Oil spill-hit migratory birds flock to hospital
Virat A Singh
Posted On Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 02:50:04 AM
The oil spill off the coast has caused an overflow of patients at the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) and a flood of concern for bird-lovers and environmentalists. About six aquatic birds have been admitted to the BSPCA hospital since last week.
Dr Manu Sharma, Hospital Manager at the BSPCA, said, “Sea ducks, cranes and falcons affected by the spill are being brought to us from various locations. The birds were covered in oil when brought in.” Three of the oil spill victims have been released after treatment and two are still recuperating. A migratory masked booby recently died of respiratory failure.
Three of the oil spill’s avian victims were released after treatment
Neeta Jadhav, from The Institute of Science has been collecting water samples from various locations and is worried with her findings. “The mixture of oil and water, known as 'mousse', is very sticky and affects birds severely.” Sharma said the oil gets deposited in the birds’ nostrils and makes breathing hard for them. “The oil on their feathers affects their thermoregulation and makes flight difficult, causing birds to get exhausted and even fall down,” he said.
Experts fear that the hospital can expect more affected birds because migratory birds will hit the shore soon. Bird-watcher Adesh Shivkar said, “There are five species of gulls and terns that migrate to Mumbai.”
Oil spill-hit migratory birds flock to hospital
Virat A Singh
Posted On Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 02:50:04 AM
The oil spill off the coast has caused an overflow of patients at the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) and a flood of concern for bird-lovers and environmentalists. About six aquatic birds have been admitted to the BSPCA hospital since last week. Dr Manu Sharma, Hospital Manager at the BSPCA, said, “Sea ducks, cranes and falcons affected by the spill are being brought to us from various locations. The birds were covered in oil when brought in.” Three of the oil spill victims have been released after treatment and two are still recuperating. A migratory masked booby recently died of respiratory failure.
Neeta Jadhav, from The Institute of Science has been collecting water samples from various locations and is worried with her findings. “The mixture of oil and water, known as 'mousse', is very sticky and affects birds severely.” Sharma said the oil gets deposited in the birds’ nostrils and makes breathing hard for them. “The oil on their feathers affects their thermoregulation and makes flight difficult, causing birds to get exhausted and even fall down,” he said. Experts fear that the hospital can expect more affected birds because migratory birds will hit the shore soon. Bird-watcher Adesh Shivkar said, “There are five species of gulls and terns that migrate to Mumbai.” |
No comments:
Post a Comment