Local Perception of Climate Change, COVID-19 and their Impact on Birds in Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Weather is of major significance for the population dynamics of birds, but the implications of climate change have only recently begun to be addressed. There is already compelling support that birds have been affected by recent climate changes. The metabolic rate of birds is not only affected by weather (e.g. cold weather requiring increased energy expenditure for body maintenance)but also exerts other direct and indirect effects on bird behaviour. The extreme weather events, like prolonged frozen spells and droughts, can have catastrophic effects on bird populations, including long-term effects on whole cohorts. Birds are generally admired for their beauty, songs, and the beauty of their near miraculous ability to fly without recognizing their role direct or indirect to the Ecosystem Services. Birds are marvellous indicators of environmental health which offer humans pleasure, joy and spiritual motivation. The main reason to study climate change, COVID-19 and their impact on birds is to promote understanding of the ecosystems that support all life on earth, including human beings. In this study, a well designed and validated questionnaire was used to collect the information from a sample of 400 local people from Kashmir valley. The main aim of writing this paper was to find out the perception and approach of local people towards climate change, COVID-19 and their impact on birds. The data collected from the survey was analyzed using standard statistical tools. The result of our study revealed from people perception that increase in temperature, unpredictable rainfall, increase in frequency of disaster and decrease in food production has direct impact on birds. Further, the study revealed that local people showed interest towards birds, nature and wildlife preservation. The respondents in majority reported the sudden increase in bird sightings during COVID-19 lockdown. Finally, to cope with climate change impact, it was suggested that education programmers be introduced among the people to increase awareness about the role played by bird in our lives, significance of wildlife conservation and management amidst changing climate. Further, to cope with COVID-19 threat, the research advised to follow WHO and health ministry guidelines.