JATINGA Bird Mystery : A Field Survey
The Statesman
Kolkata, Monday 27 July 2015
PLUS POINTS
Fewer Birds at Jatinga
Jatinga village in Dima Hasao district, known the world over as the "suicide spot" of birds, may lose the tag as number of wings guests flying into the place has come down drastically over the past few years.
"Bird arrival is very scarce these days at Jatinga and the number being killed by villagers has also come down," said eminent ornithologist Anwaruddin Choudhury, accoring to a report in The Assam Tribune.
Dubbed the "Birdman of Assam", Choudhury has done field surveys to understand the mysterious behaviour of the avian species in the tiny hamlet nestled in the former North Cachar Hills near Haflong.
Bikash Brahma, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Dima Hasao, also agreed, saying that not only killings but also the number of birds arriving at the village is declining gradually over the past few years, adding that " earlier birds were killed but due to the awareness campaign by the forest department such incidents have reduced substantially now".
THE BIRDS are are drawn by light typically produced by a combination of fog, mist and clouds during September-October on moonless nights. After reaching the village, they get disoriented and, unable to fly, they hit the walls and fall easy prey to hunters who kill them wit bamboo poles. The phenomenon is often known as "suicide". Explaining the reason behind the decrease, Choudhury said the habitat loss in nearby areas of Borail range was resposible. "The 'Jhoom' cultivation area has increased, leading to loss of forests. Development activities and environment degradation have led to decrease in population of birds," he said.
Although the behaviour of birds has been scientifically explained by ornithologists, it is still believed in many quarters that birds fly into Jatinga to commit suicide. "It is misnomer to say it is the suicide spot of birds. 'The tag has remained because the tourists get attracted to see this phenomenon. And there is little awareness among the masses," Choudhury said. The birds, who get affected by this phenomenon, ARE MOSTLY JUVENILE. " Jatinga has a deep gorge which CREATES A FUNNEL EFFECT. Once the winds subside most birds return safely to their roosting site if they are not killed or get injured by hitting against the walls," he said.
