Valmik Thapar brings together the rich diversity of India’s birdlife in Winged Fire, a collection of writings and photographs of birds, hoping to generate awareness about their critical role in maintaining ecological balance
India is home to nearly 1,400 species of birds, which is about a sixth of the world’s birds
Bharatpur wetlands are home to the maximum species found in the country
Birds are extremely critical for ecological balance. For example, experts contend that tigers could be exterminated if leaf warblers die away, as forests would then be infested with insects, which are eaten by these birds
Near-extinction of vultures because of excessive use of diclofenac in animals is resulting in crores being spent on cleaning of offal, refuse and garbage, which would have been taken care of by vultures to a large extent
