DNA - Birds,animals too feel the heat

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2010 12:00AM

 

 

Birds, animals too feel the heat

 

Cases of heat stroke among birds and animals on the rise

 

Sukhada P Khandge

The rising mercury levels in the city are not just leaving the humans

drained, but are also causing heat-related ailments in animals and birds. A

recent victim of the heat stroke was an Asian Koel (female) bird, an

uncommon species that was rescued by an animal lover from Thane. Though

rescued on Thursday at Byculla by Vishvesh Kavdi, the bird is still

recuperating from the heat stroke.

Owing to the soaring mercury levels, the heat stroke cases in animals have

increased, confirmed veterinary doctors and animals lovers from the city. In

comparison to human beings, as birds possess lesser power to adapt to the

change in the atmosphere, they suffer a lot due to the heat stroke.

Dr Kiran Shelar, veterinary doctor who treated the Asian Koel on Friday,

said, “There is a steep rise in the birds suffering from heat stroke. The

main reason is their inability to adapt to the changing climate. The muscles

of the rescued bird have become non-functional. The only solution to this

problem would be to keep the birds away from extreme heat.”

Vishvesh Kavdi, animal lover from Thane who rescued the bird, said, “I

wanted to rescue the bird really soon as it was unable to fly due to the

heat stroke. I immediately rushed it to the doctor.”

Kavdi has also placed a bird house for birds outside his residence wherein

small bowls of cold water are kept for the birds to drink.

“If everyone practices the same, it will help provide water to birds.

Doctors too are advising that making a provision for water will protect

birds from heat stroke,”added Kavdi.

Meanwhile, Nilesh Bhanage, founder of Plant and animal Welfare Society

(Paws) said, “Usually animals suffer from heat stroke in May, but this year

the temperature has soared in March itself. Consequently, cases of heat

stroke among birds have increased. Birds such as India rock pigeon, kites,

eagle, and crow fly during day time and so are more prone to heat stroke.”

“We are getting at least three to four heat stroke cases among birds per

week. Dogs too are facing the same problem owing to the excess heat,” he

added.

Shelar said, “Birds being fragile are more susceptible to the rising heat.

Birds that fly in the day time are at higher risk. So, it is our duty to

keep bowls of cold water for birds in our windows or galleries.”

 

 

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Nilesh Bhanage

+91 9920777536

www.pawsasia.org

www.freewebs.com/pawsproducts

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HigxbMqfh0