Waste dumping a threat to migrant birds of Kadalundi

Indiscriminate waste dumping in and around Kadalundi estuary is posing
a threat to migrant birds of Kadalundi. Scavengers like crows and
kites attracted by the waste dumped in the mangroves as well as in the
river are driving away the migrant birds that visit Kadalundi in
flocks. Although Kadalundi was declared a community reserve some
months ago, no effort has been made to stop the routine dumping of
house waste and animal waste in the river and canals. The aerial roots
of the mangroves in Kadalundi are the second most important feeding
ground for migratory shore birds. When the mudflats, the primary
feeding ground of Kadalundi estuary, are covered during high tides and
in the monsoon, migrant birds depend heavily on the mangrove roots.
Waste and garbage thrown carelessly into the river are often trapped
in the mangrove roots, attracting scavengers. Omnivorous scavengers
like house crows, jungle crows, brahminy kites and black kites are
attracted to the waste, particularly animal waste, trapped in mangrove
roots. Mr. Arif, who identified 110 species of birds in Kadalundi
during his study, said that the presence of brahminy kitesin Kadalundi
would shoo away migrants. According to Mr. Arif, if the civic
authorities fail to prevent the dumping of waste the in the river, the
number of winged visitors to Kadalundi will drastically fall.

The Hindu, June 21