Approach

Introduction: Quote data or report related to the decline in bird biodiversity in India and relate to rapid urbanization in India.

Body:

Heading 1: Rapid urbanization as a threat to the bird biodiversity

Heading 2: Suggest short term and long-term strategies to ensure recovery and conservation of India’s bird diversity.

Conclusion: You can mention about the significance of birds in the ecosystem or mention some initiatives taken to conserve bird biodiversity.

Answer:

Around 48% of bird species worldwide are known or suspected to be undergoing population declines, according to the State of the World’s Birds report, 2022. Further, the recent ‘State of Indian Birds 2023’ exercise, based on 30 million observations by more than 30,000 birdwatchers, concluded that birds in India are faring poorly, especially the rapid decline seen in urban areas.

Rapid urbanization as a threat to the bird biodiversity:

• Decrease in bird species richness: Species with traits like limited natal dispersal, migratory habits, fear of humans, insect-eating habits, or low yearly reproduction tend to avoid urban areas. This results in a homogenization of species and lower overall biodiversity in cities.
• High rate of predation: Cities attract birds due to better food, nesting spots, and milder winters. But this preference results in downsides like increased predation on feral animals, and poor-quality food.
• Movement Barrier: Urban sprawl has led to a highly fragmented landscape, with islets of suitable bird habitat surrounded by highways and buildings that frequently act as barriers, resulting in a significant loss of local biodiversity.
• Environmental stress factors: Chemical pollution, noise, artificial light at night (ALAN), and human presence are reducing bird diversity in urban areas across all geographical zones.

Strategies to ensure recovery and conservation of India’s bird diversity:

Short term strategies:

• Reducing the predator population in urban areas: The recent ‘State of Indian Birds 2023’ exercise identified that free roaming cats are the most important reasons for the decline of bird population in urban areas.
• Trap, neuter, return: To control the population of free roaming feral cats and dogs, neutering can be undertaken.
• Reducing Pollution: Control pollution sources, including air and water pollution, and promote sustainable practices that reduce pollution in urban and industrial areas.

Long Term strategies:

• State of India's bird report 2023 recommended for the conservation of specific bird species like grassland specialists which have declined by more than 50%, for protecting and maintaining grassland ecosystems.
• Research and systematic monitoring of birds over a long period of time to understand small scale changes in bird population.
• Habitat conservation and restoration: Protect and preserve natural habitats, such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal areas, that are essential for birds' nesting, feeding, and breeding.
• Public awareness & limiting human disturbances

Recognizing the threat, the government of India has come up with many species’ conservation projects like Project Vulture. Additionally, the government has announced a 10-year comprehensive plan for conservation of birds and their habitats in India which includes multiple measures, such as curbing illegal trade of birds, habitat conservation and constant surveillance of avian disease.