Road Through Kutch Puts Flamingoes Under Threat
Author:
First published in Sanctuary Asia,
Vol. 31
No. 10,
October 2011
The plan could have grave ecological consequences for India's only breeding colony for flamingoes and home to some of the most unique species in the world.
According to a report accessed by CNN-IBN, wildlife experts had said a firm no to the road project when it was discussed by the National Board of wildlife.
The mudflats of the Rann of Kutch, a vast expanse of a salty marsh lands, play host to some of India's most endemic species. Every year, thousands of greater and lesser flamingoes congregate for breeding. The birds nest nowhere else in South Asia.
Another unique equine species, the wild ass, is found only in this part of India.
However, now the Gujarat government's ambitious plans could sound the death knell for the very fragile ecosystem. Read the full report here.
Source: Bahar Dutt, CNN-IBN, New Delhi.
