Will birds come to oil palm plantations?

Frontier Despatch carries this article in its 1^st April, 2016 issue.

Some of the participants were handling binoculars for the first time and I needed to go slow. We began with the basics. I shared of how beautiful the birds appear when seen with binoculars as compared to that with the naked eye. Then moved on to using them; wearing them over neck and adjusting their width, observing objects with either of and both the eyes, selecting objects to view – far and otherwise, and putting focus to use. We deliberated on the need to keep them away from moisture (especially in a place like Mizoram) and, as is the case with binoculars, how not to ‘clean’ them. As we walked more we learnt how to make better use of the bird-book as also discussed body-parts of birds, local names and specific species – bulbul (for example) became Black Bulbul or the Red-vented Bulbul. One participant also brought a Mizo book on wildlife to look up local names – it surely helped. I observed that some of them were keener on putting the binoculars to use, some looked up the bird book, some joined them encouragingly while one or two just walked. It was a pleasure to see them initiate discussions on their own. I too, over the years, have imbibed the virtues of patience and minimum interference.

These walks would end with discussions which we used to have on the paths after forming circles such that each of us could see the other and get equal space for putting forth our points. One participant would read aloud the list of species, encountered during the walk, to revisit as also for others to pitch in. Discussions ranged from different body-parts of birds and how they told us of the birds (like beaks indicate the birds’ diet) to beliefs people had regarding birds. They usually turned out to be very interesting. I had been conscious to bring the sessions to an end on a positive note; a small step to convey hope and encourage the foot-soldiers of wildlife conservation to give their best for forests in Dampa.

I was in Mizoram again - home once and where it still feels ‘at home’. The twin objectives were to raise awareness and sensitivity levels of the forest guards (and wildlife guards) on the amazing birdlife of Dampa and the threat from oil-palm which the landscape faces. Design was also to encourage and enthuse them in carrying out their duties. As I planned in-door and out-door sessions I wondered – How does one make Conservation education and awareness interesting for those who move in these forests as a part of their jobs? I was clear, however, that the project (supported by the Mizoram Forest Department and the Oriental Bird Club) would not be preachy but interactive, a process that participants and I would enjoy.

Of course, one faced challenges. It took time to interact with participants informally, to break the ice. I stayed, had meals with them, and more importantly we put in time together at tea-stalls which helped. I have often felt tea-stalls are the most underrated of institutions – and for more than one reason. Another aspect was where they came from; the mindset. I recall how two of them found it difficult to understand why they were to stay away from smoking and songs (listening and singing) during bird walks.

We had a range of interaction sessions at each of the project locations. From the films screened two, from the region, were of particular interest. The film on hunting warranted no introduction while the one of two villages coming together to form a Community Conserved Area did. These were followed by species lists, group-discussions and questions on if and how we could replicate the learning in Mizoram? Other than films and connection action I also shared my experiences in the state ranging from that of Zika - the ‘famous’ hornbill in Aizawl who had a song dedicated to her and destroying traps during a bird walk in Saiha with MTP – a youth association. There also were the bird calls – such fun participants had identifying the species! We discussed Protected Areas in the state. I also sat with the participants forming a boundary around a large sized map of the landscape and asked them to point out areas they thought were rich in wildlife, areas which had good bird-life. They began discussing amongst themselves and marked few patches. Birdlife they said was richer along ridges than riverbeds and also shared of species seen only inside the Protected Area.

We also saw and discussed short films showcasing harmful effects of Oil-palm. These showcased the situation in Indonesia, an eco-system not very distinct from that in Mizoram, where oil palm has wreaked havoc on the local biodiversity and lifestyles of the people dependent on forests. Oil-palm situation is stark in Mizoram, one of the villages where we had these interactions, housed 150 families that together had planted approximately 8,000 oil palms.

During both the in-door and out-door sessions we deliberated on Oil-palm. What happens if we walk in oil-palm plantation like we have walked in the forest? Can birds be present in oil-palm plantation? I asked as we walked near one. No, they said quickly, no chance as they don’t get food there. Will we hear bird songs during mornings and evenings if we put Oil-palms all around? I continued. No, they will lose their homes; they seemed to have few doubts. Where will they go then? Inside the Protected Area or some forest far away? Can all of the birds find home inside the Protected Area? I further continued. No they said. Do we have large forests nearby? No. Then what of the birds? Will Oil-palm make redundant our efforts to conserve the Protected Area in the long run by rendering it an island? I asked the critical question. This they answered with silences and looks that conveyed confusion.  

Conservation Education and awareness is more of a process than a one-time event - a process rendered pertinent on account of the threats posed. An interactive process which needs to be in place with different stake-holders to garner support to conserve the biodiversity values of the landscape.

Thanks are due to the Mizoram Forest Department and Oriental Bird Club for enabling the project, Frontier Despatch and Adam for publishing and the staff of Dampa Tiger Reserve for all the warmth and support.

Images were clicked randomly - by all of us - using two Forest Department cameras.

Previous publications on Dampa:

Ferret-badger records from Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, India

Dampa – Walking in a Tiger Forest

Marauding oil-palms