Why is it in the news?

• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru conducted a study focusing on understanding the consequences of logging and climate change on montane birds.

About the Study

• The study was carried out in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, known for its diverse bird species and rich biodiversity.
• Researchers collected data over a period of 10 years from the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, utilizing mist netting and bird ringing techniques.
• The study examined the effects of both forest logging and climate change on bird communities, with a specific focus on the understorey bird community, which comprises birds beneath the main canopy of a forest.

Key Findings of the Study

• Identified forest loss and climate change as major threats to the tropical montane forest ecosystem, particularly in mountainous regions.
• Observed shifts in elevational distribution of many bird species, attributed to rising temperatures.
• Logging was found to result in the loss of large-bodied, old, growth-dependent bird species, leading to an overall decrease in biodiversity.
• Significantly detrimental effects on understorey insectivores, a group of birds confined to specific niches within the ecosystem.
• Logged forests experienced reduced densities of foliage-dwelling insects, which are a crucial food source for birds. This reduction in available resources negatively impacted bird communities.
• Noted a phenomenon where many bird species shifted to higher elevations in response to climate change, seeking more favourable conditions.
• Emphasized the critical importance of preserving primary (undisturbed) forests to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on bird communities.