JAIPUR:
Environmentalists have warned the state government about shifting
Jaipur Zoo to Nahargarh Biological Park as it will destroy the rich
flora and fauna of the area. They contended that Nahargarh dense forest
is home for several wild animals and endangered birds. The zoo is coming
up on 30% of the total area and it will increase human presence which
will affect the flora and fauna here.
A group of environmentalists did a study on the aftereffects of this development work. The government, to develop this area, has cleared large parts of thorny forest that supports migratory warbler bird including green warbler, desert warbler, dusky warbler etc. These birds that come from Europe and spend four months here every year are missing this year.
The warblers may have lost a temporary habitat but Prinia bird has lost its nesting place. "These birds exclusively nest in thorny vegetation because they are small in nature so the flying zone is comparatively less in height and it offers safety from preys like snakes and mongoose," said Govind Yadav, environmental activists.
The indiscriminate clearing of forest for zoo has made the white-naped tit bird, which has been listed in the red data list by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, homeless. "The biological park is among the exclusive habitat of this bird in India. Since they have cleared vegetation we have found less than 10 here," said Yadav, who carried out a study in last December and January. The census of birds says this place has been a home for 239 species of birds including migratory birds like Grey neck bunting.
Activists accused the planners of not doing any ground study before making a way for the zoo. This has left mongoose and snakes homeless and they are now moving towards other areas leading to imbalance of their population in rest of the area. "Termites survive in the midst of thorny tress which is food for the snakes, mongoose and porcupine. The cutting has forced them to migrate to other areas," said Rakesh Sharma, another environmentalist.
The big cats-panther, hyena, jungle cats and leopard cats-are now moving to the interiors and in search of food and water they are now being spotted at urban areas like Amber, Sheeshwas, Khurad and Kunda. The shrinking habitat is leading to territorial fights. These patches have been cleared to form big enclosures, pathways, zoo office and parking at the cost of making several birds and animals homeless.
A group of environmentalists did a study on the aftereffects of this development work. The government, to develop this area, has cleared large parts of thorny forest that supports migratory warbler bird including green warbler, desert warbler, dusky warbler etc. These birds that come from Europe and spend four months here every year are missing this year.
The warblers may have lost a temporary habitat but Prinia bird has lost its nesting place. "These birds exclusively nest in thorny vegetation because they are small in nature so the flying zone is comparatively less in height and it offers safety from preys like snakes and mongoose," said Govind Yadav, environmental activists.
The indiscriminate clearing of forest for zoo has made the white-naped tit bird, which has been listed in the red data list by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, homeless. "The biological park is among the exclusive habitat of this bird in India. Since they have cleared vegetation we have found less than 10 here," said Yadav, who carried out a study in last December and January. The census of birds says this place has been a home for 239 species of birds including migratory birds like Grey neck bunting.
Activists accused the planners of not doing any ground study before making a way for the zoo. This has left mongoose and snakes homeless and they are now moving towards other areas leading to imbalance of their population in rest of the area. "Termites survive in the midst of thorny tress which is food for the snakes, mongoose and porcupine. The cutting has forced them to migrate to other areas," said Rakesh Sharma, another environmentalist.
The big cats-panther, hyena, jungle cats and leopard cats-are now moving to the interiors and in search of food and water they are now being spotted at urban areas like Amber, Sheeshwas, Khurad and Kunda. The shrinking habitat is leading to territorial fights. These patches have been cleared to form big enclosures, pathways, zoo office and parking at the cost of making several birds and animals homeless.
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