Birds
are considered as one of the indicators of environment as they are sensitive to
habitat change. Birds are known for its diversity in their bright colors,
distinct voice (calls).
Birds act as an important factor of biodiversity. Role to
spread seeds result in plant dispersal results in increasing the forest cover.
Likewise the role of birds as a pollinator plays an important role in
fertilization and seed of many plants and trees (Eg. Humming Bird carries pollens
from one tree to the other with its beak). We all know birds are flying
creatures with various colored feathers.
Are we aware
of the fact that birds eat insects and keeps pest in control naturally? Yes birds
often act as an Army at the border to protect the nation. Birds in its glide, consume hundreds of
insects, many of which are considered as pests. Birds consume insects such as mosquitoes, beetles
and moths to feed themselves and feed their young ones. Birds catch huge numbers
of insects in their larval form, which are high in protein. Without birds, life
would have turned miserable as many insects feed on plant and animals (from
grains to human blood). Hence birds play a critical role in reducing and
maintaining populations of insects in natural systems.
In a
paddy field, the role of birds in pest control is enormous. Due to chemical
version of agricultural practices, the network of birds in the paddy ecosystem
has reduced. But we have scope of bring back the lost biodiversity.
Use
of organic manures like farm yard manures (decomposed animal and plant wastes
from a farm) to fields not only adds nutrients, improved the micro climate to
multiply microbes and soil borne organisms like earthworms. Soil with rich
micro-flora and fauna results in good quality soil (biological, physical and
chemical properties). In due course of time the lost biodiversity can be
rejuvenated.
Placing
stumps of Palm or Coconut trees as bird’s perch in Paddy field have resulted in
such a thing. Bird’s perch is a place made available for the birds who love to
eat insect. Birds have a feast
satisfying its appetite from the paddy field and in return keep harmful insect
in control. If enough bird’s perch are provided it acts like a warrior on duty.
Cranes on the other hand do not need bird’s perch to do the military role,
thanks a lot for the long legs they have.
In
one of my field visit in Nedungadu village of Karaikal District, U.T of
Puducherry, I found fields with bird’s perch. One field had many and found
birds like King Crow, Black Bulbul, Mynas and sparrows sitting on the perches
and feed on the larvae. This act greatly reduces the cost of pest control for
the farmer and gives SAFE FOOD to people.
Birds
are a part of the WEB OF LIFE. Each part of the web of life has a crucial role
to play. When such interaction of biodiversity happens, the need for pesticides
ceases and paves way for Organic Farming and GREENER TOMORROW.
