Category Biology

            The white-headed vulture is a wild bird found in the hot, dry woodland and tree savannas of Africa. Nevertheless, their population is dangerously low.

            Typically, white-headed vultures are colourful birds with a pink face and bright orange-red beak. Their name comes from the downy, white feathers on their head, which give it a sharp appearance. Like other vultures, these birds too feed on the dead bodies of large animals. But they are capable of killing small prey as well. It is known that the beak of a vulture is sharp enough to pierce and tear apart a prey.

            But more than ferocity, it is the population drop that brings a white-headed vulture to international attention. The IUCN Red List has classified this species as critically endangered, owing to a decreasing trend in their number.

            The reasons attributed to this fall are many. The shortage of suitable food sources, loss of habitat, and illegal trade are a few of them.

            Besides, many have died in the past due to the presence of toxic substances like diclofenac in food. It is a veterinary drug used to treat livestock, but affects vultures adversely. To avoid more deaths, most of their ranges are now protected by governments.

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          The Philippine eagle is the world’s largest eagle, found exclusively in Philippines. It is known to be the greatest raptor alive, preying on monkeys, flying lemurs, rats, snakes, squirrels, birds and bats. The bird can be spotted only on four islands-Samar, Leyte, Luzon, and Mindanao. It is also revered as the national bird of Philippines.

          Typically, the Philippine eagles have very long wings that grow up to two metres. They are distinguished by their ‘mane’ of brown and white feathers on the head. The species, which was once widespread throughout the islands, have become largely endangered over the past few decades. The present population is estimated to be between 250 and 750, making them a critically endangered species.

          Clearing of the vast tracts of tropical rainforests for commercial development and cultivation has led to the destruction of eagle habitats.

          The country offers protection to the birds, making it illegal to kill or trade them.

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          California condors are among the largest flying birds in the world that are native to North America. They were once seen in many parts of the continent, from California and other Pacific states to Texas, Florida, and New York. But today, the species is critically endangered in existence.

          Physically, the condors are just magnificent. While flying, their wings spread more than 2.7 metres from one tip to the other. It is said that these birds can fly above 4000 metres, and glide for hours without even beating their wings. Like all other vultures, these wild birds too, feed on dead animal meat.

          However, the population of California condors has been under threat for years. During the 20th century, it declined steadily, till a point where only 22 individuals remained in the world. Subsequently, they were taken into captivity towards the end of the 1980s in order to save the species. It is said that there were no California condors in the wild between 1988 and 1991. In the following years, birds were reintroduced to their natural habitats. This process helped, and as of now, there are around 435 individuals in the world.

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               The Galapagos penguins are the only penguin species found north of the equator, and in the Galapagos. With an estimated population of less than 2000 individuals, the species is said to be endangered.

               Typically, Galapagos penguins have black-grey upper-parts and whitish under parts, with two black bands across the chest. Unlike cold water penguins, they have several adaptations that allow them to survive in warmer climates. The birds mainly feed on krill and small crustaceans.

               As we saw, the population of Galapagos penguins is shrinking. The obvious threats to their survival are pollution caused by chemicals and oil in waters, climate change, and accidental capture by fishing nets etc.

               In addition, the birds are also vulnerable to attacks and diseases from introduced species like cats, dogs and rats. However, the dangers posed by El Nino events are the worst.

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            The blue-throated macaw is a rare parrot that can be spotted only in the northern parts of Bolivia in South America. They mostly inhabit palm groves and savannas in the northern parts of the country. With their turquoise blue and yellow plumage, blue cheeks, and long elegant tails, the macaws are unusually attractive. However, we just don’t get to see them at all!

            It is said that until the 1970s, blue-throated macaws mostly remained unknown. But as soon as they became popular, the illegal trade of these birds began. The fact that the species is rare made them all the more expensive and sought-after in the international pet market.

            The trade became so intense that at one point, there weren’t any wild specimen. Luckily, by 1992, the birds were rediscovered. However, the wild population of blue-throated macaws still remains fragmented, and as low as 400!

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            The Madagascar heron is a rare and large grey heron that is endemic to the island of Madagascar. Also known as the Hum-blot’s heron, they are birds that have an endangered existence due to hunting and loss of habitat.

            In appearance, these herons are distinctive, with dull grey plumage, and long pointed beaks. Mostly they are seen standing solitary and motionless in shallow waters, a habitat they are perfectly adapted for.

            As said earlier, Madagascar herons are rare birds that are now facing the threat of extinction. The main reason for this is the conversion of wetland habitats in the country for rice cultivation. As a result, the birds are forced out of their habitats to an unsafe existence. In addition, there are other problems too, like the stealing of heron eggs, and the capture of nestlings by local people for food.

            As of now, the population of the heron is just between 1000 and 1500.

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