Dehydrated birds, animals suffering this summer

Erratic weather pattern is threatening the life of birds and animals in the city. With temperatures soaring, the mortality rate of city fauna is set to surge.

Activists and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) are now conducting awareness campaigns to keep water bowls in the open for birds and animals.

Recently, K Mohan, member of the BBMP animal rescue team (forest cell) saved five different varieties of birds, found lying unconscious due to dehydration from heat stroke in the city.

The maximum temperature in the city touched 37 degrees Celsius last week, severely affecting birds and animals in the predominantly concrete landscape.

Various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) along with the civic body have rescued more than 300 birds from the start of February.

“The animals are dying due to dehydration. More than 300 birds and animals have been rescued till now,” Mohan told DH.

“Birds such as black kites, owls, sparrows, pigeons, crows and animals like dogs, cats, cows, squirrels and monkeys are suffering. Most of the calls we receive are to rescue these animals and birds,” he added.

Rescue teams rush to the spot and immediately shift the bird or animal to the nearest veterinary clinic or hospital and inject a dose of glucose. They will be kept in the rehabilitation centre till they recover and will be released later.

“The volunteers from NGOs and the BBMP are now advising the residents on how to protect animals from heat strokes. Placing water bowls in backyards and terraces is the first step,” explained Mohan.

Sanjeev Pednekar, the founder of ‘Prani, the pet sanctuary’, near Somanahalli off Kanakpura road, blames the lack of green cover and seasonal changes in environment.

Both citizens and authorities have to play a role to save the fauna during summer. The citizens should place water bowls and provide facilities like birdbaths in the garden, he added.

Pednekar also stressed the need for more veterinary hospitals and doctors in the city.

“The BBMP should make it mandatory for future developmental projects and high-rises to incorporate architectural elements like birdbaths,” he said.