Bright street lamps upset life cycle of birds

By Bijaya Kumar Sah,Dhalkebar, May 29: In recent years, the installation of street lights has increased from cities to rural areas. While the lights are installed to keep roads illuminated and increase safety, they have started to seriously impact the habitats of birds. 

According to bird experts, the artificial light from streetlight prevents birds from distinguishing between night and day, seriously impacting their life cycles. Even at night, the ongoing brightness makes it difficult for birds to find food, build nests and maintain their reproductive cycles. 

According to Chairman of Mithila Wildlife Trust, Dev Narayan Mandal, “The streetlights are causing a decline in bird habitats. The birds’ lives are closely tied to the natural light of the sun, moon and stars. However, artificial lighting disrupts their sleep, foraging, reproduction and migration patterns.”

He added, “Many bird species move by looking at the light of the stars or the moon. However, due to the artificial light from streetlights, they take the wrong path. As a result, they may fail to reach their destination and, due to extreme tiredness, may even die.”

According to Chairman Mandal, the insects and small creatures drawn by streetlight illumination attract birds. However, this also provides an easy opportunity for the predatory animals like cats, owls and foxes to attack them. He further stated that artificial light also affects the mating process of male and female birds.

Many bird species attract mates by singing or making sounds. However, bright artificial light reduces the effectiveness of their calls, hindering reproduction. Chairman Mandal also stated that many birds, while hovering around streetlights, become exhausted or collide with buildings, poles or wires leading to injury or death.

Similarly, Suresh Sharma, an environment engineer and renowned tree conservationist, stated that the trend of installing bright lights from cities to villages is threatening the existence of birds. He also mentioned that small migratory bird species lose their way at night due to artificial light. Some collide with walls and poles, resulting in injuries. The brightness of lights not only affects birds but also causes mental stress in humans. 

According to Sharma noise, smoke, soil pollution, chemical fertilizers and pesticides have also put bird’s existence at risk. Birds die from poisoning after consuming grains or dead insects mixed with pesticides. Similarly, birds are dying after drinking contaminated water from rivers and ponds mixed with chemicals discharged from industries. 

He said, “In recent years, the temperature in Tarai districts has started exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Birds, especially sparrows, traditionally make nests in the holes and attics of mud houses. However, with the predominance of modern concrete houses, there is a lack of space for nesting. This has also led to a decline in the bird population, and 22 species have been found to be extinct."

Environmental activist Sharma stated that harmonized efforts among local authorities, provincial government, and federal government are necessary for the conservation of birds. He highlighted that, with the existence of birds under threat, all three levels of government should take the issue seriously and accept collaborative initiatives.

According to him, adopting some practical measures is essential for bird conservation. Using low-intensity or yellow-tinted lights is necessary, as this helps minimize the impact on the life cycle of birds. 

Similarly, he highlighted the need to promote traditional house construction and implement programmes to create artificial nests for birds. He said, "Nowadays, concrete houses lack spaces for birds to build nests, so a campaign to create artificial nests must be initiated."

Likewise, Mandal, Chairman of Mithila Wildlife Trust, stated that prompting organic farming can help secure food sources for birds. He added that the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to an increase in bird mortality, so organic farming should be encouraged. Additionally, he highlighted the need for strict legal measures to prevent bird hunting.