Trees for Migratory Birds™

Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Available for Adoption upto: 10,000 Trees

100% remaining 0 Trees planted
10,000 Trees Target

Project Purpose

Trees for Forests™ & Wildlife

Location

In FY 2024-25, we will plant 10,000 trees near Devikulam, Temple Lake of Muthumariamman Temple of Athikuppam village of Marakkanam block, Viluppuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Aim

Enhancement of

Biodiversity

Carbon Sequestration

Increase in

Green Cover

Improvement of

Wildlife Habitats

Why Trees?

To evade the Northern Hemisphere’s unforgiving cold, a large number of avian species move towards the South after the onset of the winter season.^{^[1]} Yet these birds still face a number of problems as they migrate to the South, which has made migration as difficult as winters in the North. The foremost threat to migratory birds in India is habitat loss, driven by deforestation, wetland drainage, introduction of non-native plant species, urban expansion, and intensive agriculture.^{^[2]} India hosts a remarkable diversity of bird species, with approximately 1,349 recorded as of 2019. According to WWF, 78 species among these are endemic to the country, and 212 are globally threatened.^{^[3]} A UN report indicated that nearly 44% of migratory bird species populations are in decline, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts.^{^[4]}

The rapid disappearance of wetlands across the country seems alarming, with nearly two out of every five wetlands in India vanishing in the past three decades alone. Additionally, a staggering 40% of water bodies have experienced a decline in quality, jeopardising the survival of aquatic life and the migratory birds that depend on them. Therefore, urgent action is imperative to restore and conserve wetlands, safeguarding both the delicate ecosystems they harbour and the avian species reliant upon them for their survival.

A crucial step in mitigating the decline of migratory bird populations is to identify and safeguard vital locations serving as breeding, feeding, and stopover sites. One such location is Viluppuram in Tamil Nadu, which hosts birds such as Green bee-eater, Black Drango, House Crow, Paddy field Pipit ,Sparrow hawk, Parakeet, Common hood as well as foreign birds like Cranes, Pelicans, Glossy ibis, Purple Heron, Pond Heron, Little Heron, Black headed ibis, Garganeys, Babblers, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas visit during migratory season every year.

By addressing threats such as habitat loss and implementing targeted conservation measures, we can contribute to the preservation of India's rich avian biodiversity for generations to come.

Tree Species

In this tree plantation project, we have carefully selected tree species that will sustain the birds as well as the local communities. We will plant species such as Indian tulip (Thespesia populnea), Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) and Manila tamarind (Pithecelobium dulce). Arjun, Kadamba and Mahua have herbal properties and Manila tamarind is fruit-bearing, offering sustenance to the avian species.

Social Impact

Tree plantation offers numerous benefits that span across multiple aspects.*

Our project generates employment opportunities for the local communities since we are committed to working closely with them across all our planting sites. Their contribution in preparing the saplings in the nursery, transportation of the saplings, plantation and maintenance is invaluable. They can also earn additional income from the plantation produce. Once the trees mature, they can supplement their income from timber and fruits. We have an inclusive policy and encourage women’s involvement in our tree plantation initiatives. This allows them to support themselves and their families.

Tree plantation will allow us to regulate the natural water cycle, thereby improving the water quality. This will also recharge the groundwater, ensuring that water from rainfall and other sources soaks into the ground and refills underground water sources. Villagers will be able to save enough water for drinking, agriculture and other purposes.

By reducing soil erosion and improving the overall soil quality, the agricultural productivity of the villagers will also see a boost. Additionally, since livestock is a major source of sustenance in rural areas, we aim that our plantation will provide ample fodder to meet their needs.

Trees do an excellent job absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A mature tree can absorb up to 20 kg of CO2 each year. Trees reduce pollution, keep the temperature cool and reduce atmospheric stressors.

*The environmental benefits of the trees reach their full potential as they mature.

^{^[1]} Anil kumar and Imran alam (2023) Migration of birds and their flyways in India, Rec. zool. Surv. India: Vol. 123(1S)/25-35, 2023

^{^[2]} 2008. World Migratory Bird Day Org

^{^[3]} Aishwarya Das Pattnaik. World Migratory Bird Day. WWF

^{^[4]} AP (2024). Nearly half of world's migratory species declining, shows UN report. Business Standard