Migratory birds India – NetAP | Network for Animal Protection

VSPCA has been active in the protection of migratory birds since 2000. Near the Gulf of Begalen, more precisely near the villages of Telinelipuram and Telikunchi, thousands of migratory birds from Siberia come to nest every year. More than 40 different bird species live here, including gray pelicans and colorful storks.

The birds come to nest because there is a lot of water and shoreline in this area and therefore enough food and space to build nests. They use the same tree every year and build new nests. 1,500 pelicans and 2,000 colorful storks are usually there every year and leave the area again as soon as the young have fledged.

The villagers are actually happy when the birds return every year. If they don’t come, the locals interpret this as a bad omen.

Dangers for the birds

Unfortunately, there are villagers (mostly from neighboring villages) who hunt the animals and then sell or eat them. They catch them with nets or use weapons. Some set traps at night and catch the animals the next morning.

The felling of trees is also a major burden on populations, as more and more habitat is disappearing.

Successes since 2000

VSPCA works together with the Forest Department of Srikakulam and other organizations to ensure the necessary protection of the animals. As with other projects, the education and training programs are also very promising here.

Nets have been placed under the trees to catch any chicks that fall from the trees. In addition, two people are active who regularly check that everything is in order and feed and medically treat injured animals or, if necessary, pass them on to the local zoo. A committee has been formed, consisting of the village elders, police officers and NGOs, who are now protecting the animals. VSPCA takes over the monitoring.

Future

Although animal welfare is already working very well in these areas, there are other areas that urgently need support, and it is planned to extend the following measures to these as well:

Building shelters for birds in need
Provision of at least two additional security guards
Education and training programmes for the village population
Expansion of lobbying with the government

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