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Danapur Cantonment: A Haven for Birds
12 Jul
Summary
- Danapur cantonment is a seasonal refuge for thousands of migratory birds.
- Army personnel actively protect birds, care for injured, and prevent poaching.
- Around 3,000 birds arrive annually, doubling during return migration.
Beyond its military functions, the Danapur cantonment has become a significant seasonal sanctuary for migratory birds, attracting thousands each year for nesting. Species such as the Asian openbill stork arrive between May and June, originating from a migratory belt spanning India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.
Remarkably, army personnel actively safeguard these avian visitors. Trained for border operations, they now protect birds, treat injuries, and prevent poaching within the cantonment. This has fostered a unique interspecies coexistence, turning parts of the base into a micro-ecological zone.
During the monsoon, migratory birds build communal nests on tall trees. By late autumn, they raise their young and then depart for colder regions. The population notably increases on the return journey as juveniles join the flocks, underscoring the cantonment's vital role in supporting biodiversity.
