Grazing cattle a threat to endangered bird

HYDERABAD: Pachyderms are not the only species with whom people in Kadapa and Chittoor are in conflict. Villages around Sri Lankamalleshwar Sanctuary are in conflict with an endangered bird, the double-banded Jerdon’s Courser. The sanctuary which is the only habitat in the world for the bird, is also grazing area for cattle and source of firewood. Since the bird builds its nest on the ground, cattle grazing and people near its habitat are a threat to its survival.For many years, the bird believed to be extinct, was spotted again in 1985. The number of these birds are about 60-100, said Kadapa divisional forest officer BNN Murthy. Now, the state government has decided to step up measures to protect the endangered bird. Speaking to Express, A Shankaram, deputy conservator of forests said locals in Lankamalleshwar sanctuary have been made aware of the bird and its importance. “Jerdon’s Courser is a nocturnal bird and hence very difficult to spot. We cannot get accurate information about their number. All we know is this sanctuary is the only place where it is found,” he said adding, attempts have been made to track its movements by placing cameras. “The last time I spotted this bird was in August 2009. After that nobody has seen it again,” said Rahul Chavan, senior research fellow, Bombay Natural History Society. Chavan has been working in co-ordination with the government to conserve the bird since 2000. As part of the Species Recovery Plan, officials are proposing the government to open an education centre in the sanctuary to create awareness about the bird. Posters and pamphlets will be also distributed to locals so they can identify the endangered bird when they see one, Shankaram said. Bombay Natural History Society and the International Union for Conservation of Nature are aiding the government to protect this endangered species.At present, the government has regulated cattle grazing in the area as the bird builds its nest on the ground. BNN Murthy said around 10-15 villages around the sanctuary bring their cattle to graze here. “It is a sensitive issue. The locals are dependant on the sanctuary and cattle grazing in this area poses a threat to the bird.” Apart from this, artificial planting in the area is prohibited as exotic plants might harm the bird. Not much is known about the bird, hence the government is taking all steps to protect it,” Shankaram said.The local people also go to the forest to collect firewood. Rahul Chavan opined if an alternative is provided, it would reduce the number of footfalls in the sanctuary. “My interaction with villagers showed they too are not eager to go into the forest for their basic necessities. They have to be provided with alternatives such as bio-gas plants or LPG,” he said.The sanctuary falls under deciduous forests and hence is prone to forest fire whenever trees shed leaves. Extra care is being taken to prevent fires. If the bird is lost now, it might be lost forever, Shankaram said adding, “We are waiting for government funds. We hope to not only protect it from going extinct but also increase its habitat,” he said.