Support Kaziranga's Flood-Hit Wildlife in India

The mangrove pitta is perhaps one of India’s most beautiful yet under-appreciated birds. It is restricted to the mangrove landscapes in India and is found in the Sundarbans of West Bengal, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha.

With its dark green back, deep yellow front, bright red vent, and one of the most striking blue plumage imaginable, the mangrove pitta is a dazzling sight amidst the dull brown hues of the mangrove mud it inhabits.

However, the bird, with its two-note ‘wheew-wheew’ call, is shy and quite difficult to spot. Interestingly, the mangrove pitta was not officially documented in Indian habitats until 2007 when the first photographic record of the bird was reported.

A recent census of the mangrove pitta by the Forest Department in the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha recorded 179 individuals. Unfortunately, this population is under threat due to unethical practices by birding tour guides who use microphones to play the bird's calls and reveal their nests for extra income. Notably, there is no enforcement to prevent these guides from doing so. The birds are also getting caught in fishing nets as by-catch. If these activities are not curtailed, they could impact the population of the mangrove pitta, which has been listed as ‘Near-Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.

Birds like the mangrove pitta can serve as important flagship species for conserving the mangrove landscapes they inhabit. Additionally, being restricted to the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, the mangrove pitta can also serve as an effective model for local ecotourism efforts, channeling funds for bird conservation, and increasing livelihood opportunities in these areas.

To this end, we are sensitizing and supporting local community members and birding tour guides operating in the area to mitigate threats and prevent further degradation of the mangrove pitta population. With support and mobilization, the state of Odisha hosted its first seminar dedicated to the conservation of the mangrove pitta, marking a significant milestone as India’s inaugural event dedicated to this cause. Furthermore, specialized training is being provided for birding tour guides on ethical ecotourism practices, and forest department staff are being trained to increase vigilance and enforce regulations against unethical practices.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, as it was only through your donation and support that we could take this significant step in safeguarding the mangrove pitta and its habitat. Your contribution has brought the necessary attention to this beautiful, vulnerable species and led to the proactive steps being taken to protect it. Thank you so much for your belief in our mission, and for making a tangible difference in the world of wildlife conservation. We are truly grateful for your partnership.

Greetings from Wildlife Trust of India!

Today we reach out to you with an update on the project ‘Help us keep wildlife forever wild’, which you so generously chose to donate for.

Thank you for being the driving force behind our shared commitment to creating positive change. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our efforts, and we are immensely grateful for your dedication to our cause.

We are excited to share with you the impact your generosity has had on the community and the wildlife of North 24 Paraganas in West Bengal. Your contribution has truly made a difference, and we want to keep you informed about the progress we've achieved together.

The North 24 Paraganas in West Bengal, located in the fertile lower Gangetic plains, boasts a combination of sandy and clay loam soil, making it an ideal region for crop production. The Ichhamati River, the district's longest, traverses the area, contributing to its overall fertility.

Within North 24 Paraganas lies the Bhibhuti Bhushan Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the larger Sunderbans Reserve Forests, covering 63 hectares. Situated in the world's largest delta, this forest plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in southern West Bengal.

The region, abundant in farmland and crop fields, is home to a vibrant farming community. However, the fertile land also attracts various snake species from the adjacent wildlife sanctuary, including the Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait, Monocled Cobra, and Russell’s Viper.

Before the initiation of our project, the area faced frequent incidents of human-snake conflict, resulting in injuries, financial losses, and even deaths due to snake bites. The lack of awareness about effective snake conflict management led residents to resort to killing snakes out of fear.

Recognizing the need for intervention to promote awareness about snake management, we believed that educating and equipping the community would lead to safer practices and discourage the killing of snakes, benefiting both humans and reptiles while fostering co-existence.

WTI supported a local organization in North 24 Paraganas, in conducting extensive awareness programs to actively engage the community in snake conflict management. The organization performed numerous snake rescue operations, removing snakes from homes and releasing them safely away from human habitation. The organization has become a trusted helpline for residents encountering snakes, marking a positive shift towards seeking help rather than resorting to lethal measures.

We also distributed sleeping mosquito nets (to prevent snake bites while sleeping), torches, and gum boots to local community members. Through these interventions, we aim to reduce reported incidents of human-snake conflict and foster a positive attitude toward snake conservation.

All of this was made possible through your generous support of our project. Your compassion and commitment have not only transformed lives in North 24 Paraganas but have also contributed to the broader goal of harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife.

As we continue our efforts, your ongoing support remains invaluable. Together, we can build a future where humans and wildlife thrive side by side, where communities are empowered with knowledge, and where compassion guides our actions.

Thank you once again for being a crucial part of this journey. Your belief in our cause is a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and compassionate world. We look forward to sharing more successes with you in the days to come.

Warm regards,

Team WTI