As Indian Summer Breaks Temperature Records, Birds Feel The Heat
Rescue organisations like PETA India, Wildlife SOS and Wildlife Rescue received more calls of birds with sunstroke and dehydration symptoms this summer
ByTanvi Deshpande,Jahnavi Thotakuru|
4 Aug, 2024
"The impact of #ExtremeHeat has been seen and felt on the ground for a long time now.
"#WildlifeSOS, a non-profit organisation working in #wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in India, reported an increased number of calls about birds affected by extreme heat this summer. In June 2024, the organisation received 35-40 rescue calls daily in Delhi-National Capital Region, higher than in April and May. Until June, the organisation had rescued over 220 birds suffering from heat, including species such as #BlackKites, #sparrows, #BlueRockPigeons, #BarnOwls, and #Peacocks.
“'The recent heat waves have had severe impacts on the avian population in India,' said Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS. 'Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, as birds struggle to find adequate water, impairing their bodily functions and potentially leading to severe health issues or even death. Heat stroke is a significant risk, with symptoms such as laboured breathing, drooling, lethargy and hyperthermia, which can cause organ failure and be fatal if not treated promptly.'
"On receiving a call about a bird in distress, most organisations guide the caller on immediate steps to be taken to stabilise the bird. Based on the bird’s situation, an ambulance might be sent and the bird moved to a facility.
“'We ask the caller to secure the bird, to take it to a place where there is shade and away from predators like cats, dogs or other birds because the bird is already in a comatose state,' said Bandhanpreet Kaur, manager of veterinary services at PETA India. 'Then we ask them to either pour cold water over its body or wrap the bird in a cold towel/any moist cloth…to reduce their body temperature immediately. And if electrolyte is available, we ask them to use a syringe or damp cloth to put a few drops in the bird’s mouth.'
"PETA India handled 90 cases of birds affected by extreme heat this year."
#India #Biodiversity #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #GlobalWarming #ExtremeHeat #HeatWaves #Wetbulb #Environment #Extinction #Wildlife