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Drongo

1st July, 2023

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Context

  • At the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary few experts spotted three avian species.
  • Greater racket-tailed drongo noise was heard and confirmed.
  • The other two spotted species were
    • Black headed oriole – it was sighted after 40 years,
    • Red-whiskered bulbuls

Other Details

  • A group of experts was conducting the government-directed Sarus crane census when they heard the sound made by Greater racket-tailed drongo.
  • Group included assistant director at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Rajat Bhargava.
  • Experts Confirmed that the sanctuary was now a breeding ground for the species.
  • The species was confirmed as resident species of this sanctuary for the first time.

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary in the Gangetic plains of state of Uttarpradesh.
  • It is spread across various district namely Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bijnore, Amroha and Jyotiba Phule Nagar and covers an area of more than 2,000 sq. Km.
  • In 1986, the above mentioned area was declared as Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • The main aim was/is to protect and conserve the ecology and biodiversity of the Ganga basin.

 Greater racket-tailed drongo

  • It is known by its scientific name Dicrurus paradiseus, who belongs to the family of Dicruridae.
  • It makes loud calls for food and mating.
  • It has a distinctive tail rackets and has short legs.
  • It can also imitate sounds of other birds.
  • They mainly feed on insect but eat fruits
  • Behaviour of these birds is found aggressive in general.

Habitat and Distribution

  • They are mainly found in the
    • Western Himalayas to the eastern Himalayas
    • Peninsular India and the Western Ghats’s hills
    • Islands of Borneo and Java
    • Countries like Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia Singapore, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand
  • These birds are found in Corbett Reserve and Rajaji National Park
  • They thrive in forested areas with a dense availability of insects.
  • Small patches of open forest are suitable for these birds.

Conservation Efforts

  • As per IUCN Redlist this species is classified as ‘Least Concern’ species.

What more could be done

  • They should not be disturbed by curious photographers
  • The exact location of these birds should not be disclosed.
  • Sound eco-health of the sanctuary to be maintained.
  • Regular tree plantations and other efforts to conserve biodiversity should be continued.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements about Greater racket-tailed drongo:

1. These are considered and listed as a Vulnerable species in the IUCN Red list.

2. They are found only in the forests of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/drongo-spotted-at-hastinapur-sanctuary-experts-cheer/articleshow/101354101.cms