Support Kaziranga's Flood-Hit Wildlife in India

The mangrove pitta is perhaps one of India’s most beautiful yet under-appreciated birds. It is restricted to the mangrove landscapes in India and is found in the Sundarbans of West Bengal, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha.

With its dark green back, deep yellow front, bright red vent, and one of the most striking blue plumage imaginable, the mangrove pitta is a dazzling sight amidst the dull brown hues of the mangrove mud it inhabits.

However, the bird, with its two-note ‘wheew-wheew’ call, is shy and quite difficult to spot. Interestingly, the mangrove pitta was not officially documented in Indian habitats until 2007 when the first photographic record of the bird was reported.

A recent census of the mangrove pitta by the Forest Department in the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha recorded 179 individuals. Unfortunately, this population is under threat due to unethical practices by birding tour guides who use microphones to play the bird's calls and reveal their nests for extra income. Notably, there is no enforcement to prevent these guides from doing so. The birds are also getting caught in fishing nets as by-catch. If these activities are not curtailed, they could impact the population of the mangrove pitta, which has been listed as ‘Near-Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.

Birds like the mangrove pitta can serve as important flagship species for conserving the mangrove landscapes they inhabit. Additionally, being restricted to the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, the mangrove pitta can also serve as an effective model for local ecotourism efforts, channeling funds for bird conservation, and increasing livelihood opportunities in these areas.

To this end, we are sensitizing and supporting local community members and birding tour guides operating in the area to mitigate threats and prevent further degradation of the mangrove pitta population. With support and mobilization, the state of Odisha hosted its first seminar dedicated to the conservation of the mangrove pitta, marking a significant milestone as India’s inaugural event dedicated to this cause. Furthermore, specialized training is being provided for birding tour guides on ethical ecotourism practices, and forest department staff are being trained to increase vigilance and enforce regulations against unethical practices.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, as it was only through your donation and support that we could take this significant step in safeguarding the mangrove pitta and its habitat. Your contribution has brought the necessary attention to this beautiful, vulnerable species and led to the proactive steps being taken to protect it. Thank you so much for your belief in our mission, and for making a tangible difference in the world of wildlife conservation. We are truly grateful for your partnership.