Why in news?
Ornithologists have raised alarms that the Finn’s weaver, an endangered bird of the Terai grasslands, is disappearing from its remaining habitats in northern India and Nepal. Agricultural expansion, industrial development and habitat degradation are reducing its numbers.
Background
Finn’s weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), also called Finn’s baya or the yellow weaver, was named after British ornithologist Frank Finn. This colourful passerine inhabits the tall grasslands and wetlands of the Ganges and Brahmaputra floodplains in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Assam and western Nepal. Two subspecies exist: the nominate megarhynchus in the western Terai and salimalii in eastern India.
Ecology and habits
- Habitat: The birds live in dense reeds and elephant grass near rivers, reservoirs and marshes. They are commonly found in protected areas such as Kaziranga, Manas, Jaldapara and Sukla Phanta, as well as the Jim Corbett and Dudhwa national parks.
- Diet: Finn’s weavers are primarily granivores, feeding on seeds of grasses and grains. During the breeding season they supplement their diet with insects to provide protein for chicks.
- Nesting: Breeding occurs from May to September. Males weave large, flask‑shaped nests from strips of grass and reed. The nest chambers are lined with softer plant fibres. Males may build several nests to attract mates. Females lay 2–4 eggs.
Threats and conservation
- Habitat loss: Conversion of the Terai grasslands to agriculture and urban development has destroyed much of the species’ breeding sites. Flood control and drainage schemes have altered wetlands.
- Trapping: Weaver birds are sometimes caught for the cage‑bird trade, further reducing wild populations.
- Small population: The global population is estimated at only a few thousand individuals. In Nepal fewer than fifty birds remain. Consequently the species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and placed in Schedule IV of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- Conservation measures: Protecting tall grasslands within existing reserves, preventing uncontrolled grass cutting and regulating human disturbance are crucial. Raising awareness among local communities about the bird’s rarity can also discourage trapping.
Source: Down To Earth
