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War's Shadow: Ukraine's Birds Face Extinction
20 May
Summary
- Russian invasion devastates Ukrainian birdlife, impacting nesting and migration.
- Birds suffer injuries from anti-drone nets and discarded fiber-optic cables.
- Photographer captures wildlife's plight against backdrop of war and destruction.
Russia's 2022 invasion has compounded existing threats to Ukraine's bird populations, severely damaging ecosystems along the 1,200-kilometer frontline. Aerial bombardments have disrupted nesting sites and migratory paths, with avian life facing unprecedented challenges.
Photographer Viktor Sevidov observes birds near Kryvyi Rig, seeking moments of natural beauty amidst daily drone attacks. His former photography spots in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson are now largely destroyed or inaccessible due to the conflict. He expresses deep distress over witnessing the instruments of war, preferring the serenity of nature.
Zoologists note that birds' philopatric nature, their tendency to stay or return to birth areas, can be fatal during wartime, guiding them through conflict zones. A refuge center near Kyiv houses over 200 injured birds, many harmed by anti-drone measures and fiber-optic cables. These include a blind swan and an eagle with an amputated wing.
Habitat destruction is rampant in active combat areas, leading to the decimation of resident bird species. Observers report traumatized animals exhibiting altered behaviors. The ongoing conflict continues to pose a grave threat to Ukraine's diverse avian wildlife.
