Impact of Global Warming on Migratory Birds

June 8, 2014

World Environment Day or Eco Day ('WED') is celebrated every year on June 5. It serves as the ‘people’s day’ to galvanize individual actions into a collective power that has a direct impact in protecting our unique and life nurturing Planet Earth. The theme of the year 2014 is 'small island developing states' or 'SIDS'.


This article highlights two important aspects. First to help nature loving citizens to prepare for world Environment day by doing something positive for the environment and second to introspect on the recently concluded Parliamentary Elections and question our inner conscience if Environment policy was ever debated by leaders both from the National and Regional parties. We also need to ask ourselves, as responsible Citizens, did we have the courage to ask our political leaders to put Environment policy on top of their agenda. The moot question is; do our leaders have a vision and blue print to safe guard our National resources for the future. In short every individual is responsible for saving the environment and has to play a pro active role in influencing Government Policy, implement green policies.

The burning issues that need to be addressed include Carbon mitigation, Loss of forest cover, reduction in green house gas emissions and most importantly issues like wastage of food. The future policy should include biofuels and introduction of shale gas to power Industries such that in a few years time we become energy independent from expensive carbon intensive fossil fuels.

Global warming is by far the greatest threat to birds and wildlife. It impacts all kinds of wildlife in many different ways. Habitat loss due to sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, washing away nesting sites due to cloud bursts and torrential rains, extended period of droughts with increased daytime temperatures resulting in delayed fruit set in wild fruit trees, and build up of invasive species and loss in desired vegetation. Bird migrations are severely impacted and the ripple effects are seen in terms of significant loss in reproduction, breeding, nesting and hatching. In no time birds can become extinct.

We have posted a few pictures of the red naped Ibis which migrates into the Western Ghats of Karnataka during the months of December to January. The Red-naped Ibis also known as the Indian Black Ibis or just the Black Ibis is a species of ibis found in parts of the Indian Subcontinent. The sexes are alike. These birds are found either in pairs or in groups numbering six to seven. 

The interesting aspect of these birds is that they easily adapt to human habitation and also live harmoniously with both aquatic and other land based birds. Our observations also point out that these birds spend equal amount of time foraging on dry land as well as aquatic habitats. These magnificent birds hardly spend two to three months in Karnataka on their onward migration and we as responsible citizens should provide a safe passage for these winged guests. 



Dr Anand & Geeta Pereira - Archives




By Dr Anand & Geeta Pereira
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Comment on this article

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'lore

    Thu, Jun 12 2014

    Dear Dr and Geeta Madam....
    How well you unlock the nature of free birds ! Your passion is always evident in your write ups and I am always amazed at your intensity and knowledge in the field.
    Remember vividly our meet the other day and hope you do too!

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Thu, Jun 12 2014

    Thanks ever so much Dr Anand & Dr. Geetha for the great photographs which truly say everything.
    These beauties have indeed warned man to change his ways.
    We must learn from nature especially bees and these two sayings by greats are worth recollecting :
    “The bee is more honoured than other animal, not because she labours, but because she labours for others” – Saint John Chrysostom
    “If honeybees became extinct, human society would follow in four years” – Albert Einstein
    It's truly time for us Human's to undo the immense damage of the past 50 years or so and make sure that we preserve this precious Earth for posterity , else the next generation will curse us.

  • anita britto, Mangalore/Auckland

    Wed, Jun 11 2014

    Interesting article with amazing photographs - important reminder to all of us about the human-induced effects of Global warming which has alarming consequences on every species. The signs are everywhere and what's disturbing is that there are people who are skeptical about the impact it has.

    Wish both of you all the very best in continuing with your effort to increase awareness and motivate readers to make small changes that can go a long way in preventing extinction. Absolutely mind-blowing photographs which are priceless.

  • Henry Mathias, Kinnigoli

    Wed, Jun 11 2014

    Dear Dr. Anand and Geetha,

    Thank you very much for the most informative article on Black Winged Stilt. Wonderful Photography.Congratulations and God Bless.

    Henry and Jacintha Mathias

  • Fr.John, Mysore

    Tue, Jun 10 2014

    Anand thank God there are a few people like you who are so concerned about the eco balance.

    The only way I feel we can love another is by loving the environment of our neighbors.
    LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR MEANS , OR IT INCLUDES HIS NEIGHBORHOOD.

  • Sujaya Shashikiran, Bangalore

    Tue, Jun 10 2014

    Photos are very good.

