We’re entering month two of lockdown and you’re probably tired of hearing all the bad news surrounding the coronavirus and the rising infection count. But the lockdown is having the complete opposite affect on nature as the humans are forced to self-isolate in their homes. From dolphins sighted in major cities to lower pollution levels, we’re definitely seeing a positive outcome from this pandemic.
Recently, over 100,000 flamingos beseiged the city of Mumbai, turning the city’s shrinking mangroves pink.
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has reportedly ascertained that around 25% more flamingos have migrated to the city when compared to last year. And this is 100% because of a decrease in human activity, according to the Hindustan Times.
Every year, flamingos flock to the city which is a part of their migratory patterns. However Deepak Apte, the director of the BNHS, told the Hindustan Times that the lockdown “is giving these birds peace for roosting, no disturbance in their attempt to obtain food and overall encouraging habitat.”
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He also told the Indian newspaper that the increase is also likely tied to a successful breeding season two years ago, as well as the destruction of wetlands on India’s eastern seafront that could be pushing the birds to the Mumbai region.
The Science Times has calculated around 150,000 flamingos have come to the area.
However, the flamingos might not have a happy ending in a post lockdown world. Last year, Indian authorities granted permission for India’s first Bullet train to pass through Navi Mumbai’s Thane Creek which is a protected flamingo sanctuary.
The Guardian reports that the construction of the 22 kilometre Mumbai Trans Harbor Link sea bridge has damaged much of Navi Mumbai’s bird-friendly mangroves and could eventually lead the flamingos to change their migration pattern.
