'Birds are right down in the list of the powers that be'

Author's diary

Well-known ornithologist and author Bikram Grewal recently released his latest book, Birds of India.

Published by Om Books International, the 800-page book covers over 1,300 species and distinct sub-species of birds found in the Indian subcontinent, along with an additional 4,000 colour photographs including depictions of flight, plumage, and hunting style. In an email interaction with Metrolife, he tells Shweta Sharma about the book, his love for birds, and how there is lack of participation from the government in conservation programmes.

How and when did your love affair with ornithology begin?

It’s been over five decades now. I grew up in the jungle of Assam, as my mother was from there. The entire family was crazy about nature and went into the jungle at the drop of a hat. My grandmother was a very good birdwatcher, a habit she inculcated in me from a very young age. There has been no looking back since then.

Take us through the book’s journey — from conceptualisation to the final product.

I found out that many birdwatchers liked using bird guides with photographs as opposed to illustrations. About five years back I had a photographic guide, which covered about 800 species. It sold well, but I was not satisfied. I wanted a book that covered all the species and contained as many photographs showing the difference between the sexes, young, juvenile, flight and morphs. I thought it would take a couple of years to put together. But it took over five years.

Where all did the research take you?

I have been travelling all across India and the neighbouring countries, for over five decades in search of birds. I think I have covered almost the entire region. The northeast is the most fecund location for birds.

According to Feathers of Vellayani’ a publication of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, India ranks ninth in the global list of bird wealth. How important has bird conversation been for the government with species like the Great Indian Bustard’s population decreasing?

Unfortunately, birds are right down in the list in the eyes of the powers that be. No one cares at all. As you rightly say, the Great Indian Bustard is going down. My estimate is that only around 50 or so are left. It will be the first species to go extinct in our lifetime. But no one is bothered.

What reasons do you think can be attributed to the same?

The country is obsessed with ‘progress’ and you only have to see how wetlands and marshes are being drained to meet the pressure by the building lobby. We interfere with nature and it turns around and bites us — witness Kashmir, Ladakh and the Uttarakhand floods.

How actively does the government participate in conservation programmes with naturalists and conversationalists?

None at all.

What kinds of birds are spotted in India, and which Indian state is abundant in them?

All kinds of birds are found in India for the simple reason that the country possesses a wide variety of habitats. But as far as diversity and density of birds is concerned, nothing can beat the seven sister states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

Over the years, which has been your most memorable sighting in India?

The biggest thrill is seeing the Great Indian Bustard as there are so few of them left.