Sringeri is a refuge for endemic and threatened bird species, finds Andhra Pradesh researcher

A researcher from Sri Krishnadevaraya University (SKU) astatine Anantapur successful Andhra Pradesh has identified the wood areas astir Sringeri arsenic a large refuge for endemic and threatened vertebrate taxon of the Western Ghats, portion cautioning that unchecked improvement activities airs a increasing menace to their survival.

V.V. Bala Subramanyam, adjunct prof of zoology astatine SKU, has studied the birds of Sringeri and documented his findings successful The Avian Aura of Sringeri Western Ghats, a broad measurement connected the region’s vertebrate life, co-authored with prof M. Jagadish Naik.

During his research, Mr. Subramanyam recorded respective Western Ghats endemics, including the Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar trogon, white-cheeked barbet, Malabar parakeet, rufous babbler, and yellow-browed bulbul. He besides sighted the Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri flycatcher, and black-and-orange Flycatcher — taxon classified arsenic “vulnerable” oregon “near threatened” connected the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

He attributed the region’s affluent birdlife to its dense rainfall, undisturbed canopy cover, and pristine riverine ecosystems, which unneurotic make perfect conditions for these habitat-sensitive species. Beyond their ecological value, helium noted, these birds play a captious relation successful effect dispersal, insect colonisation control, and earthy wood regeneration — each indispensable to maintaining the wellness of the Western Ghats.

However, Mr. Subramanyam expressed interest that caller developmental pressures, peculiarly amerciable histrion felling and unregulated tourism, are opening to disturb captious habitats. He recommended strict extortion of existing earthy forests, progressive situation restoration, and continuous technological monitoring of vertebrate populations to safeguard the region’s exceptional biodiversity.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Subramanyam, a autochthonal of Andhra Pradesh, said helium had done an extended survey of birds recovered successful and astir Sringeri for astir six years. He, on with his team, documented the birds arsenic portion of his research. He expressed interest astir the birds’ habitats pursuing the caller developments. “Many trees are being chopped successful the sanction of roadworthy widening. Similarly, determination person been unregulated tourer activities successful the region. Such activities mightiness disturb the birds’ habitats, helium stated.