Eight bird species nearing extinction: Study

Zee Media Bureau

Indore: A recent study has revealed that eight bird species are on the verge of extinction in the Malwa region.

The study conducted by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department shows human intervention as the major reason behind the massive decline in the habitat of these birds.

Francolins and quails too falls into the category of the birds nearing extinction.

The number of these two species has fallen drastically after thickets in which they reside were destroyed in the Malwa region.

Ornithologist Ajay Gadikar, who was associated with the study, said that the numbers of grey francolins, painted francolins, rain quails, jungle bush quails, rock bush quails, barred button quails and small quails have dipped in the Malwa region, adding that poaching too is a factor for their decline.

Ujjain District Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) P C Dubey assured that now his department's priority is to keep the birds' habitat intact for which their environs are being identified. The forest ground duty officials would be deputed to these habitats to shoo away cats and other animals which damage eggs and chicks of these birds.

He also said that village folk would be roped in to help conserve these birds.

(With PTI inputs)