Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
A recent study has found that human affection towards birds, while seemingly benevolent, may be causing harm to these creatures. The research highlights that birds are gradually becoming dependent on human support, which is leading them to forget essential survival skills such as building nests and foraging for food. The forest department of the Terai region has also been doing similar research which concluded the same result. If this trend continues, experts warn that the lives of many bird species may be endangered.
The study has been done by ornithologists Luchang Zhang, Xingjian Ma, Zhiyu Chen, Chunying Wang, Zicheng Liu, Xiang Li, Xiaoying Xing, all from different universities of China, and supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities. This study included 321 research papers regarding artificial nest boxes published from 2003 to 2023
The study suggests that while artificial nests and food offered by humans are intended to help birds, they are also changing the natural behavior of these birds. According to wildlife experts, birds living near human settlements, such as sparrows and mynas, are increasingly using artificial nests provided by people and relying on the food given to them. This is leading to a concerning level of dependency that is hindering their ability to teach essential survival skills to their young.
Prashant Kumar, Senior Wildlife Biologist from the Western Circle, Haldwani, said, “The changing behavior of birds is not a good sign for nature. We have also done similar research that shows that human intervention is making birds forget how to build nests and forage for food. They are also failing to pass on these crucial skills to their offspring, which is a serious concern for their future. Negative impact of nest boxes on birds should be summarized and eliminated timely, which will be conducive to protecting birds and biodiversity, and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.”
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which governs the protection of birds in India, prohibits the capturing, buying, or keeping of birds in captivity. Despite this, many people, out of goodwill, are placing artificial nests on their rooftops to provide shelter for birds. These nests are crafted to mimic natural bird nests. However, while these efforts aim to help, they may be doing more harm than good in the long run.
Himanshu Bagri, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Terai Eastern Division, Haldwani, emphasized the legal implications of bird captivity. “Keeping birds is illegal. If anyone is caught capturing or keeping birds, strict action will be taken against them as per the law. Forests remain the safest place for birds and other wildlife”, he said.
Wildlife experts, Pran Chadha and Rajiv Nayan, urged the public to reconsider their approach to helping birds, stressing the importance of allowing these creatures to retain their natural instincts for survival. “While the love for animals is commendable, we recommend that human intervention should not disrupt the natural behavior of birds, as this could have long-term consequences for their survival”, they said.
