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Forest Fires, Roads Threaten Rare Bird
4 Oct
Summary
- Banasura laughingthrush population estimated at 1,000-1,500.
- Species known range spans only 50-60 sq km in Western Ghats.
- Man-made fires destroy habitat, increasing grassland conversion.
An endangered songbird, the Banasura laughingthrush, is under increasing threat in its limited high-altitude forest home in Wayanad. With an estimated population of only 1,000-1,500 individuals, its survival is precarious. The species' known range is a mere 50-60 sq km within the Western Ghats' 'sky islands'.
Research indicates recurring forest fires and proposed infrastructure projects like a twin tunnel road are significant dangers. These fires, which burned over 3,000 hectares between 2018 and 2025, destroy vital habitat and fragment populations. The species is found exclusively in montane shola forests across three isolated hill ranges.
Conservationists are urging immediate action, recommending the declaration of Camel's Hump Mountain as a national park and the expansion of the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary. Minimizing human interference, effective fire management, and curbing tourism are crucial steps to protect this rare songbird.
