101 bird species have been categorised under high conservation concern with raptors, migratory shorebirds, White-rumped vulture, Richard’s Pipit, Indian vulture, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, Pacific Golden Plover and Curlew Sandpiper registering the highest fall. Only 48 per cent of all the species analyzed in the report have registered a stable bird population and a slight increase in their numbers. The species which have registered a healthy spurt in their numbers include Rosy Starling, Feral Pigeon, Glossy Ibis, Plain Prinia and Ashy Prinia.
The biggest highlight in the bird population report has been a dramatic jump in the number of the national bird peacock. The report has laid out a number of reasons as well which may have led to a healthy population of peacocks. The report has said that the species flourished in regions which are neither very dry nor very wet. Kerala which has of late seen a “drying trend” has also registered a spike in the numbers. Ability to expand its range has also helped the species couple with the harsh penalty and punishment under the Wildlife act.
Contrary to the speculations of the house sparrow experiencing a big fall in numbers, the report has found that its population has remained stable over the last 2-3 decades. The Indian vulture has recorded a consistent drop in its numbers since the 1990s the report has highlighted. The Indian bustards including the Great Indian Bustard, the Macqueen’s Bustard, Lesser Florican and the Bengal Florican have also been facing the onslaught of loss of habitat and hunting practices by humans, the report on the Indian bird population concludes