Shikra on a Branch and Jackals on the Bund

Shikras are small birds of prey. They are raptors that hunt small rodents. In medieval times, they were used to get food for hawks. While Shikras are generally found in forests, these days they are more likely to be found in residential areas, thanks to changing ecological patterns. With forests disappearing and game disappearing, Shikras and even white-breasted Flamingos are forced to scavenge for food in urban areas.

We are all heading towards an ecological disaster because of the damage being done to the ecosystem. While birds like Shikras and Flamingoes are adapting their lifestyles to suit changing conditions, one wonders how we human beings will be able to cope with adverse environmental conditions. We are already reeling under a heat wave, Shikras will be able to fly away to other lands, but we will remain stuck within a situation that has been made worse by ourselves.

But then, Shikras are not the only victims of human developmental activities! Jackals have also learned to adapt to changing conditions. Jackals are now edging closer and closer to urban areas. A scarcity of food has led them to converge on residential areas in search of food. These, once shy mammals, are now growing bolder and bolder, and are often used to human presence.