  • Ivan Frank & Fly, mangalore

    Tue, Jun 10 2014

    Global warming and its impact on the earth and on the people and animals living in it is a serious challenge which should which should be handled with great urgency. It is the responsibility of of the Governments from all countries to to give it top priority and each of us in our own way can contribute however little to reduce global warming and help safeguard our environment for birds, wildlife, and our children. Thank you Anand and Gheeta for your dedication perseverance and sincere efforts in fighting against Global warming,and in protecting our environment.

  • SUNIL BAPTIST, CHIKMAGALUR

    Tue, Jun 10 2014

    Very informative article

  • GRATIAN GOVIAS, MADRAS

    Mon, Jun 09 2014

    Such wonderful pictures and a well articulated need to care for the environment. I totally agree that elections have and were never fought on grounds of environmental issues and the need to take serious steps to protect our nature even at the cost of our lives does not seem to still have centre stage.

    Cheers to you and Geetha once again on the beautiful pictures and as usual, thought provoking article.

  • Sr.Marie Prem, Mangalore

    Mon, Jun 09 2014

    Hello Anand and Geetha,
    Thank you for the ecofriendly forward. I understand your concern for migratory Birds and I share in your concern.

  • Allen Pais, Brisbane

    Mon, Jun 09 2014

    Dr Anand & Geeta-Good pictures & a nice article once again.

    The red-naped ibis also known as the Indian black ibis or just the black ibis is almost similar to the Common Moorhen also known as the swamp chicken.

    The interpretation of change in politics or political leaders will always happen but the necessity of contributing towards environment may never happen, as the agenda of a normal politician & his objectives is more towards the financial gain than the clean green Indian environment or protecting the endangered species, According to the Red Data Book of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are 47 critically endangered species in India.

    Hope this article can reach the valuable ministers. More articles are always welcome Dr Anand & we know the amount of time it takes to capture real time images instantly, there is a lot of patience involved particularly due to the significance of sound barriers, the work you have put towards awareness will always remain in the readers wealth hub, it is our duty to follow your work by walking the talk. It is in the common mans interest you dedicate vast amount of time, we all can be satisfied if all your articles are well read with action taken by all related departments, then the value of your intense work will bear the fruit, It is a matter of time & I am sure time is the essence.

    All the best Dr Anand & Geeta.

  • John Prakash, New ark. u.s.a

    Mon, Jun 09 2014

    Nice article and excellent pictures

  • Shree Padre, Kerala

    Mon, Jun 09 2014

    Dear Anand,

    Very interesting work.
    All good wishes to you.

    Thanks for sharing.

  • Well wisher, Udupi

    Mon, Jun 09 2014

    Dr. Anand and Geetha,
    As always, a wonderful article, but very few people like you and me think about global warming and sustainable growth and development , but most of them dismiss the fact including our government, even the educated lot think global warming is a hoax, it's a pity but no one can reverse it.

  • Lance D' Costa, Mangalore / Abu Dhabi

    Mon, Jun 09 2014

    Another great writeup by Dr. Anand & Geeta Pereira on the occasion of World Environment Day. The photographs are so superb and captivating. Looking forward to more of these articles from your side !!

  • Mohan Frank, Mangslore / Mumbai

    Mon, Jun 09 2014

    Dr ANAND thank you once again for this wonderful article & the remembrance of the WED on the 5th of June . As always your photographs are awesome & perfectly captured which shows your talents & patience in the art of photography
    Iam sure the Govt organizations will do something positive as you have rightly pointed out their responsibilities
    We appreciate the efforts put by you & Geeta in writing this beautiful article with supporting pictures which will make the world aware of WED Thank you for keeping us posted & educated in the field of preserving our environment 👍😄👌

  • John DSouza, Mangalore

    Sun, Jun 08 2014

    Impact of Global Warming on Migratory Birds is immense which is clearly visible in nature
    Ego, pride and selfishness of humans deny the right of all living beings to breathe fresh air
    Health of humans, animals and birds has a great impact due to damage to the environment
    Centuries old trees are being fallen in the name of infrastructure, development and growth
    Enormous bore wells dug by ignoring and neglecting the rain water and natural reservoirs
    Increasing volume of mobiles in hand tempts and forces to multiply automobiles on roads
    Countless vehicles have been fed by keeping millions of poor and needy hungry and thirsty
    Pedestrians suffer miserably due to the occupancy of vehicles leaving no space to walk on
    Billions of dollars are spent on fuel to burn the economy and suffer unhealthy pollutions
    No leader or policy can solve it being each and every individual is a contributor to the crisis
    A collective effort and willingness can help to convert a huge burden into an excellent boon


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