Forest fires in Uttarakhand threaten rare Himalayan fauna, say experts – Times of India
PITHORAGARH: Forest fires that occur annually in Uttarakhand not only cause significant damage to the region's precious forest resources like trees, plants, bushes, herbs and thick layer of soil but also threaten rare Himalayan fauna -- wild animals, reptiles, mammals, birds, butterflies, common flies honey bees and soil-enriching bacterias. "We have several rare species of birds whose breeding season coincides with the forest fire season, from April to June.Frequent and uncontrolled forest fires are gradually making these species highly endangered in Uttarakhand forests," Sanjeev Chaturvedi, chief conservator of forest (Research), said. According to the CCF, avian species like the cheer pheasant, kalij pheasant, rufous-bellied woodpecker, common rose, chocolate pansy and common crow ha...
