The Indian Roller, also known as the Palapitta, is the official State bird of Telangana. Seeing this bird on Dasara day is considered lucky. However, a recent report shows that the population of Indian Rollers has decreased by 30 percent in the last 12 years. This decline may lead to the bird being listed on the IUCN Red List.
Farmers in Telangana believe that seeing the Palapitta on Dasara brings good fortune because it eats insects that damage crops. But the use of pesticides has reduced their food supply, and cutting down trees has destroyed their nesting places. It is illegal to capture and display these birds under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Urban development and real estate projects have had a major impact on the population of Indian Rollers. People have been capturing these birds, which puts more pressure on their population. It is important to protect all living organisms in India, and the government has already banned the capture of these birds. Public awareness campaigns are needed to discourage this practice.
The Chairman of the Telangana State Biodiversity Board emphasizes the importance of preserving the ecosystems that Indian Rollers rely on. Urbanization poses a threat to these ecosystems, but efforts must be made to protect them for the survival of the Palapitta and other species.
