percnopterus, Leptoptilos javancus, plegadis falcinellus, A. anser, Carina scutulata, Haliaeetus leucoryphus, Anthropoidis virgo, Rostratula bengalensis, Esacus magnirostris and Palargopsis capanesis. Winter is the king of all seasons in this tropical land. The equivalent of spring in the temperate countries, it is ideal for the blooming of life, what scientists call bio-synthesis. As global interest veers from the material sciences to life and the environment, the Bengali winter gains in importance. Scientists want to preserve the biological diversity of the world, as much as possible before people destroy it. Unfortunately many people are still unaware of the importance of migratory birds and the global ecological balance they make. The sale of these birds is patronised by rich urban dwellers. They are the largest group of wildlife customers. They await the opportunity of purchasing the hunted birds or animals to make delicious meals. Many believe that there should be a law against the consumers too, which will result in the protection of wildlife. Coming back to the issue of birds, they are trapped and killed not only is specific areas but all over the country. Obviously, to stop this, more concrete actions apart from processions are necessary and along with this there has to be a massive public awareness programme. On many occasions several newspapers have carried reports as well as editorials to state that guest birds or migratory should not be killed but their pleas have reached only the educated class and considering the fact that people near the haor and bil areas are uneducated, there should be a grass root level attempt to inspire a pro-wild life attitude. At a very reasonable cost the government can carry out pre-winter campaigns in the haor areas and the relevant ministry can employ a seasonal force to ensure that guest birds return home safely. On a more positive note there are some places in Bangladesh where birds are safe from harm. For example Kanglar Haor in Sunamganj, guest birds are neither shot nor caught. Near the Haor is the Birampur village, where people understand that as part of Mother Nature guest birds need to be cherished not hunted. The local elders in this village banned the killing of birds more than a decade or so back and today the Kanglar Haor and its vicinity is a haven for winged guests. Similar committees blessed by the local authorities of areas where guest birds come can help add impetus to our overall pro-environmental stance. Birds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations. Birds that nest in the northern hemisphere tend to migrate northward in the spring to take advantage of burgeoning insect populations, budding plants and an abundance of nesting locations. As winter approaches, and the availability of insects and other food resources drops, the birds move south again. Escaping the cold is a motivating factor but many species, including hummingbirds, can withstand freezing temperatures as long as an adequate supply of food is available. Types of migration The term migration is used to describe movements of populations of birds (or other animals). One way to look at migration is to consider the distances traveled. Short-distance migrants: May move only a short distance, as from higher to lower elevations on a mountainside. Medium-distance migrants: Some species may cover distances that span from one to several states. Long-distance migrants: Birds that typically have ranges that extend from the United States and Canada in the summer to Mexico and further south in the winter. The pattern of migration can vary within each category, but is most variable in short and medium distance migrants. Origins of migration The origin of migration is related to the distance traveled. For short-distance migrants it is as simple as a search for food. The origins of long-distant migration patterns are more complex and include the development of the genetic make-up of the bird. Migration triggers The mechanisms initiating migratory behavior vary and are not always completely understood. Migration can be triggered by a combination of changes in day length, lower temperatures, changes in food supplies, and genetic predisposition. Different species of birds and even segments of the population within the same species may follow different migratory patterns. Navigation Migrating birds can cover thousands of miles in their annual travels, often traveling the same course year after year with little deviation in the path followed. First year birds may migrate unescorted to a winter home they have never before seen and return the following spring to the area in which they were born. The secrets of their amazing navigational skills remain largely hidden. Birds appear to navigate using a variety of techniques, including navigation by the stars, sensing changes in the earths magnetic field, and even smell. Some species follow preferred pathways on their annual migrations. These pathways are often related to important stopover locations that provide food supplies critical to the birds survival. The writer is Assistant Editor of The Independent and can be contacted at: [email protected]