Feathered Frontiers: Avian Biodiversity in the Urban Wilds of North Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Introduction

Birds, belonging to the class Aves, are vital components of ecosystems due to their roles in pollination, seed dispersal, insect population control, and as indicators of environmental health. Bengaluru, often referred to as the “City of Lakes,” supports a wide range of avifauna owing to its urban parks, wetlands, and green corridors. However, rapid urbanization, pollution, habitat loss, and improper waste management have led to the degradation of these natural habitats. This has forced many bird species to migrate or decline, disrupting ecological balance and food web dynamics [1-9]. This study focuses on the assessment of avian diversity in selected areas of North Bengaluru, emphasizing the impact of anthropogenic pressures on local bird populations. It aims to identify vulnerable species, understand habitat preferences, and suggest conservation strategies. Raising awareness through education, promoting eco-friendly urban planning, and fostering community involvement are essential steps toward preserving Bengaluru’s fragile urban biodiversity [10-18].

Methods and Methods

Study Sites

The study sites included regions of North Bengaluru that include areas Banaswadi, HBR layout, Hebbal, Hennur, Jakkur, Jalahalli East, Jalahalli West, Peenya Industrial Area, Sanjeevini Nagar, Yeshwantpur. The location was selected with lakes and parks, which are the hotspots of birds that can be found.

Survey and Sampling

The survey took place between 15^th March to 15^th April 2020. The survey is taken by visiting the geographic location during the sunrise to 10 am and 5pm to sunset. The survey is taken by the number of birds seen per geographic location [19-24]. The sampling was prepared by the appearance of the bird; by its size, its main color, and its minor color. The sizes were given by taking reference to the sparrow, mynah, crow, eagle/kite. The important characteristics of the bird were also observed. The sampling was also done by taking photographs of possible birds that were observed [25-27].

 Observation of fauna (birds)

To observe and identify birds we must visit the forest or any of the selected area from sunrise to 10 am – 5pm to sunset and check for the following data-

• Size –
  • reference to sparrow (sparrow =, sparrow + or sparrow-)
  • reference to mynah (mynah=, mynah+ or mynah-)
  • reference to crow (crow=, crow+ or crow-)
  • reference to eagle or kite (kite/eagle=, kite/eagle+ or kite/eagle-)
  • Major colour and minor colour of the bird.
  • Important characteristics of the bird.
  • These data are recorded in a tabular column.

Discussion

The birds that have been spotted in the geographic location are from almost all the families that are classified under the Class Aves. The bird population is less in populated areas and the population in the less polluted area is comparatively more. The food chain in the less populated and clean environment is much balanced and the regions with more polluted regions have algal blooms, uncontrolled pest growth, the land has filled with garbage and rubbish fills [28-30]. The birds where they dwell and build their nest have comparatively less pollution and less garbage and rubbish discarded.

Limitations

• The census of the birds living there previously are not given.
• The actual count of birds to be attained is very difficult to be recorded.
• The insect study can alter based upon the environment and the condition surrounding the geographic location.
• The photographs can be blurred so the person need to carry a good camera for the shoot.
• The birds should be studied indoor via internet, guides, books and many other sources before studying it on the field.

Suggestions

• When visiting a lake for such survey or research kindly go with a guide who knows about the birds and the nature very well.
• Dumping garbage and rubbish near the lakes and such hotspots should be minimised to the best we can do.
• Industrial waste or sewage waste should not be led into the lakes.
• Reduce burning of wood and charcoal.
• Use less of automobiles.
• Use cycles or electric vehicles for transportation or even carpooling is a better option.
• Plant trees near the lakes and in parks.
• Take care of garden and small parks near one’s living place.
• Avoid using plastics and its products.

Opportunities

Job opportunities one can get that are not known to most of the public is Bird watching Guide. Many of the people perform bird watching activities as their passion or hobby and some of them earn living out of this activity. This individual help many of the people learn many interested facts and they can also learn different measures to conserve and protect these creatures.

Technologies inspired by birds

Scientists have come up so many technologies that are inspired by nature and many technologies are inspired by birds. Some are listed below;

• Aeroplane
• Drones
• Bullet train modifications are made inspired by Kingfisher’s beak.
• Shock Absorbers inspired by Woodpecker’s Peak
• Flooring of houses inspired by crow’s skull
• Reduce aircraft noise inspired by Owls
• High speed robotic legs inspired by Ostrich
• Micro helicopters inspired by Humming bird
• Robotics claw’s grip inspired by Eagles
• Air current sensors
• Smart Bird
• Counter current heat inspired by ducks and goose
• Wind turbine
• Nanostructure coloration inspired by peacock and teal
• Future fabrics inspired by penguins
• Racing bikes
• War planes

Conclusion

There are almost 305 species that are recorded in the regions of North Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. These include birds that are resident of the regions and the migratory birds of that regions.

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