District wise assessment of common bird population in Delhi

01 Apr 2008 03 May 2009
As increasing proportions of the World’s population, production and consumption become concentrated in urban areas, the need for urban development patterns that are more ecologically sustainable becomes obvious. Due to fast urbanization, natural ecosystems are increasingly replaced by urban development. Urbanization increases the distance between people and natural space (Li et al, 2005). However, the key to sustainable development is an accurate estimate of the linkages between human activities and the natural ecosystem, as well as an early detection of a natural disturbance. This is possible only through continuous monitoring of ecosystem components, processes and health.

The need for monitoring of environmental changes at local levels becomes more significant in light of the predicted impacts of the climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity. Climate patterns throughout the world are changing rapidly, as evidenced by increases in average global temperature and in the annual variability of weather conditions. The impacts of these changes on animal populations are not well understood. However, they can be assessed through long-term demographic studies that take advantage of temporal and spatial variability in weather across environmental gradients.

Birds are the most commonly used biodiversity component for the purpose of monitoring as they are ideal bio-indicators and useful models for studying a variety of environmental problems. Birds are very sensitive to seasonal changes, and thus serve as good indicators of changing climate

Monitoring of these common bird species in the urban ecosystem of Delhi will provide a scientifically defensible rationale for resource management policies along with identifying new environmental issues at the earliest possible stage. A ‘Biodiversity Monitoring Network’, involving local community groups, will ensure the long-term viability and efficiency of the monitoring. Also, when local communities become involved in such activities, they appreciate better how their actions can damage or benefit the natural environment.

The proposed study will be undertaken with the purpose of assessing the population status and seasonal variation of the some common bird species (for example, House Sparrows, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Garden Warbler, House Crow, Common Myna and Common Quail) in various districts of Delhi.