13/06/2023
Contestant No. 14
Rabindra Tamrakar
Theme 2
Use of plastic material by Common Myna for nesting, an example of adverse effects of urban development on avian habitats
Natural habitats of the urban areas of Nepal are declining at an alarming rate due to rapid urbanization, leading to the adverse effects on the ecosystems including urban bird habitats. Higher levels of urban development result in the excessive production of unnatural materials such as plastic substances, which are subsequently collected by urban birds for building nests. Some scientific studies show that structure of nest build is essential for the protection of eggs against potential danger and temperature control that leads to adequate embryo development. When birds use plastic bags pieces/polythene materials for bird nesting, it will have negative effects on birds’ egg’s embryo development, leading to the low survival of birds’ chicks. Lower number of urban birds will lead to negative impacts of urban ecosystems. It is therefore necessary to avoid plastic materials for better ecosystems.
