Rapid urbanisation threatens avian life
In bustling metropolitan settings where the commotion of daily life goes on at a breakneck pace, a quiet tragedy often goes unnoticed - the death of countless bird lives owing to incessant habitat loss.
The rapid urbanisation has given rise to high-rise buildings and apartment complexes, providing shelter and convenience for residents but posing a grave threat to the avian population.
Birds, including sparrows, pigeons, and mynas, have traditionally sought refuge on rooftops for nesting and feeding. However, as green spaces dwindle and concrete structures expand, these birds find themselves with limited options for survival.
Rooftops, with their open spaces and access to sunlight, play a critical role in offering birds a semblance of their natural habitat. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the vital role rooftops play in maintaining a healthy urban ecosystem. Neglecting to provide food and water for rooftop-dwelling birds can have dire consequences.
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in many parts of Pakistan, and this scarcity affects the avian population as well. Birds rely on easily accessible water sources for drinking and bathing, and rooftops can serve as vital havens in this regard.
Residents can ensure that birds have a place to quench their thirst by placing shallow containers filled with clean water on their rooftops, especially during scorching summer months. Similarly, placing small containers of grains or bird feed on rooftops can be a lifesaver. Birds require a consistent source of food to sustain themselves and their chicks, particularly during mating seasons, making rooftops an ideal spot for residents to support their feathered friends.
Fortunately, there are individuals and organisations in Pakistan making efforts to address this issue. Rooftop bird feeding and watering programs are gaining community support, contributing not only to the restoration of the bird population but also fostering a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness among residents.
In addition to these efforts, there is a growing need to instill the habit of providing food and water to birds in the younger generation.
Laiba Zainab, an environmental reporter, and activist emphasises the importance of this, stating that climate change is a global concern affecting Pakistan's ecosystem. She says without offering food and water to birds, we compel them to migrate.
Abira, a devoted bird lover, laments the decline in the practice of placing food and water bowls on rooftops for birds. She also emphasises her commitment to caring for these creatures, making it a daily ritual to provide food and water for flying birds as her first act upon waking up in the morning.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2023.